LOCAL staff working at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Solomon Islands campus have been acknowledged for their hard work and commitment in ensuring classes and lectures remain operational despite the April flash flood.
Speaking at the USP’s annual graduation ceremony at the Maranatha conference centre, east Honiara on Friday Pro-Chancellor Ikbal Jannif said despite the disaster the local staff continued to ensure that lectures and classes continue to run without minimal disruption.
One of USP’s lecture and class is located at the Mokolo building which is located close to the Mataniko river which experienced the brunt of the flash flooding.
Part of the area where the students used for their study and group discussion was also washed away.
However, few days after flood classes were able to continue without much disruption although some of the students were affected.
Mr Jannif also acknowledged some of the schools in Honiara which assisted USP by offering their classrooms and halls to ensure some of their (USP) academic activities are held.
Meanwhile caretaker Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has assured USP vice-chancellor and President Professor Rajesh Chandra and Pro-Chancellor Ikbal Jannifof the country’s commitment towards the establishment of the Doma campus.
Both USP leaders also told the Prime Minister that the USP Council was confident that work would begin as soon as all necessary arrangements were in place.
The delay in ensuring work gets underway is with the clearance of the unexploded ordnances at Doma.
Mr Lilo in response said he fully supports the project and he would make sure that his successor or the next Government would continue to support and prioritise the USP Doma Campus.
He also took the time assure the university P that despite the establishment of the Doma campus, Solomon Islands would continue to maintain its investment in other USP campuses regionally.
Mr Lilo clarified this in light of some recent reports that Solomon Islands would decrease its student investment in other USP campuses abroad when the Doma Campus comes into operation.
The Prime Minister’s assurance was welcomed by both USP leaders.
On Friday, close 154 students graduated with various qualifications from certificates to masters.
The colourful event was witnessed by hundreds of parents, family members, children, wives, husbands friends, work colleague who turned up for the ceremony.
Governor General of Tuvalu Sir Iakoba TaeiaItaleli who is the current Chancellor was the guest of honour who awarded certificates, degrees and masters to the successful students.
Professor Rajesh Chandra at the graduation ceremony on Friday acknowledged Solomon Islands commitment to help with the establishment the Doma campus.
He said the plan remains intact and work is expected to get into full swing at the site when all the unexploded ordinances are cleared off.
The Vice Chancellor said Solomon Islands being the second largest member of the USP has contributed to the development of USP over the years.
“Solomon Islands is one of our important members,” he said.
By MOFFAT MAMU
