● <B>PMSD LEAVES THE SOCIAL ALLIANCE. </B> The Parti mauricien social démocrate (PMSD) has left the Social Alliance to join the oppositionbenches. The speech of the prime minister, Navin Ramgoolam, at Union Park was the last straw for party members who had already felt quite humiliated by the attitude of the PM towards their leader, Maurice Allet. He had asked for a meeting with the PM after the Union Park episode but Navin Ramgoolam had not replied to his request. As a result, he has had to bow to the wish of his party ? especially the deputy leader, Eric Guimbeau ? to withdraw from the Social Alliance. Maurice Allet has already met the MSM leader, Pravind Jugnauth. However, no alliance has been settled so far with any opposition party.

● <B> FOOD ACT TO BE AMENDED. </B>More than 74 amendments to the Food Act of 1998 are the subject of discussions between the ministry of Health and the State Law Office. Regulations over the amount of spices, clearer indication for veggie dishes, the control of oil mixtures and the revision of ?nutrient levels? are some of the changes that the ministry would like to bring to the present legislation. However, this legal issue is already very difficult to apply especially because of a lack of staff ? especially health inspectors. But it also appears that the authorities are not as severe as they could be on this issue. Stricter measures are expected to help towards a better application of the law?

● <B>TEEREN APPASAMY IN HOSPITAL. </B> The Mauritian businessman, suspected to be the main beneficiary of the fund embezzlement to the detriment of the National Pension Fund (NPF) at the Mauritius Commercial Bank, Teeren Appasamy has been found. All indications point at him being in hospital ?as a result of a stroke?. An extradition order was served against him in 2005 but the British police could not find him. Even the Independent Commission against Corruption (Icac) had opened an enquiry on the businessman.