Public EyeOnSunday Sunday December 09, 2018
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December 09-15 , 2018
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Solar set to light up forgotten Thaba-Tseka
Public Eye On Sunday
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News
EST .1997| vol 21 No 47
Construction of Mpiti, Sehlabathebe road commences
Cannabis licence prices pose headache for govt
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Solar set to light up forgotten Thaba-Tseka Page 3
Court martial testimony creates commotion Page 4
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Sunday December 09, 2018
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Cannabis licence prices pose headache for govt MATHATISI SEBUSI
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ASERU Health minister Nkaku Kabi is between a rock and a hard place on whether to increase licence fees for harvesting and processing medical cannabis from the current M150Â 000 to M10 million to try to fight corruption emerging in the industry. Foreign investors interested in the medical cannabis business in Lesotho do all they can to get their hands on the licences and go as far as giving out bribes of up to M10 million to some government officials to assist them to acquire the licence, he said. Therefore, he said, if foreign investors can afford bribes of up to M10 it means they can afford to buy the licence at that price so it does not make sense to keep licensing costs low. He, however, noted that raising the price of licensing would drive interested Basotho out of business since they would not afford it which would ultimately condemn them to only participate in the cannabis industry as mere labourers. Kabi noted that in 2017 when the cannabis industry was introduced in Lesotho, approximately 33 licences were given for free to Basotho to cultivate cannabis but then later, after enforcing the 2008 drug abuse law, the ministry came to a decision that licences be sold for between M150Â 000 and M500Â 000 depending on what each a particular investor wants to do in the cannabis market, be it harvesting or processing for medicines. He added that they then asked those people who received the licences for free to pay for the licences but until today only 13 managed to pay while the other 21 failed to raise the funds and are refusing to return the licenses arguing that they got them legitimately and cannot therefore give them up. Despite issuing an ultimatum for such operators to have paid for the licenses by November,
Medical cannabis none of them has heeded that call. According to him, on the failure for those Basotho to raise funds, Some of those who failed to raise the required amount asked the ministry to connect them to investors to help them raise the licence fees and be part of the business but Kaya said in most cases once they were connected to such investors such Basotho demand exorbitant amounts of money from investors before
they can get into business with them. Kabi notes that this practice had discouraged a lot of investors as they found it ridiculous to pay licence holders such money in addition to demanding shares as well. The challenge the ministry is facing is that raising the price would drive Basotho out of the business as the law clearly states that licence prices should be the same for everyone who wants to venture into the
cannabis industry despite their nationality. He added that tests carried out so far had proved that Lesotho cannabis is excellent in terms of quality and purity which could grow the economy and sustain the country financially. He added that the government had built a secretariat to monitor the medical cannabis industry to ensure that regulations are followed and Basotho benefit from it.
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Sunday December 09, 2018
Solar set to light up forgotten Thaba-Tseka MATHATISI SEBUSI
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ASERU Women entrepreneurs in Thaba-Tseka, who are the first beneficiaries of a pilot project aimed at boosting women initiatives in business through renewable energy and technologies, are set to challenge the stereotype on rural women’s ability to make it in business. KESI Business Solutions, in partnership with Solar Turtle, is embarking on a Renewable Energy Women Empowerment Project in the Mashai constituency in Thaba-Tseka district with financial assistance from the European Union. The project seeks to empower rural women entrepreneurs, supporting schools’ solar projects and encouraging students to invent solar products. One of the forerunners in the project, ‘Malimakatso Moreketla, a business woman from Mashai area has been offered a solar kiosk designed for maximum security and portability. According to KESI Project Manager, Kanono Thabane, the project entails supply of solar
Renewable Energy Women Empowerment Project in the Mashai constituency in Thaba-Tseka district powered kiosks to rural women entrepreneurs, supply and installation of solar systems to women-owned shops, support to schools’ solar projects and capacity building to women
