Gérard Sanspeur has resigned as general manager (GM) of the Board of Investment (BOI) without giving any reasons for his action. The government claims that it is shocked by the decision as there was absolutely no sign that he would leave or any pressure on its part. But the former GM’s decision is irreversible and he intends to follow up in the private sector.

Last Tuesday, he wrote to the prime minister to express his intention of resigning from his post. Although he did not mention the reasons, sources close to the BOI explain that Gérard Sanspeur had felt some signs that he was no longer welcome at the head of the institution. “He always felt someone had an eye on him and his actions were all reported to the country’s leaders.”

In fact, many institutions lost their heads and representatives with the advent of the new government. Vijay Makhan, Jyoti Jeetun and Soorya Gayan (see inset) were among those sacked. Many supporters of the Social Alliance during the electoral campaign are awaiting a return on their investment from the government; the latter has to make room in public institutions with this in mind. But the minister of Finance, Rama Sithanen, has expressed his surprise at Gérard Sanspeur’s decision. Nothing, he said, could have made him believe that the latter would quit the BOI.

Now that Gérard Sanspeur has vacated his post, there will be plenty of candidates for it as it is one of the most coveted in the sector.

<B>Soorya Gayan still waiting... to see</B>

The dismissal of Soorya Gayan has given rise to much comment. Soon after the general manager of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) received her dismissal letter from the ministry of Education, the prime minister strove to find a way of giving her another job in the institute. Soorya Gayan was sure her dismissal was related to the fact that her husband was a minister in the outgoing government; however, she could not understand the move, as she had always remained very discreet on the political scene and is adamant that she has never taken part in any partisan event. Although no final decision concerning her come-back has been made, the PM has been studying what the government could propose to her… He talked to her last week but none of the parties concerned have given any details of the discussions.