Friday News

15/07/2026

31/05/2026

A Rejoinder to ‘La Derniere initiative de Shakeel Mohamed’ of Weekend Newspaper.
I have taken note of the article criticizing the intervention of Minister Shakeel Mohamed regarding the postponement of examinations scheduled on the day of Eid-ul-Adha.
The tone and content of the article are regrettable. For many years, this newspaper has repeatedly demonstrated a tendency to sow seeds of division, communal suspicion and social discord instead of fostering national unity and mutual respect among Mauritians.
The freedom to practise one's religion is not a privilege granted by any individual or institution; it is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution of Mauritius. Respect for religious observances is therefore not an act of favouritism, but an acknowledgement of a constitutional principle that forms part of the foundation of our democratic society.
It is equally important to place the matter in its proper context. Thousands of Mauritian students from different religious backgrounds have, over the years, complied with examination schedules imposed by foreign universities, even when examinations coincided with public holidays or important religious observances. Such situations arise because foreign institutions are not expected to adapt their calendars to the realities of every country.
The case at hand, however, concerns a national institution operating within the Republic of Mauritius. It is entirely legitimate for the Government or public authorities to suggest alternative examination dates when a scheduled examination coincides with a major religious festival recognised and celebrated by a significant segment of the population. Such a proposal does not undermine academic standards, nor does it confer an unfair advantage on any group.
The claim that this decision opens a "Pandora's box" is both exaggerated and irresponsible. Mauritius has long been a model of peaceful coexistence, built upon dialogue, accommodation and mutual respect among its diverse communities. Reasonable adjustments that allow citizens to fulfil their religious obligations while pursuing their studies are part of that tradition.
What is truly dangerous is the attempt to transform a simple administrative accommodation into a communal controversy. Playing such divisive games risks undermining the harmony, social stability and national cohesion that generations of Mauritians have worked hard to preserve.
Rather than encouraging suspicion and fear, all stakeholders should promote understanding, inclusion and respect for the constitutional rights of every citizen. These values remain the strongest guarantee of national unity and social peace in Mauritius.
Bashir Nuckchady
31 May 2026

29/03/2026

OBITUARY
Dr. Mohamed Ebrahim Iqbal Ghanty
Iqbal Ghanty, a laureate of the Classics side of the 1960s, was strongly advised by his family to study medicine in England. How could it be otherwise? Families wanted to carve a name in society and one sure way was to have a professional carrying the name, namely a lawyer, but more preferably, a doctor.
Iqbal obliged. No son worthy of the name would dare go against the wish of the father. And he blazed the trail and returned to his native land with an MBBS. He opened his clinic, adjacent to that of Dr. Atchia, his father-in-law, on Desforges Street. At first, the going was slow, which allowed him to read his most preferred paper, the Manchester Guardian.
Iqbal was an avid reader and a practicing Muslim: during Ramadan, he would read the whole Quran several times and kept a prayer rug in the cupboard of his office. He had a keen interest in local affairs and would discuss local politics with his patients with similar interests.
Gradually and slowly, this “timid” man became a fixture in Desforges Street. His waiting room overflowed and patients had to queue up in the shade of the Dauphine mango tree. As a professional with British bedside manners, he would take a long time to diagnose his visitors so much so that his patients started complaining about the duration of diagnostic. However, the treatment prescribed gave satisfactory results and became the talk of the town. Iqbal had won the hearts of his patients and become a most popular name in the field of private medicine.
Iqbal used to take two hours off for lunch which allowed him to exercise, lunch and pray Zuhr. During one of his exercises, he told me, he used to jump from a certain height without realising he was no longer 18. He damaged his back and could no longer walk upright. He decided to reduce his professional commitments to finally retire. I felt strongly about this decision and told him so, believing that he was duty bound to serve humanity with the gift that the Almighty had bestowed on him. And I was pleased he followed my advice as more and more lives were saved.
Iqbal’s health deteriorated slowly as he was getting less “young” and finally passed away peacefully and was laid to rest in Riche Terre cemetery after Asr on Thursday 26 March 2026. So long my dear friend and doctor. I am convinced that you have been blessed also by the multitude of those on whose faces you have put a smile during their sufferings. May Allah swt give you Jannat-ul-Firdaus.

Dawood Auleear

15/03/2026

World Consumer Rights Day
15 March 2026

This year’s theme: Safe Products, Confident Consumers

Consumers deserve products that are safe, reliable and trustworthy.

Stronger standards build trust and protect everyone in the marketplace.

The Consumer Protection Bureau continues working to empower consumers and promote fairness.

Learn more:
https://www.consumerprotectionbureau.co.uk/blog/consumer-rights-day-2026.php