● <B> Two colleges on the tightrope.</B> The Private Secondary Schools Authority (PSSA) wants to close two colleges ? Presidency and Newton. These two colleges were already the subject of discussions last year when the PSSA recommended their closure because they did not meet the minimum requirements. However, the minister of Education, Dharam Gokhool, suspended this decision at the time. Hence, the PSSA prefers to wait for his return from a mission to confirm their decision. Moreover, the School Certificate results could tip the balance, as these schools could get more pupils coming in after the results. If the decision to close down is confirmed, the pupils will probably be transferred. Teachers will also be transferred unless they are above 50 and could benefit from early retirement.

● <B>Anxious politicians </B>? No political party wants to stick its neck out for a possible by-election in Moka-Quartier Militaire. This will, however, be the case if the Law Lords confirm the ruling of the Supreme Court, which has invalidated Ashock Jugnauth?s electiona as MP of Constituency No 8. None of the three leaders has reached a conclusion so far ? except the MSM which might see in it an opportunity to get Pravind Jugnauth in Parliament. Deven Nagalingum could be the MMM candidate but the party could also support a candidate from another party. As for Labour, losing a by-election at mid-term could have serious consequences on the 2010 general elections and it may not be ready to take such a risk. Suren Dayal, who has always been very present in this constituency, could however be chosen. Unless Labour chooses to support Pravind Jugnauth?

● <B>Measures to improve hospital services. </B>A report by technicians of the ministry of Health points at several problems in hospitals. The indiscipline of doctors who arrive late and go home earlier than they should is among the most serious ones. The minister of Health, Satish Faugoo, said he would not hesitate to suspend their licence for private practice if surprise checks find them guilty. Moreover, the long waiting list for operations has been the subject of lively discussions between ministry officers.

A technicians? committee must propose corrective measures next week to improve the situation. The doctors, however, state that those who take advantage of the situation are those who feel they are protected by the authorities.