 Welcome to NTN Nightly, I am General Norvell, this edition's top stories. Phase 1 of the Viewfort Water Supply Redevelopment Project officially launched. Caricum commits to reducing its US $5 billion foot import bill by 25% in the next 5 years. And St. Lucia remembers St. Lucia's singer and cultural icon, Dame Marie Saliffa Descartes. Phase 1 of the Viewfort Water Supply Redevelopment Project was officially launched and joins the list of several water supply improvement projects currently ongoing island-wide. The Viewfort Water Supply System has been in dire need of expansion and upgrades to meet the existing and projected demand and will benefit commercial and institutional enterprises and a population of an estimated 20,000 individuals. Anissia Antoine begins our broadcast. The Government of St. Lucia recently held a sword-turning ceremony to mark the official commencement of Phase 1 of the Viewfort Water Supply Redevelopment Project. The Viewfort Water Supply System, for many years now, has been in need of urgent expansion and upgrades so as to adequately meet the current demand from residents of Viewfort, library and environs, as well as future demands. The scope of work includes the construction of water production facilities, installation of new HDPE transmission mains and three new storage reservoirs, among other interventions. Commercial and institutional enterprises, together with an estimated population of 20,000 people, are expected to benefit from the water supply. Francis Denbo is the Chairman of Wasco's Board of Directors. Water supply in the south has been unreliable and inconsistent in both the dry and rainy season due to the inadequacy of the existing system. During periods of intense rainfall, the turbidity of the raw water rises significantly above an acceptable level. During the dry season and an account of climate change, the quantity of water available from the existing intake decreases significantly. This often leads to extended periods of water shortages in the area. These water supply constraints in the area have curtailed tourism and other industrial development plans in the south. In fact, during this drought, the Viewfort River literally dried up in various sections. The Viewfort water supply system is therefore in need of an urgent upgrade to meet existing and projected demand and to protect public health. Phase 1 of this project is scheduled to be completed in September 2021 with phase 2 to be completed in March of 2022. Phase 1 costs some US$14.1 million and phase 2 will be installed at a cost of US$6.9 million. The government of St. Lucia and the Water and Sewage Company, Wasco, have contributed US$4.2 million. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives Honourable Ezekiel Joseph reaffirmed the government's commitment to bolster in Wasco's capacity to deliver a clean and reliable water supply. The minister expressed in gratitude to stakeholders involved in the project called on residents to exercise patience as the works may bring inconveniences and delays. We believe in the people, we believe that water is life, we believe that as a government we need to develop and implement projects that impact the people and that is what we are doing here today. So based on discussion, the Honourable Prime Minister said look Mr Minister, we are going to look for the resources because we need to finish the project in its entirety. There's no need to make this project what we call in a half way we need to do the entire project and we have given a commitment to get the additional US$6 million what we call a phase 2 so we can finish this project for everyone in view for to benefit. The Prime Minister of St. Lucia Honourable Allen Chastney stated that improvements in the water supply system are imminent as this vital utility must be reliable and able to support the growth and development of the South. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the line minister and the chairman of Wasco's Board of Directors for their efforts in developing the water systems in St. Lucia. What Ezekiel Joseph is the minister and Mr Dembo have achieved in the last four years is remarkable. Honestly the dam that money was being collected but no work was being done, Denry, Miku, Soufrere and now view Fort. All these places were in dire need of capacity and they have delivered on their promise and they have delivered and put capacity in which now allows the government to expand and that's really what I wanted to focus on today is that this water project is critical in developing the capacity of the South. The SOAR turning ceremony to mark the official commencement of phase one of the view for the water supply redevelopment project took place on Thursday August 6th 2020 on the grounds of the water treatment plant in Bordeaux. From the Government Information Service, I am Anisia Antoine reporting. Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Jump Creation, External Affairs and the Public Service Hon. Alan Chastney is currently on leave until August 22, 2020. In the Prime Minister's absence, Minister for Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation Hon. Gai Joseph serves as Acting Prime Minister. The Caribbean Community Charicum commits to reducing its US $5 billion food import bill by 25% in the next five years, also known as the 25 in five plan. Charicum explained that the vulnerabilities of Charicum member states have made it even more evident the need for food security in the region. The 25 in five plan, according to Charicum's Assistant Secretary General Trade and Economic Integration Joseph Cox, is not simply a slogan but an imperative that must be addressed within the context of food security in the region. The Assistant Secretary General explained that food insecurity is currently being fuelled by a high food import bill, high incidence of non-communicable diseases and the adverse consequences of climate change and extreme weather. The Caribbean Community Agricultural Policy Cap underpins the 25 in five. Cox noted the guiding regional food security policies and instruments for the Caribbean region are mainly the regional food and nutrition security policy and action plan and the common fisheries policy which are further supported by the recently approved Charicum COVID-19 Agri-Food Plan. The main pillars of the action plan are food availability, food access, food utilization, nutritional adequacy and stability of food supply. 