● <B>BUDGET </B>? The minister of Finance, Rama Sithanen, will finally reveal his financial strategies for the State when he reads his budget speech in Parliament on Friday. Although he has not given any clear information, he has nevertheless hinted that this budget would be the continuation of the reform he started with his first budget last year. The population might have to consent to some more sacrifices this year.

● <B> FESTIVAL</B> ? Chinatown is holding its third festival next weekend. The Chinese area of the festival will be revived for two days ? Saturday and Sunday ? when streets will be livened up with food stands, artists and cultural associations of the region between 5 pm and 11 pm. The organisers from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce recommend that restaurants seize the opportunity to have special rates during this period.