Port Louis — The head of government continues to give his backing to controversial policy issues. After saying he fully supports the minister of Finance, Rama Sithanen, for his budget measures, the Prime minister, Navin Ramgoolam, has now come to the forefront to defend Gokhool's reform with everything it implies - A + grade at CPE, and competition for admission to star colleges.

At the 25th anniversary celebration of Mohabeer Burenchobay School, Navin Ramgoolam said he was aware that his minister of Education, Dharam Gokhool was not very popular these days. "We sometimes have to do certain things even though we do not really want to do them." But the government looks convinced that the Gokhool reform is the best system to achieve a world-class education for Mauritius.

Minister Gokhool, also present at the function, explained that the public has to be patient in order to enjoy the benefits of his reform plan. Besides the changes in the Certificate of Primary Education (CPE), the minister announced he would soon review the curriculum renewal project, as requested by the cabinet. Moreover, he would set up guidelines for the environment in schools as well as a control mechanism for drinkable water for children.

In view of such projects, the minister asked for time. "One year is not enough to be able to take stock of the situation." Since he benefits from the PM's support, there is no chance that the minister of Education will back-pedal on his project for the CPE...