Siwatibau calls for good governance

Siwatibau calls for good governance

1 March 2001

USP Pacific Journalism Online: http://www.usp.ac.fj/journ/ USP Pasifik Nius: http://www.usp.ac.fj/journ/nius/index.html

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SIWATIBAU CALLS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE

* See PN item 3237, 3235

SIWATIBAU CALLS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE

By Joe Yaya Pacific Journalism Online (USP)

SUVA (Pasifik Nius): The new vice-chancellor for the University of the South Pacific, Savenaca Siwatibau, met students on his first day at work today and told them that good governance was vital for the success of the university.

Addressing students at Suva's Laucala Bay campus after traditional Fijian ceremonies were performed, Siwatibau thanked the student body (USP Students Association) for welcoming him in such a manner.

"I'm really touched by what you have done for me here today," he said. But few regional students attended.

Ironically, Siwatibau had a meeting with the outgoing president of the USPSA, Veresi Bainivualiku, at the time the Court of Appeal constitutional judgement was being broadcast on national radio and television.

He told the students that he was "here to serve them", which was the rationale behind the existence of the university.

He said there was a team of hardworking people in his office, and the students were the main focus of their attention.

"Here in the Pacific, our main resources are people, and that is you."

The new vice-chancellor, who is from Fiji, stressed the regional role of the university. He succeeds Esekia Solofa from Samoa.

Siwatibau also told the students good governance was important for them to benefit from their studies and to become future leaders in their countries.

"The future of your countries is in your hands and we need each other, together with a climate of confidence to fulfil this, otherwise we will not get very far."

Siwatibau told the students his style of management was an "open-door" one, and that he was approachable.

"I am very patient, but I am also very strict," he told students.

When one student called out challenging the role of the outgoing student leadership, Siwatibau said steps were being taken to resolve the controversial issues involving the USPSA.

+++niuswire

ENDS

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