 Welcome to the NTN Nightly. I'm Nisha Charles. This edition stops stories. Government to increase assistance to the most vulnerable in society. Depending introduction of village tourism and the resulting benefits are highly anticipated. The intense drama of the new world comes to you via NTN. All that plus the latest in youth development, sports and the NTN Nouvelle Arquéon. The Government of St. Lucia has reiterated its commitment to the most vulnerable in the society with an increase in assistance. The Home Care Givers Programme, for example, will see an expansion this fiscal year. Here's Chanel Nouvelle with the details. Reducing poverty in St. Lucia remains high on the Government's priority list. According to Minister for Equity, Social Justice, Local Government and Empowerment and Parliamentary Representative for Grosjele Honourable Leonard Montoute, the Government has introduced a number of programmes and initiatives aimed at achieving this reduction. Highlighting some of the programmes including the Public Assistance Programme and the Safety Net Programme, the Ministry revealed that changes in the country's family dynamics have made other programmes necessary. One such programme is the Home Care Givers Programme. As a result of a drop in both rates, St. Lucia has also witnessed a decline in the country's average household, and as a result of this confluence of factors, there has been an increase in demand for elderly care services in St. Lucia, particularly among the poor and vulnerable population who are unable to afford care from the various private homes available in St. Lucia. In addition, there have been increased concerns about abuse of the elderly. Now, Mr Speaker, again I take a pause here to mention the fact that I've lamented, in fact expressed concern about the drop in our population. I think it is about time as a nation we begin to take stock of that development and take measures, put measures in place to reverse it. Here you heard of an example of... I am suggesting that we have more children. Data from the Central Statistical Office indicated that elderly persons 70 years and older have increased by approximately 9.7% from 9,949 in 2011 to 10,910 in 2018, providing some insight into the programme Honourable Montut explained that the services are provided based on need and merit. In response to this growing epidemic, and that's what I call it Mr Speaker, the Government through the St. Lucia Social Development Fund in April 2017 launched the Home Care Program, a programme which provides specialised care to the elderly and disabled persons at no cost to the client who otherwise are unable to care for themselves. Care is provided to beneficiaries from Monday to Friday from 8 to 4 p.m. During the year in review, Mr Speaker, a total budget of $6.49 million was allocated for the Home Care Program, and this programme has a total of 408 caregivers who are employed in 2018 and 17 supervisors provide services to a total of 635 elderly and disabled persons across St. Lucia. The Minister expressed concern about the burying situation, adding that he expects sooner than later a national discussion to find solutions. For the Government Information Service, I am General Norville. Plans for the introduction of village tourism has been lauded by the St. Lucia Senate with members anticipating the benefits to the people, more from Lisa Joseph. As the key economic pillar for future growth in St. Lucia, considerable attention has been paid to the tourism strategy. Some 20 game-changers have been developed to accelerate growth in both tourist arrivals and tourist receipts. The aim is to increase stay-over visitors from 386,000 in 2017 to 541,000 by 2022. The Honourable Prime Minister during his budget presentation revealed that whether it is in adventure tourism, ecotourism, heritage tourism or wellness tourism, the country must evolve its product beyond the package-based offerings now reasonably well covered in its market. Part of the new approach is formal agreement with sharing economy providers like Airbnb. During the debate on the appropriation Bill 2019-2020, Independent Senator Mauricio Thomas-Francis expressed support for the move which he says empowers St. Lucia to elevate the standard of living. You will not begin to appreciate where the tourists stay on this island. I meet tourists who tell me they are living in grace and they're calling some names Gaia Boa. I've never been to Gaia Boa. I cannot tell you where Gaia Boa is. But when they describe the area, they are living in all places. Because guess what? When we're talking about empowerment, we have solutions who have actually empowered themselves by investing in their properties to offer a service to a niche that was untapped for so long. And this is village tourism at work, Madam President. Madam President, the benefits of village tourism is huge. It is huge. Why is it huge? The impact is right. Village tourism will allow interested persons to become participants in the value chain of tourism and improve their social outcomes. This Prime Minister Shasini says is an example of empowering solutions and has the potential to revolutionize world's creation in previously marginalized segments of society. Independent Senator Adrian Ogé agrees. The non-traditional accommodation sector also referred to as Airbnb I think could be a driving wave of investment, construction, training, standards improvement, linkages and diversification. For