9 Oct 2003

USP campuses observe day of remembrance for former vice chancellor

2:53 pm on 9 October 2003

All campuses of the University of the South Pacific throughout the region will observe a day of remembrance today in memory of their vice chancellor, Savenaca Siwatibau.

Mr Siwatibau died in New Zealand last Friday after a long battle with cancer.

At 12 noon today all USP staff and students throughout the Pacific will observe five minutes silence.

A traditional Fijian drum or "lali" will sound a mournful beat at the USP's Suva campus during the period.

Mr Siwatibau was the USP's sixth vice chancellor and the first Fijian to be appointed to the position.

He will be buried in Chiristchurch on Saturday in accordance with his wishes, in the presence of official delegations from the USP and the Fiji government.