25 in five recognizes that with the exception of Belize and Guyana, all other Charicum countries are net food importers with at least seven of these countries importing more than 80% of the food they consume, resulting in a region's annual food import bill being estimated at $5 billion in 2019. From a food security and nutritional adequacy standpoint, the region which is highly dependent on food imports through wheat, fresh produce, dairy, meats, etc., needs to ensure that the supply chain for key products continues uninterrupted, even while continuing to seek opportunities for import substitution. Charicum countries must have plans in place to safeguard against these realities ever becoming a serious challenge or threat to our food security. Charicum's strategies to achieve the reduction in the food import bill must be grounded in a multi-organizational framework. This, Cox explained, should be reinforced by multilateral support, particularly in the areas of policy intervention, institutional strengthening, investment and sector financing. He explained that over the years, Charicum member states continue to record encouraging results as they have implemented food and nutrition interventions. Senior Assistant Secretary-General added, however, that the COVID-19 pandemic has made the need for food security even more apparent today. We are absolutely committed to reducing the region's food import bill by at least 25% over the next five years, in other words, 25 in five. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the need to ensure affordable access to food. This in our case has led to the development of the Charicum COVID-19 response agri-food plan. The plan has been specifically designed to treat with effective access and the optimization of production. It further outlines the specific steps which must be taken within the Charicum region to ensure that the health crisis does not become a food crisis. We have been lucky thus far as the region has not had a shortage of food per se, but a temporary misalignment of supply and demand, occasioned by supply chain disruptions. The Assistant Secretary-General, trade and economic integration, spoke of the 25 in five plan while addressing a webinar that was focused on galvanizing multilateral action to prevent the health crisis from becoming a food crisis workshop on the formulation of a regional food and nutrition security policy in the Caribbean, which was held with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization Project, promoting Charicum Cary Forum Food Security, Phase 2. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has expressed concern as the island continues to record significant increases in reported cases of dengue. The national epidemiologist is urging members of the public to take all necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their loved ones, especially as cases peak during the rainy season. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has noted a significant increase in reported cases of dengue in St. Lucia. Dengue is a viral illness spread by the bite of the Edis-Egypti mosquito, which lives in urban habitats and breeds mostly in man-made containers. Dengue is endemic to St. Lucia, which means that there is continued local transmission, which often peaks during and after the rainy season. There are four distinct but closely related serotypes of the virus that cause dengue. That is one, two, three, and four. National epidemiologists in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Michelle Faswa, indicated that the Ministry is very concerned about the increases as both serotypes two and three have been recorded to date, with quite a few infections in children. The national epidemiologists explained that majority of the reported cases are predominantly in the northern, central, and eastern parts of the island. Cases have been reported in a number of areas, including Redwy, Mon Road, Castro City, Millet, and Ridge Four. Cases have also been reported in the south and west of the island, but to a significantly lesser extent. Normally, when an individual is infected with one serotype, he or she receives lifelong immunity. However, if an individual is infected with a second type of dengue, a second serotype, he or she is likely to face a more severe clinical picture on the second infection. And this is why this is particularly concerning to us in St. Lucia that we have two serotypes in circulation. The dengue viral disease has an incubation of four to ten days after the bite, and by the incubation period, I'm referring to the type between when the individual is infected and starts manifesting signs and symptoms. About three-quarter of the infections of dengue virus is asymptomatic, meaning that the person does not have any signs or symptoms, or it produces a very mild infection, which is normally difficult to differentiate from other illnesses. International epidemiologists noted that the symptoms of dengue can be confused with that of the flu and COVID-19. Persons with mild