the average solution interested in participation in the tourism sector and in particular ownership in the tourism sector, this is quite possibly the first time that there is this prospect that you could actually participate meaningfully at a scale which is appropriate to your income and your wealth and be part of this tourism industry of which we speak so fondly. The key economic targets of the tourism sector strategy are to increase GDP contributions to $1.9 billion by 2022, attract investments of $3.5 billion by 2022 and create over 4,000 jobs by 2022. From the Government Information Service, Lisa Joseph reporting. The Department of Health and Wellness confirms the departure of the cruise ship which contained a confirmed case of measles. The ship departed on the night of May 2, 2019 for its home port in the Dutch Caribbean. Dr. Maline Fredericks-James is the Chief Medical Officer. Prior to its departure, our international health regulations focal point who is also our acting national epidemiologist had direct contact with a counterpart in the Dutch Caribbean and we shared details, full details of our public health interventions, our epidemiological investigations and any treatments which we provided to the crew and passengers whilst they were in our port. We'd like to remind persons that it was necessary not to allow anyone from the ship to disembark because of the highly infectious nature of measles. Measles is a contagious disease which is spread by droplet infection through coughing, sneezing, etc. It can spread directly from person to person and the droplets, the virus can also survive on surfaces for a short while after someone coughs or sneezes. The fact that there was a confirmed case of measles on board meant that other persons, though they may not have been showing signs of infection, were exposed and could possibly later develop symptoms of the disease. The Chief Medical Officer thanked partner agencies, namely the ship's agents, tourism agencies, the St. Lucia A&C Port Authority, including Port's Police, the Royal St. Lucia Police Force, including the Marine Unit and other government agencies and the media for their support and cooperation during the intervention. We continue to monitor our own persons because whilst the ship was here, it was necessary for some of our persons to go on board to examine and investigate the situation and provide any other care which was necessary. As for public health guidance, we continue to monitor our own persons, anybody, any of our staff who were on board have received the measles vaccine and we continue to monitor them closely to ensure that no signs or symptoms develop. We do not believe that there was any high risk to those who went on board because the necessary precautions were taken in some cases, but we do have to follow them as a matter of procedure. We'd like to remind everyone that measles is a vaccine preventable disease. And that was the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Malin Fredericks James. St. Lucia's will have an opportunity to experience and appreciate the creativity, talent and culture of the Republic of China Taiwan on the small screen with an airing of a new drama series on the national television network NTN. More from Anise Antoine. The Republic of China Taiwan and the government of St. Lucia have signed a licensing agreement to air a Taiwanese drama series on the national television network. The new world drama series consists of 24 episodes and will be featured every Friday. The series is centered around a local newspaper editor who is in search of her long lost childhood friends. The ambassador of the Republic of China Taiwan to St. Lucia, His Excellency Douglas Shen, explained that the plot is thick with the themes of love, friendship and suspense. I would like to encourage our St. Lucia friend to get a closer look at the culture of Taiwan and the talents of the cast in this great TV drama series. I believe, as I mentioned, the culture will bring our heart together despite the thousands miles of distance between our two countries. St. Lucia and the Republic of China Taiwan re-established diplomatic relations in 2007. Minister in the Ministry of Tourism, Information and Broadcasting, Culture and Creative Industries, with responsibility for Culture and Creative Industries, Senator the Honourable Fortuner Bell Rose, believes that the series will further strengthen the bond between St. Lucia and the Republic of China Taiwan. We welcome this series, The New World, from Taiwan. It's always important for our countries to continue the relationship that we've had. We've benefited significantly in all spheres of the world, all spheres, whether it be economic, social, we've been able to be educational, we've been able to benefit from the people of Taiwan and so this opportunity will be seen through this TV series will even bring us closer. You understand, our people closer, ours as well as the Taiwanese people, closer to St. Lucia. I think for us as a government, we are indeed heartened by this gesture and we will continue to be forever grateful for the support that we've gotten from you. The New World Drama Series will premiere on Friday, May 10th, 2019. From the Government Information Service, I am Anisia Antoine reporting. And this is the NTN Nightly. Ryan O'Brien is up next. Small household electrical appliances when faulty can give rise to big problems. If you have just purchased a small appliance from