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entrepreneurs in various modules including renewable energy entrepreneurship, solar PV installation, business management, financial management as well as mobile money. He said these kind of kiosks, three of which they have also given away to women entrepreneurs in Manamaneng, Bobete and Sehong-hong, also in the Thaba-Tseka district, are the first of their kind in Lesotho. According to him, the solar kiosk and other solar products are not yet on the market but are on three-month trial run to analyse their capabilities and improve where necessary before the business can be expanded countrywide, especially to remote areas where regular electricity is unavailable. He urged the community to work together in protecting and taking care of the kiosk as it is not only going to improve the life of the recipient, but also livelihoods of the whole community. The kiosk uses solar energy and collects up to 10 units of electricity per day and the material used for building its solar panels allows it to copy extractof watermarked evaluation
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News solar energy even on cloudy days. ‘Malimakatso Moreketla, said before she was given the solar kiosk, she used to work from a shack where she could not operate on rainy days as it was leaking and only managed to make at least M100 on a good business day but working from the solar kiosk she now makes up to M1000 on a good day. Previously, while working from the shack her products were normally covered with dust thus discouraging customers from buying but now the tidiness and presentation attracts more customers. “I used to struggle to look after my family as we solely depend on the snacks and herbal products that I sell. Paying for my children’s school fees was usually a struggle but since I started working from the kiosk, struggle is a thing of the past,” she said. She added that apart from the snacks, airtime vouchers and herbal products she used to sell, she is now charging phones and is yet to sell solar products like light bulbs, solar stoves and others. She also plans to provide mobile money services. European Union project manager (water, energy and climate change), Koena Marabe, said the mission is prepared to continue helping to empower women entrepreneurs and improve the livelihoods of rural communities by bringing electricity closer to them, be it solar energy or hydroelectricity. Marabe added that they are determined to encourage children to become experts in renewable energy. The project is targeting 10 secondary and primary schools in Thaba-Tseka and is encouraging them to enter competitions on the use of renewable energy where they will be inventing solar products. Thaba-Tseka district administrator, Masheane Ratšolo expressed gratitude for the effort made by KESI and Solar Turtle because more often than not, Thaba-Tseka is one of the districts that is normally forgotten when it comes to developments and empowerment. The fact that it is the first district to pioneer solar kiosks and renewable energy products means a lot to the normally forgotten district. CVISION PDFCompressor
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Court martial testimony M
show that he survived by the skin of his teeth. But crucially his testimony indicates that Col. Hashatsi even attempted to restrain Brigadier Bulane Sechele,” Leuta notes. He adds that Mashili’s testimony points to the fact that only a fullyfledged inquest into the deaths would provide much needed answers and help shed perceptions of bias, as Sechele and Hashatsi were While ’Matšepo both perceived to have Hashatsi is breathing provoked the shooting fire demanding to know that led to the deaths. how her son met his “Lt Col Mashili’s demise, other quarters testimony so far and are urging heads of snippets that appeared foreign missions resident in the print media, from in Lesotho to recommend statements of wouldto government to conduct Former army boss Lt General Khoantle Motšomotšo be witnesses after Lt an inquest into the Gen Motšomotšo’s commander’s was left unattended for because it had not unfortunate circumstances leading to slain death, hours before he was completed its mission. the deaths of three senior bodyguards. indicate that justice Public Eye can reveal rushed to hospital. The mission he said can best be served by army officers killed on that former Basotho He says because should have included a September 5, 2017. fully-fledged and Three other soldiers National Party (BNP) Hashatsi was allegedly an inquest into the comprehensive inquest general, also present on 25 June killings of September into the deaths of the are accused of the secretary Leuta has 2015 when former LDF 5, 2017 especially why three officers. Such action mutiny that allegedly Lesojane pleaded with the US Commander