Forest-Side Secondary College Row: Minister Awaits Official Statement to End Controversy

Mauritius Education Minister Gungapersad has expressed hope that an official statement, expected to be released shortly, will put an end to the controversy surrounding Forest-Side Secondary College — a state secondary school in the Forest-Side area of Curepipe, in the central highlands of Mauritius. Speaking to Le Défi Media, the minister said: "I hope that the communiqué which will be issued imminently will put an end to the polemic." The remark signals that the affair has generated significant public and political debate, though the minister did not elaborate on the specific nature of the dispute in comments reported by the outlet. **What is the Forest-Side Secondary College affair?** Details emerging from Mauritian media suggest the controversy involves the Pre-Secondary Education Authority (PSEA) — the government body responsible for managing state secondary schools in Mauritius — and matters relating to the administration or operation of Forest-Side Secondary College. The PSEA has separately announced it will hold a press conference to address the situation directly, indicating the issue has escalated to a level requiring public clarification from the institution itself. **Who is involved?** Minister Gungapersad oversees education policy in Mauritius, making his ministry responsible for oversight of state schooling institutions. The PSEA, which falls under the education portfolio, manages secondary schools and their staffing, administration, and academic standards across the island. **What this means** The minister's appeal for calm ahead of an official communiqué suggests the controversy has spread beyond internal administrative channels and entered public discourse — potentially on social media or through parent and community concern. By flagging an imminent statement rather than addressing the substance himself, the minister appears to be deferring to the PSEA to set the record straight. For parents of students at Forest-Side Secondary College, or those affected by any administrative decisions linked to the school, the upcoming PSEA press conference is the key moment to watch. It is expected to provide the detailed clarification that the minister says he hopes will resolve the debate. This story is developing. Further details are expected once the official communiqué is published and the PSEA holds its press conference. Source: Le Défi Media