a store and you are concerned about the safety of the item, an appliance has been at home for some time subjected to wear and tear from regular usage. Have it tested by St. Lucia Bureau of Standards. It is better to be safe than sorry. For more information, contact the St. Lucia Bureau of Standards at 456-0546 or email SLBS at candw.lc or visit the website at www.slbs.org.lc St. Lucia Bureau of Standards, making quality and standards our way of life. Welcome back. We join Ryan O'Brien for the latest happenings in youth development and sports. Welcome once again to your update on the NTN Nightly news on happenings in youth development and sports. I'm Ryan O'Brien. Director of Youth Mary Wilfred has characterized the annual youth awards as a forum to inspire young St. Lucia and make the nation as a whole aware of the talent that exists among the nation's youth. Ms. Wilfred made the observation at the start of last weekend's national youth awards. Tonight's event is a demonstration of the confidence that we have in our young people in St. Lucia, that we can boldly recognize them and celebrate their achievements and their accomplishments. And I must tell you, we are not there as yet. This is a work in progress. There is much more to be done. We believe that there are many other young people who are out there that are not recognized as yet. And part of our plan is to ensure that every corner in St. Lucia is taken into recognition. I am happy that even at our awards, we do feature young people living with disabilities because they are doing wonderful things as well. And I'm sure there are many other young people with disabilities who are talented and who are contributing to their family, to their school and to their communities. Ms. Wilfred also reviewed the evolution of youth development in St. Lucia and the contribution made by the National Youth Council NYC. I believe in the early 80s, youth development, a lot of the emphasis on youth development came from the National Youth Council and that was in advocacy. That was in lobbying government and institutions for certain things or policies that the councils deemed necessary for young people. Somewhere along the line, the Government of St. Lucia included youth as a portfolio, a joint to culture. It was with education and human resource development. It was with community development. The Ministry of Youth has been one of the departments that has been bounced around for many years and so it never really had a home per se. But now I believe the emphasis with young people throughout the world and also in St. Lucia we have a huge demography and we believe that there has to be a ministry that has to see about the affairs of young people. Ms. Wilfred said the awards was a gesture that can become even bigger in the future with the assistance of young people. Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Senator the Honourable Mary Isaac, is confident the Appropriations Bill 2019-2020 will assist in alleviating the problem of unemployment among the nation's youth. Senator Isaac made the comments on Tuesday during her opening statement as the Senate debated the Appropriations Bill 2019-2020. Can you imagine, Madam President, that within three years unemployment has decreased to 20.2% and for us as a Government it is still not at an acceptable level because youth unemployment is still too high. We need to be able to continue creating jobs for our young people. Given the good performance from our last budget, Madam President, we expect that this budget, our third budget will make a more meaningful difference in further reducing unemployment. So when the young people sitting in the gallery live at school, they will have meaningful jobs to get into and this is what my Government is about and it is our Government, it is all of us that this Government serves. The Ministry of Development and Sports as part of its continued programming for Independence 40 will be staging a Family Sports Fund Day at the V.F. Molypropos Scots on May 19, 2019. These events are being staged in collaboration with National Sporting Associations. Only persons born before 1979 will be able to participate although younger persons will be included as far as officiating is concerned. Veteran teams have already been organized to participate in court events namely volleyball, basketball and netball. Ministry officials promise it will be an exciting Family Day filled with entertainment. And that's how we end our segment this week on happenings in youth development and sports. I'm Ryan O'Brien. Thanks Ryan. Every year, the 3rd of May is the day to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluate press freedom around the world and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a recommendation adopted at the 26th session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991. This year's theme is media and democracy, journalism and elections in times of disinformation. Antonio Guterres is the Secretary General of the United Nations. A free press is essential for peace, justice, sustainable development and human rights. No democracy is complete without access to transparent and reliable information. It is the cornerstone for building fair and impartial institutions, holding leaders accountable and speaking truths to power. And this is specially true during election seasons, the focus of this year's World Press Freedom Day. Facts, not false words, should guide people as they