Lt. Gen. Hashatsi’s life was not by government would occurred on that day at the Ratjomotse Military ambassador to Lesotho Maaparankoe Mahao was sparred despite not dying even dispel perceptions Rebecca E. Gonzales to assassinated in Mokema, instantly. Barracks in Maseru. of bias against two of In the current letter, those officers from certain The accused are Major recommend to Prime it was imperative to Motsoahae save his life as a critical which is primarily quarters,” Leuta says. Pitso Ramoepane along Minister Thabane to make an witness. based on Hashatsi’s with Captains Boiketsiso Led by Advocate Leuta’s letter has death, Leuta notes that Thulo Hoeane for the Fonane and Litekanyo inquest into the three soldiers’ deaths. received the blessings Mashili’s testimony Crown, Mashili said he Nyakane. The letter has been of Hashatsi’s mother, leaves unanswered was reporting to the Nyakane is also charged for unlawful copied to the United who told Public Eye in questions, which could commander when the resident a telephonic interview only be answered by an two officers walked in possession of various Nations firearms and ammunition coordinator and UNDP on Friday that while she inquest. uninvited. He adds: “In my which belonged to the resident representative still harbours a view that Motšomotšo told the Salvator Niyonzima, Mashili withheld crucial view, for Col. Hashatsi to pair to wait outside while army. like the have been on site during he finished his business The trio appears the South African High information before a Court Martial Commissioner to Lesotho identity of the soldier who the killing of Lt Gen with Mashili but Sechele led by Brigadier Mabote Sello Moloto and the EU shot her son, “an inquest Mahao and Motšomotšo, allegedly accused the Sekoboto and retired ambassador to Lesotho would be a step in the he could have become commander of selling right direction. a prime witness for them to the police. High Court judge Justice Dr Christian Manahl. According to “I suspect that Tefo’s investigators and his life Mathanzima Maqutu. During an animated if Mashili’s death was a plot by those should have been saved in argument that ensued, Evidence led before Leuta, court shows how on account of the events who wanted him dead any manner possible.” Sechele allegedly Leuta adds it was withdrew a firearm and September 5, last year is accurate, Gonzales because he was a threat that while shot the commander. the late Brigadier Bulane should lobby her fellow to them,” the woman told shocking Mashili “escaped by Sechele shot and killed envoys to recommend Public Eye. “I can’t even In the letter, Leuta the skin of his teeth”, remember how many Motšomotšo after he and to government, to find Hashatsi stormed into out why Hashatsi’s life refers to his previous Hashatsi was left to die times he shot him,” the commander’s office was not saved despite letter dated November despite allegedly trying Mashili said. not playing a role in 14, 2018 titled “The to restrain Sechele from earlier that day. When he ran outside The court also heard the former army boss’ Departure of Sapmil from shooting Motšomotšo. for safety, there was Lesotho”, in which he “The hair-raising heavy shooting and he hid how both Sechele and murder. Leuta also wants begged the US and other experiences of Col. against the building wall Hashatsi were later government to investigate development partners to Mashili during the fracas killed during a shootout to escape being hit. allegations that Hashatsiusing halt SAPMIL’s departureevaluation and the copy near of misses, PDF OCR, web optimization a watermarked CVISIONAfter PDFCompressor that compression, ensued with the the firing had ASERU – The testimony of Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mashili Mashili that last week absolved the late Colonel Tefo Hashatsi from any involvement in the killing of former army boss Lt General Khoantle Motšomotšo has created consternation with the late colonel’s mother now demanding more answers from the LDF.
Sunday December 09, 2018
creates commotion
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News said she was aggrieved that she could not access her son’s insurance payouts because of the police report, which noted Hashatsi’s involvement in the shooting and killing of Motšomotšo. “I am aggrieved because insurance companies refused to assist us due to a police report that pointed to Tefo’s involvement in the shooting and Motšomotšo’s death. Not to mention the fact that my son’s tombstone was vandalized,” ‘Matšepo said. Contacted for comment to establish if in light of the latest developments the state planned to conduct an inquest, government spokesperson Nthakeng Pheello Selinyane said he was not aware of Mashili’s testimony. “I don’t know anything about the testimony you are referring to. I have not heard of it. You must be the only one who knows about it,” Selinyane said. “Besides, if the case continues in the court martial, what do you expect government to do about it?”
