 Coming to you from our GIS studios, I am General Novel and this is your midday news brief. The Government of Sri Lanka established diplomatic relations with the Government of St Lucia. The agreement to establish diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and St Lucia was signed by Dr. Amrith Rohan Parerra, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations and Cosmos Richardson, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of St Lucia on the 25th of June 2019 in New York. The establishment of diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and St Lucia will enhance the existing friendly relations and cooperation in the political, socio-economic and cultural fields for the mutual benefit of the two countries. St. Joseph's convent is thrilled that one of its students, Ariel Albert of 4A, has been offered a full scholarship on Oxford Royals Academy's world-renowned Oxford Summer School, which allows students to experience life in Oxford for two fantastic weeks during the UK Summer of 2019. In addition to classes with Oxford Royale Academy's teachers, Ariel will enjoy a wide range of activities in Oxford as well as excursions for the field to other UK cities, including London. Students will also be able to benefit from lasting global friendships with students from over 150 countries. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is provided by the Academy's Scholarship Programme, offering talented students like Ariel the chance to attend the ORE programme on a full scholarship. Ariel will pursue courses in mathematics, economics and management and public speaking and debate this summer and looks forward to this opportunity. Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and the Public Service, the Honourable Alan Shasne, expressed that he is extremely proud of the St Lucia National Culinary Team's outstanding performance at the 2019 Taste of the Caribbean competition in Miami. The team won Gold for Pork Shoulder Grand Champion, Best Pastry Chef of the Year, Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year and Best Rum Cocktail Award and Caribbean Bartender of the Year Honour and Mention Craig Andis. The team won Silver in categories of Caribbean Chocolate and Caribbean Seafood. Team St Lucia was also applauded for capturing bronze in the Caribbean Beef Competition, Caribbean Chef of the Year Competition and Caribbean Team of the Year Competition. The 2019 National Culinary Team consisted of Chefs Craig Andis, Joanna Alexander, Imani Hippolyte, Zyme Cadet, Vernon Sdor, Steffi Marius, Ricardo Josue Jr., Clayton Julian, Gabriel James, Chauvin Ileuther, Aldrick Jabatis, Vdili Byron and Marius Andrew. The Prime Minister expressed special thanks to team managers and coaches Chef Richardson Skinner, Alva Preville, Mark Ferguson, Elijah Jules, Chef Orlando, Mr. Nurani Aziz and Wendell George from the SLHDA who also supported the team's preparation and participation. That's all for the midday news brief. Thanks for tuning in.