choose their representatives. Yet, while technology has transformed people's lives and shared information, sometimes it is used to mislead public opinion or to fool violence and hatred. World Press Freedom Day this year focuses on the critical role of the media in keeping the public informed and leaders accountable by providing transparent, reliable information. This day also reminds us of the dangers journalists confront in fulfilling their function. Civic space has been shrinking worldwide at an alarming rate. And with anti-media rhetoric on the rise, so too are violence and harassment against journalists including women. I am deeply troubled by the growing number of attacks and the culture of impunity. According to UNESCO, almost 100 journalists were killed in 2018. Hundreds are in prisons. And when media workers are targeted, societies as a whole pay a price. On World Press Freedom Day, I call on all to defend the rights of journalists whose efforts help us to build a better world for all. And that was Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Gutierrez. And stay with the NTN Nightly. Up next, Primus Hutchinson is here with the NTN Nouvelle Arquéon. When persons with TB sneeze or cough, healthy persons nearby breathe in the droplets and the bacteria can lodge in their lungs. People with weakened immune systems such as HIV AIDS, alcohol and drug users, smokers, children and the elderly are most susceptible. Persons with a cough should take precautions when in contact with persons in public places. Cover your mouth when sneezing and coughing. Visit your doctor or health center. You must complete your treatment. TB can be cured even with HIV. Be responsible. Health stop the spread of TB and HIV. Protect yourself and others. Welcome back. We join Primus Hutchinson for the NTN Nouvelle Arquéon. Ladies and gentlemen, the University Department for information on the government of the G.I.S. national television and the NTN and the Nouvelle Arquéon and Primus Hutchinson. This is the first time I have found the opportunity to learn more about the culture and the life in Taiwan. It has been done by the TV program in the form of an opera. So even if this is a young and restless person who can protect Taiwan and the NTN, it is possible. I am the ambassador of Taiwan, Douglas C. T. Chen and the delegation of the Ministry of Culture on our fortunate birthdays. I am the chief G.I.S. of the G.I.S. national television and the Nouvelle Arquéon in the form of a conference on the television program. The new generation is the New World Ambassador Chen and the hope that the program will be strengthened with the future of Taiwan and even stronger. This will have a better position to learn about the culture and the life of Taiwan. The Ministry of Culture on our fortunate birthdays I am the G.I.S. national television program that has encouraged young people to make films to attract more people. The new generation who started to do this just last year last month we had a group new generation who went to London to continue making a film that started here with the renaissance generation. So we are the new generation who started to make films films, documentaries documentaries and so on. We are just going to continue making films that will be available in the future. Do you have any questions that you would like to ask to the G.I.S. The G.I.S. is a place where you can relax and relax and enjoy the life of the new generation. The G.I.S. is a place where you can relax and enjoy the life of the new generation. So we are going to continue making films that will be available in the future. So I would like to ask you who comes to Taiwan to find and affect the quality of the season of the G.I.S. The G.I.S. is a place where you can discuss the responsibility of agriculture. As I said, the government and the ministry are established to govern the industry and the G.I.S. So as a tourist industry, the G.I.S. is a place where the government and the ministry are working on a policy that will provide the quality of the season of the G.I.S. and the ministry will work on the G.I.S. and the ministry will work on the G.I.S. and the ministry will work on the G.I.S. We are certainly here. We have done it for a reason. Now, when we come to government, we are necessary to come to MAM OIE. And we are 182 countries that have come to MAM organizations. This is the purpose of MAM organizations to assist countries to make sure that they have a clear panic that has affected the production of food, production, food and animals. And we are necessary to come to MAM. We are necessary to come to MAM. We are necessary to come to MAM. We are necessary to come to MAM. We are necessary to come to MAM. We are necessary to come to MAM. We are necessary to come to MAM. Thank you, PIL Primus. And here's a look at what's happening to us weather-wise. Skies are fair and breezy, becoming cloudy at times with a few scattered showers. An Atlantic high-pressure system will generate moderate to brisk easterly winds and above normal seas around the eastern Caribbean region over the next few days. Low-level clouds moving with the wind flow will bring a few scattered showers over the islands during the forecast period. Tides forecastries are above, high at 3.22pm, low at 8.22pm. Tides for Viewford Bay, high at 4.29pm, low at 10.03pm. Seas, locally rough with waves 6 to 8 feet or 1.8 to 2.4 meters. The sun will rise Saturday at 5.40am. Thank you for watching.