stopped, he saw Hashatsi lying on the ground but he could not tell whether or not he had been injured. Under cross examination by King’s Counsel Karabo Mohau who represents the three soldiers, Mashidi admitted that Hashatsi did not participate in the attack against the commander. Matšepo Hashatsi shares similar sentiments with Leuta, saying Mashili’s testimony clears her son from any blame on Motšomotšo’s death. She said an inquest would provide answers to The late Colonel Tefo Hashatsi questions that she had hours later. government will comply continued to sideline her failed to find answers to. She also said she knew because his murder was a family because she was In an interview with this publication, she that people who tried to plot. They planned to kill not even informed about painted a grim picture of help him were ordered him, and they killed him,” the court martial sittings. “It’s very sad that they how her son died and why by someone senior not to she said. Although she continue to treat us like she thought he was killed. touch him. “He was left there to acknowledged that while outcasts. But, we’re yet to She described it as testimony see what they will do now a planned execution, die alone,” she further Mashili’s finally absolved her son that Mashili has absolved adding however, that said. “Later when an of wrongdoing, Mashili Tefo by testifying that somehow, Mashili’s testimony laid bare the ambulance finally came, should also identify the he did not take part in instead of rushing him to soldier who killed him. Motšomotšo’s killing,” plot to the murder. She said the testimony she said. She said Mashili Maseru Private Hospital In a trembling voice, should also identify the which is closer to the had opened old wounds, Ratjomose Barracks, adding that the army an emotional ‘Matšepo soldier who shot her son. “He should identify it took him to the Military him because I think Makoanyane he knows him instead Hospital before he was of saying he was in a transferred to the Queen Memorial The late Brigadier Bulane camouflage uniform with ‘Mamohato Hospital where he died Sechele a hidden face.” ’Matšepo said on the upon arrival,” she said. She added: “When day Hashatsi died, he called her around 9am we learnt that Tefo was informing her that he in hospital, his niece had been summoned to rushed there to see him. the commander’s office But she was chased to collect his letter of away by military police suspension, which would personnel.” She suspects he was pave the way for his deliberately finished off in arrest. “When he went to hospital. “A postmortem report the commander’s office, later showed that had he was not going to fight because he didn’t even he been helped on time, carry his service weapon,” his life could have been saved. she said. “There was a plot on An hour later when she called his number, the my son’s life because he phone rung unanswered was a threat to certain on numerous occasions people who would be better off with him dead. and she was alarmed. “We need an inquest She learnt that although he was shot into the deaths of the between 9-10am, he was three soldiers including PDF OCR, web optimization Tefo. But I doubt theusing a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor only compression, taken to hospital
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Construction of Mpiti, Sehlabathebe road commences
Former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili (right) Staff Reporter
“In the past 25 years, we have witnessed steady and sound development of our bilateral relations, and increasingly consolidated friendship between the two governments and peoples,” he said. The Member of Parliament for the Tsoelike Constituency and former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili said the people of Tsoelike had long been awaiting the new development. Mosisili thanked the governments of Lesotho and China for making this dream come true, adding that as residents of Tsoelike, their lives were now going to change for the better. One of the residents ’Mathabiso Moronti said their appeals for a proper road were now finally over. “There is no doubt that our lives are now going to improve because there will be plenty of employment for our unemployment youths once construction kicks off,” Moronti also said.
