UN rejects Guyana reparations claimPARAMARIBO, Suriname (CMC):
An international tribunal has rejected a claim by Guyana for compensation for damage arising out of the expulsion of a Canadian oil rig company by Suriname in a disputed area between the two countries more than seven years ago.
In a ruling handed down on Thursday, the five-member Permanent Court of Arbitration dismissed Guyana's request for US$34 million in damages over what Georgetown called Suriname's "unlawful" expulsion of the Canadian oil rig company on June 3, 2000.
Opposition welcomes international ruling
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC:
Guyana's main opposition party says the settlement of the long-standing maritime boundary dispute with Suriname is a triumph for international law. The People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R), in a statement issued late on Thursday, said the party celebrates the decision in Guyana's favour "as a triumph for international law as a means for the peaceful settlement of disputes between sovereign states. "As sovereign states, we must resolve disputes peacefully and demonstrate that the world will be a better place if international law governs the behaviour of sovereign states."
Workers take to the streets
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
Hundreds of workers took to the streets yesterday demanding the Trinidad and Tobago government settle all outstanding negotiations with various trade unions before voters go to the polls to elect a new government in general election widely expected before yearend. Representatives of the seven trade unions have also warned that they were prepared to step up their activities if the Patrick Manning government fails to heed their call. President of the umbrella Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FITUN) David Abdullah told reporters that he was gratified at the turnout of workers, including teachers, who are locked in negotiations with the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) over new wage agreements dating back to a number of years.
Manning to receive honorary degree
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
Prime Minister Patrick Manning is to receive an honorary Doctors of Laws degree from the Medgar Evers College in the United States. "Medgar Evers College welcomes Prime Minister Manning in the spirit of ongoing international exchange. His visit is yet another indication that our work here at Medgar is receiving worldwide recognition," said President of the College, Edison O Jackson.
