 Coming to you from RGIS Studios, I am Anicia Antoine and this is your Media News Brief. The Cultural Development Foundation is in the process of establishing a National Dance Theatre Company. Director of events at the CDF, Adrienia Frederick, says they are hoping that from the dance company, dancers will be trained to represent and reignite creative arts in St. Lucia. Richard Ambrose, a participant in this year's Charyfesta believes the initiative will give St. Lucia at least a platform to allow the world to experience St. Lucia art. The Government of St. Lucia has announced a number of projects to come on stream. These projects include a nationwide voter rehabilitation project, new properties to be constructed in the country, as well as the Uranora International Airport redevelopment project. Minister for Tourism, Information and Broadcasting, Culture and Creative Industries, Honourable Dominique Fede, highlighted the Village Tourism Initiative soon to come on stream. The initiative will allow for a different type of experience for visitors to the island, one where they can immerse themselves in everything local. The launch is expected once the legislation has been passed and will initially encompass eight villages, including Grosjele, Ancelary and Souffre, and under the Village Tourism Project, each village will have its own theme, such as wellness, arts and crafts, and local traditions. With the help of a low interest financing supported by the Government, property owners in each village will be encouraged to upgrade their homes and properties to make them more suitable as accommodations for visitors. All owners will be licensed and will undergo training to ensure that the accommodations and services are at the same level as they would be in a hotel or resort. St. Lucia saw record figures in 2018 with approximately 1.2 million visitors to the island, accounting for a 10.2% increase overall. Prime Minister the Honourable Alain Shafny said that while the Government is not opposed to assisting Virgin Atlantic, the means chosen by the airline to obtain that support is not in the best interest of St. Lucia. He noted that the amount of money being requested in comparison to the number of seats being provided and the mechanism chosen, which is a direct subsidy, is not a viable option. The airline is requesting the Government pay a subsidy of US$2.5 million per year over the period of three years. Honourable Shafny maintained that the Government cannot adhere to this request, however it remains open to discussions with the airline. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the Government and the airline will be able to reach an amicable decision before June 20th, 2020. This has been your media news brief. Thank you for watching.