in terms of business make it easy to travel to Lesotho expressed his but its people will also gratification for being nearby districts,” Song ACHA’S NEK – benefit from the road part of the milestone. said. Construction of construction because Song said at the end He said 2019 marks the 91km tarred 30 local construction the 25th anniversary of the project, access road between Ha Mpiti companies are going to to National Park will be of the resumption of and Sehlabathebe is be subcontracted in the diplomatic relations relatively easy. expected to officially kick project. “The network of the between the Kingdom of off on Monday next week. It is projected that districts will be also be Lesotho and the People’s The project is funded over 500 people will be Republic of China. simplified as the road will through a concessional employed in the project loan to the tune of M1.3 which is scheduled to billion provided by the last for a duration of 36 Chinese government. months. Prime Minister “It is indeed Motsoahae Thabane shameful that although made the announcement the National Park has on Thursday during a sod been declared as a world turning event that was heritage site, tourists held in Ha Matlali in the still struggle to reach the Tsoelikana Council. place,” Thabane said. In his key note The Premier appealed address, Thabane said to the local community the road will bring to cooperate with the positive change to all companies contracted to communities living in the build the road as upon area. its completion, it will The road he said help cut the four hours will also be a key it takes to travel from opener to infrastructure Qacha’s Nek town to developments such as Sehlabathebe by at least hotels and guest houses half. that will accommodate “Apart from that, tourists visiting the there are other projects Sehlabathebe National already in the pipeline Park. that are expected to kick Government he off in other districts next said is certain that the year,” Thabane said. Prime Minister Motsoahae Thabane (left) and former Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili district of Qacha’s Nek Song Changqing from (right) PDF OCR, optimization a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor will compression, not only develop theweb Chinese embassy in using
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International Sports News Sri Lanka appoint new fielding coach
The heat is on: Tokyo 2020 marathon to start earlier
Colombo - Struggling to the current version Tokyo - The Tokyo 2020 Sri Lanka on Saturday of the budget, unveiled Olympic marathon will announced the last year. The potential start between 05:30 appointment of former for extreme weather and 06:00, organisers Australian cricketer conditions has become announced on Steve Rixon as their the major headache for Wednesday, after experts fielding coach, in a bid organisers of the event raised concerns over the to boost preparations for which opens on July 24. health of competitors the Cricket World Cup The previous time and fans during the city’s next year. Japan hosted the sweltering summer heat. The 64-year-old will An expert medical Olympics, in 1964, the begin his new assignment committee had proposed competition was held later this month and a start time “between in October to avoid the join the team in New 05:30 and 06:00”, top hot summer conditions. Zealand where, starting Olympic official John Organisers have toyed December 15, Sri Lanka Coates said after a with several ways of also be brought forward. quipped Coates. are scheduled to play series of meetings in The Japanese capital Indeed, Tokyo 2020 beating the heat two Tests, three one-day the Japanese capital. proposing the sweated through several CEO Toshiro Muto even internationals and one Organisers had already deadly heatwaves this admitted that anti-heat introduction of daylight Twenty20. brought the marathon summer as Japan was measures had increased saving time, an idea that They will later play forward to 07:00 as also battered by a series pressure on the Tokyo appears to have fallen by two Tests in Australia Japanese medical groups of typhoons that caused 2020 budget, which is the wayside. from January 24. Japan adopted have warned the event death, destruction and due to be updated on “We are happy to daylight saving in 1948 could “lead to deaths” delay. Coates said a series December 21. welcome Steve into the from heatstroke. of anti-heat measures Olympic organisers under US occupation team,” Sri Lanka Cricket Tokyo 2020 organisers was being planned, are under huge pressure after defeat in World CEO Ashley de Silva still need to agree including mist sprays to keep a lid on costs War II, but scrapped said. with the International along the marathon route amid fears that spiralling it four years later “I am sure he will Association of Athletics and heat-absorbing paint budgets for the event are following concerns it be able to help the team Federations before on the roads. sapping public support. was encouraging longer moving forward, with his hours. Coates fixing the exact time, There is also an “We can’t exceed the level work expertise in the area of said Coates, who increase in medical of the previous version of noted that this summer fielding which is a vital is chairman of the facilities as a precaution the budget,” said