infection but is expected to recover fully soon.

The Royal Gazette has learned that the Chief Education Officer -- the highest ranking teacher in the local education system -- took ill more than a week ago and was checked into King Edward VII Memorial Hospital on May 21.

When contacted yesterday, his wife, Registrar General Marlene Christopher, confirmed Dr. Christopher was fighting a viral infection.

Mrs. Christopher said: "I can confirm that he is ill and that he is on the Island. The prognosis is good. It's just a matter of time and rehabilitation.'' She laughed off a suggestion that her husband got sick during the Ministry of Education officials' recent trip to Dakar, Senegal last month.