 St. Lucia's semi-professional football league, SPFL, got its official launch Friday evening, giving the realization of a concept aimed at bringing the sport of football to a critical new level in St. Lucia. One of our main policies in relation to the development of youth and sports is to increase participation and economic activity, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The government has and will continue to invest a substantial amount in the youth of St. Lucia. 9. I wish to present record my congratulations on the launch of Bank of St. Lucia's Global Investment Fund. This is the true milestone which highlights the bank's commitment to financial innovation and demonstrates Bank of St. Lucia's responsiveness to the urgent need for diversified and profitable investment options for our city. 8. The Central Library, through its literary festival, is attempting to marry this with a showcase of products from budding entrepreneurs called LitFest. The festival was held in commemoration of Nobel laureate Week. This activity concentrates on highlighting the talents that exist among us, the creative and performing arts in song and poetry cited. 7. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization, F.A.O., conducted a 10-week farm-of-field school in Babano and Souffle. The training focused on responsible pesticide management with the goal of minimizing the use of hazardous pesticides in cabbage and tomato production by testing safer alternatives. We welcome the efforts of our farmers in the commitment to move away from agri-food systems driven by intense use of inorganic pesticides and fertilizers. 6. Members of the National Anti-Mundi Laundering Oversight Committee, NAMLOC, and stakeholders came in for high praise following St. Lucia's successful application for re-rating. December 2023, St. Lucia applied for re-rating for 22 recommendations. St. Lucia was re-rated for 20 out of these 22 recommendations. 5. The Central Statistics Office will soon launch two strategic initiatives that will position the department to better serve the data needs of the public. The first is a national strategy for the development of statistics. This is an action plan for the development of statistics consistent with government's medium-term development strategy. We have been collaborating with the Attorney General Chambers in that regard to strengthen our existence as it's collect and also we will be seeking the services of a consultant to review that act before it's presented to Parliament. 4. The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Early Affairs continues to note an increase in the number of persons presenting with flu-like symptoms after emergency departments, wellness sensors, and private doctor's offices. The Ministry of Health reminds a general public that they are presently in the flu season which runs from October to March and as such would like to encourage the use of the flu vaccine which is available free of charge at the various wellness centres. 3. As we observe World Cancer Day this year, we are reminded of the impacts of cancer on families throughout St. Lucia. St. Lucia, let us come together and let us move to conquer cancer. 2. Commemorate World Wetlands Day under the theme Wetlands and Human Well-being, save a wetland in your community, commit to doing your part, have the courage to show up and be seen even when you have little control over the outcome.