Muto, was abnormal, with component of the game.” Olympic coordination and more shade for fans who added that cuts the mercury touching De Silva said Rixon commission. Rugby lining up for entry to the had been found in other a record 41 degrees will work with the during the sevens matches will also venues. “There is a list areas to compensate Celsius national team until the start 90 minutes ahead of of about 20 precautions for additional spending hottest periods. The end of the 2019 World hottest day of Olympic schedule and mountain they (the medical against the heat. Cup. biking an hour later to commission) think we The Olympics are competition is the 36 Sri Lanka have been avoid the burning sun. should take and they are expected to cost around Celsius measured at the struggling for form The 50km race walk will not going to be free,” $12.6 billion, according 2004 Athens Games. recently, losing the home ODI and Test series to England. They have also been hit by crisis off the field. Bowling coach Nuwan Zoysa was suspended by ape Town United and Chippa people. “I will be open to help the International Cricket Former Bafana United, where he last “I was found in a the younger ones that are Council in October after Bafana star featured in South Africa’s wrong space, most of coming (through). They he was accused of matchLerato Chabangu top flight in 2015/16. my friends were living should not go through fixing and other “corrupt says he is still in good Nonetheless, the in township. I could say what I went through.” conduct”. condition to play Absa player admitted he has that I have destroyed The 33-year-old Earlier that month, Premiership football at fallen on hard times but myself, I can’t really concluded: “Be careful ex-chief selector and the highest level. was hopeful of another blame others. If you are what you do in life, be former captain Sanath chance in the game. at the wrong space, the strong and keep praying, Jayasuriya was charged Chabangu made his He told Robert negative things will catch it will help. for failing to cooperate name with Mamelodi Marawa on Marawa you. “Thanks for the loved with a match-fixing Sundowns earlier in his Sports Worldwide: “You “This problem that I ones who have been probe and concealing career before a successful can say I have been hiding am having (depression), following and supporting information. spell with Moroka from people, I don’t even I know I am not alone. me, I really appreciate The country recently Swallows from 2011 until go to stadiums. I was hoping to open that. sought help from 2015. “I do feel like I’m the Lerato Chabangu “I have never retired. neighbouring India to He also spent time depressed. I comfort Foundation to help I can play at least one draft laws to combat with University of myself by watching TV. (people) where I come or two years if I get a PDF compression, web optimization a watermarked copy of CVISION PDFCompressor cheating in the game. OCR, Pretoria, SuperSport using I disappointed lots ofevaluation from. chance.”
Chabangu: ‘I have destroyed myself, I can’t really blame others’
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There’s someone to rely on in Lesotho
Makoanyane XI flunk out of COSAFA
NTHAKO MAJORO
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MASERU - Lesotho under-20 national team, Makoanyane XI, are as good as out of the COSAFA Under-20 Championship currently underway in Kitwe, Zambia. This is after Makoanyane XI were held to a 1-1 draw by their Angolan counterparts last Sunday. They were later on Wednesday hammered 4-0 by Zimbabwe. The Lesotho team now faces Botswana in their last match of the group stage which will not change the fortune of them regardless of which one wins the encounter. Former Likuena head coach, Monaheng Monyane, said he was disappointed that Bob Mafoso and his boys could not put up an impressive showing like it had been anticipated. “I am personally disappointed. I was hoping that the year’s momentum would push the team to go all the way to the final again,” said Monyane in an interview with Public Eye on Friday. But Monyane was quick to add: “I suspect their preparations for the games were not up to scratch because to be honest they are a relatively goodof watermarked evaluation copy
team that normally delivers.” The Zimbabwean side has already qualified for the semi-finals, after collecting a maximum of six points. Their competitors in Group C, Angola, Botswana and Lesotho failed to live up to expectation and could not match their top performance. Like Lesotho, Botswana and Angola have also not tested victory in their two previous matches of the competition and both are left with just one match to go. This is bad news for the three sides because the competition is divided into three groups; Group A, B and C, with only winners of the groups and one best losers in all the groups qualifying for the semi-finals. This time around, Lesotho failed to repeat their impressive last year performance in South Africa where they lost 2-1 in the final to Amajita. Monyane however believes Mafoso could still do a great job if given another chance to coach the under-20 national team. Makoanyane XI have never won the COSAFA Under-20 Championship before. Reaching the final last year was their best showing ever in the regional competition.PDFCompressor CVISION