dengue, however, may present with fever, accompanied by a rash, nausea or vomiting, pain behind the eye, muscle and joint pain. In its more severe form, persons may progress to bleeding from the gum or nose, vomiting blood and passing blood in stool. They may also experience severe abdominal pain and or excessive vomiting, which may lead to dehydration. Dr. Foswa indicated that there is no specific treatment for dengue and management is supportive based on clinical presentation. Testing for dengue is available in St. Lucia, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness urges persons who may be experiencing signs and symptoms of dengue to seek help at any of the nearest wellness centers. Now, because the vector requires water to breed, this is why we notice its peak during the rainy season. When the rains come in, the vector tends to breed in any, it's the smallest of receptacles. So what we are asking the general public to do is assist in eliminating the breeding grounds for the vector, and in that way we can control the spread of dengue in St. Lucia. So we ask persons to do frequent checks around the home, ensure that your buckets, your covers, everything is turned over and monitor your yard, both inside and outside of your homes, to ensure that you do not have breeding. Members of the public are advised to avoid the indiscriminate dumping of garbage, which also serves as breeding grounds for the mosquito and adhere to the scheduled garbage collection days and times. If one has been diagnosed with dengue, the Ministry of Health and Wellness advises that they sleep under a mosquito net to avoid being bitten by the mosquito. The use of insect repellent is also recommended to control the spread of dengue virus. St. Lucia's Queen of Folk and Cultural icon, Dey-Marie Saliffa Descartes, better known as Cessen, passed away on August 11, 2010. Cessen left an indelible mark having lived a life dedicated to contributing richly to the island's cultural landscape. In observance of a decade since her passing, NTN featured Faith violinist Augustine Julian, widely known as Charley, who performed popular renditions of the literature 12. Jesse Leos reports on that edition of the Morning Brew. It has been ten years since St. Lucia's Queen of Folk, Dey-Marie Saliffa Descartes, passed on, but the memory of her music as a Chateau extraordinaire remains etched in the hearts and minds of cultural enthusiasts and all St. Lucia's by extension. Amiku native Dame Cessen, as she was widely known, began her career at the age of eight years old. Marilyn Hyacinth, member of the Folk Research Center, gave insight into this early beginning. Cessen's father, Sonny, started a Laos group in Mangwetut, and he wanted a shunt well. And he just thought that Cessen had what it took at eight years to be that shunt well. And he informed the mother, his wife, that Cessen will be the shunt well and the mother probably just accepted. And Cessen came on. She sang and she rocked the crowd and blew the roof. Into adulthood, Dame Cessen gained popularity in the rural communities for her talent in folk music and dance, but it was only after her songs were recorded that she shot to national fame, reflecting fondly on Dame Cessen on the anniversary of her passing, his leader and violinist of the Mamai Lakai Folk group, Augustine Julian, better known as Charlie. 1970 was the year he first met her, while on a talent-scouting mission with the late Frank Norville. We met with Cessen, the scout, and we realized she was a fantastic shunt well. And then Frank and I, we went close to her, we visited her and she gave us her stories and then the way she sang, her voice, we captured her voice. And then in her recording, I was able to put some instrument, a shak-shak, when she said, Mamai Ladi, why the shak-shak in it? I was the one who introduced the shak-shak in it. That was one of her favorite tunes. She went, Bousa Femme La Penne, and it's the way she was expressing it. You know, it gives you a feeling of what she was doing. This lady had a passion in what she was doing. That is why everybody was pleased to name her. Most notable is Dame Cessen's winning performance at the Carifter Expo in 1969. Several accolades followed, including being inducted into the Caribbean Broadcasting Union Music Hall of Fame and designated St. Lucia's Queen of Culture. Dame Cessen was immortalized in a Sir Derek Walcott poem titled Homecoming, in which he wrote, Cessen was ultimately awarded the distinction of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her community service and cultural preservation efforts. The Monsignor Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre FRC is commemorating the 10th Anniversary of St. Lucia's Queen of Culture. Dame Cessen was immortalized in a Sir Derek Walcott poem titled Homecoming, in which he wrote, The Monsignor Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre FRC is commemorating the 10th Anniversary of Dame Cessen's passing by highlighting and encouraging the St. Lucia community to reflect on the values she represented and recognize their role in becoming more culturally sensitive and astute citizens. In a press release, the FRC stated, quote, Cessen's influence transcends generations and her work is undoubtedly etched in defining the St. Lucia identity. In the context of global and national discourse on the importance of safeguarding one's patrimony, FRC implores St. Lucia's to evaluate more deeply the role legends like Dame Cessen play on our journey to reshaping our narrative as a country, end quote. The relationship between the FRC and Dame Cessen was a close one. In 1984, we started our first Jeune Queolle and this was held in Monripou and it was during this celebration that Cessen was