USPSA welcomes the release of grant payments by the new government

The University of the South Pacific Students’ Association is pleased with the announcement by the new government of Fiji on the release of the FJ$10 million USP grant and the commitment to fully restoring contributions to USP.

USPSA Secretary General Emosi Vakarua says thousands of USP students were faced with new learning challenges brought by COVID-19 that were exacerbated by the withholding of the obligatory grant payment by the former Government.

He says the USPSA appreciates the commitment made by the current Government in honouring its grant contribution with the latest installment.

Vakarua says they also thank the Government for restoring trust and confidence in the region and showing the true meaning of the ‘Pacific Vuvale’ partnership.

The Secretary General says the student body will continue to work closely with the University Council and the Senior Management as they journey together in Shaping Pacific Futures.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka had earlier stated that there will be a redeployment of funds from the 2022-2023 budget that will immediately allow the government to release an initial budget of $10 million to the University of the South Pacific.

Rabuka had also highlighted that the government is in discussions with USP hoping to agree to a repayment plan to be funded in the future budgets in addition to USP’s regular annual grant which will be restored in the 2023-2024 budget.