honored as a Queen of Culture and Folk in Monripou in 1984 and that also began a lot of, how would I put it? I mean pushing forward, promoting of her songs, of her dances and attraction and so on. We remember Dame Marie Salifa Cessen descarts on the 10th anniversary of her passing, singer, dancer, St. Lucia's Queen of Culture, who passed away at the age of 96 on 11th August 2010. It's not that I'm a person just who lives in Monripou. It's just that we know the truth. So, it's not that I'm a person just who lives in Monripou. It's just that I'm a person who has the same quality as you, and that's why I'm here. For the Government Information Service, I am Jesse Leons reporting. This is Ntien Nguyen, up next, Primers-Hudgingson with the Ntien Nuffel, a Quey-o-Hall. If you are in receipt of an abnormally high bill, it is highly possible that you have a leak. That leak may not always be visible. Before you contact Wasco, conduct a do-it-yourself test. 1. Record your meter reading. 2. Do not use water for 30 minutes to 1 hour. 3. Take another meter reading. If the reading changes, you have a leak. Contact a plumber to identify and fix the leak at the earliest. A message brought to you by the Water and Sewage Company Incorporated, Wasco. Welcome back. We now join Primers-Hudgingson for the Ntien Nuffel, a Quey-o-Hall. Mr. Otin Genel, Mr. Mdm. Departement, University of Sablite, Information Service, Government Information Service, GIS and National Television, Ntien Nuffel, a Quey-o-Hall. Primers-Hudgingson. Auto-Wi-Tid is a fair touristic set-lissy. Abadjid, Minister de Sotie, who has continued to chain zero-assault moune that has entwined a pay-la to Sotie-Hudgingson, a Quey-a-Sueve program bubble. That is the avenue for Maladi Corona. It is necessary for Auto-Wi-Tid to make it possible to address primary Maladi Corona in a fair way to chain set-lissy to protect Haud-Maladiah. Program bubble-la has made it possible for the citizens of this country to visit set-lissy without having to go under quarantine. Bahamas-Eco-CPG-AMIC countries have a bubble program, not an agreement program, because Auto-Wi-Tid has been able to reach these countries as I have experienced with the augmentation of Maladi Corona, particularly Bahamas-Di-700 secretaries. I have now taken the place of Auto-Wi-Tid Christopher Gustav, who is working with the Ministry of Health to make sure that the program can operate all set-lissy to protect Maladi Corona. Gustav explained that it is necessary for Bahamas-Eco-CPG-AMIC countries to have a bubble program, because there is a 14-year quarantine. It is necessary for Auto-Wi-Tid to continue to make it possible to act as necessary in a fair way to prevent the spread of Maladi Corona. And it is necessary to collaborate with the Ministry of Health. Gustav also said that we thank Kattweeve, this service-touristic country, for the agreement to participate in the program. All the foreigners who have visited this place are able to protect, they are able to get out of any country that has a bubble program and is able to live more than a day in these countries. But all the foreigners who have visited this place are able to get out of the bubble because there is a 14-year quarantine. It is necessary for Kattweeve to have a test, because they are able to take the exam. They are able to test the negative effects of the virus. It is also necessary to have a test if necessary. All the foreigners who have visited this place are able to get out of the bubble because there is a 14-year quarantine. All the foreigners who have visited this place can get out of the bubble because there is a 14-year quarantine. So, all the foreigners who have been visit here have already made their way to their homes, to their homes and to their homes and to their homes. And all foreigners Gwinnard, Guiana, Montserrat, Saint Bartholomew, Saint Kittseck-Nevis, Saint Martin, Saint Eklah-Gwinnardier, Trinidad-Ectobago, Ektx, and Kekers. The non-public services continue to be appalled to pass the exit of the Nippot Kotevai-Tivai. The way of discussion also ends with this one. Officers of the Department of Public Affairs continue to be appalled to pass the exit of the Nippot Kotevai-Tivai-Tivai-Tivai-Tivai. Charles Charles, the Minister of Public Affairs, and the Minister of Public Affairs, continue to be appalled to pass the exit of the Nippot Kotevai-Tivai-Tivai-Tivai. The government wooden drum is banned to pass the exit of the Nippot Kotevai-Tivai-Tivai-Tivai. The way of discussion also ends with this one. The Minister of Public Affairs, the Minister of Public Affairs, ... ... ... ... ... ... We have to find a way to help those who are able to do business in the country. So that we can do business in the country, we need to change the health of our country. So we need to be able to do business in the country so that we can do business in the country. Yes, oil for me is a good investment. Then, in detail, for gasoline, and for gas, LPG comes from a good investment. But, in detail, for diesel, and for gas, even for fuel, if you come to the operation, you come to the operation, then you come to the operation, you come to the operation, then you come to the operation, then you come to the operation, then you come out of the operation, Cylinder, Yon-San-Live, also sold Yon-San for $149 and Yon-San 602 or Yon-San 602 dollars and 3 single-part Cylinder. I can inform the public that there is a lot of announcement under pre-petrol, which is made by Lady, the 31st of May 2020. Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you very much for your time. Thank you for your invitation. I would like to say that I would like to thank you very much for your time. Thank you very much for your time, ladies and gentlemen.