 Welcome to NTN Nightly. I am Genelle Norville. This edition stops stories. The Ministry of Health and Wellness provides an update in its investigation. Corporate entities continue to support the fight against COVID-19. And the newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador eager to take on her new role. St. Lucia's second largest travel market is again open for business, having been closed since March 23 when the country's borders were shut. The reintroduction of British airways to the island is another positive sign for the tourism industry. The UK market is a significant contributor to St. Lucia's visitor rivals and St. Lucia continues to be a destination of choice. We hear more about that as Anisia Antoine begins our broadcast. Another important tourism market has opened its doors to St. Lucia. The arrival of British airways just about 2.48pm at the Uranora International Airport on Sunday, July 26 has sparked yet another positive sign for the tourism industry. The UK market is St. Lucia's second largest market following the USA. 270 visitors and nationals disembarked the aircraft with 65 transiting to St. Vincent. The remaining 205 made their way to Anisia Station where they are required to sanitize hands and have their temperatures checked prior to entry. They also went through additional screening prior to advancing to immigration and customs. Since the arrival of the first commercial flight on July 9, Port Health authorities have been enforcing and adhering to the strict protocols in place for travel to the island. The St. Lucia tourism authority worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep the destination top of mind and remind the travel in public of the protocols that must be observed when visiting St. Lucia. People of St. Lucia, they continue to be very anxious about the flights in the markets that are opening but I just want to take this opportunity to again assure them that we are doing everything possible to keep them safe and to make calculated, measured and very strategic decisions as we look at the opening of tourism. I want to make it absolutely clear that their health is first and foremost but at the same time we also welcome the UK flights. This is really the commencement of the second largest market for tourism and I think it bodes well for the first phase of the opening of St. Lucia. So I welcome British airways again and I welcome the opening of the UK market but we continue to open and be, I would say, cautiously optimistic. To celebrate the reintroduction of British airways, two lucky families were gifted on arrival. Your fabulous family has just won four nights, including breakfast in a one bedroom villa at the gorgeous Wind Jammer Landing Villa Beach Resort. How are you feeling? Great. Talk to me. I am going alone. Welcome home. What if I told you you just won four nights at the Bay Gardens Beach Resort but next time. Oh wow, that's fantastic. Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me? Okay, my flight was good. Really good. We were treated. Yeah, we always travel on Virgin but this is the first time obviously Virgin's not flying, we've travelled on British airways and we were treated really well, very friendly staff. As per usual protocol, locals and visitors alike are required to follow all regulations in St. Lucia as failure to do so could result in stringent penalties including the return of visitors to the jurisdiction of origin at own expense. The arrival of British airways is the first flight from the UK since the closure of the borders on March 23 and will set the tone for other commercial carriers from that market. With the tourism industry on the rebound health and safety is paramount during the pilot phase. Travelers to St. Lucia are reminded to pre-register prior to arrival by visiting www.saintluxia.org slash COVID-19. For the government of St. Lucia, I am Anisia Antoine reporting. St. Lucia as of the 26th of July 2020 has recorded a total of 24 COVID-19 cases. 22 of these cases have fully recovered and two patients remain in care at the respiratory hospital and remain stable. A total of 2,927 tests have been conducted to date. The Ministry of Health and Wellness sends the indication of St. Lucia National who travelled to St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Sunday July 19, 2020, testing positive for COVID-19 has undergone intense contact tracing, screening and testing of all possible contacts in relation to this case. Dr. Sharon Belmar George is the chief medical officer in the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The family, close friends and work colleagues of the individual have been tested and placed in quarantine. None of the contacts of the individual including family, friends and employees have developed symptoms. On Friday, July 24, 2020, a total of 197 test results were received and on Sunday, July 26, 2020, a total of 133 samples were also processed. The total of 330 results were all negative. These include the contacts of the case and other samples as per usual. Based on our review on the weekend, there are only four outstanding contacts to be tested today. As we continue with the phasory opening of the country, the risk of introduction of COVID-19 is increased. We expect and we anticipate to manage cases. The public is advised that all of the protocols are still in place including the reduced numbers for public transportation and protocols for private public sector establishments. These also include the use of face masks in public and the maintenance of safe physical distancing from others. Dr. Sharon Belma, George Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Corporate entities have continued to show their support to the COVID-19 response. Massistors and Digicel have both been instrumental in supporting the organization of the Caribbean States OECS with the procurement of five ventilators and 60,000 articles of personal protective equipment for the Commission's private sector partnership against COVID-19 initiative. St. Lucia accepted its share of equipment in a virtual handing over ceremony on Monday 27th July. Jesse Leos has the details. St. Lucia is the recipient of two of five ventilators procured by the OECS Commission thanks to a generous monetary donation by Massi Stores. The supermarket chain responded quickly and favorably to the Commission's request when it launched the private sector partnership against COVID-19 fundraiser initiative. In a symbolic handover to St. Lucia's Ministry of Health and Wellness, Massi's managing director, Martin Dorville, reaffirmed his support in the region's COVID-19 fight. Long before the crisis peaked, we were very well aware that we had to play a major national part, a national role in providing that support and more so to the health sector. So when Dr. Jules asked, he would tell you it was with very little time lag that we were able to see, yes, to $100,000 US dollars in support of the cause. From the five ventilators purchased, St. Lucia and Dominica will receive two each while St. Vincent and the Grenadines will receive one. Additional ventilators have already been procured from other funding sources and are en route to the region. 60,000 articles of personal protective equipment will be distributed to nine member states, including St. Lucia, courtesy Digicel. The telecommunications provider was the second private entity to commit to a monetary donation to the OECS commission towards the COVID-19 fight. So we need our pleasure to have partnered with the OECS as part of our COVID response. Over the last few months, we've been working with the governments across the region in terms of their priorities, health and education. Coming together with the OECS, we realized that across the region, we needed a collaboration and a collective response. And PPE has been one of the things that the frontline workers needed the most. We decided that we would contribute to that and we do hope that this goes along the way within the nine departments, the nine countries. And we remain committed in our response and are working together with the governments. So thank you so much for being a partner with us. Thank you. That was Siobhan James Alexander, Chief Executive Officer of Digicel St. Lucia. Jenny Daniel, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, accepted both donations on behalf of the government and people of St. Lucia. Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Monstrat, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kits and Nevis, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada will also receive a share of the Digicel-funded PPEs. Within a fortnight, the OECS Commission managed to mobilize US $700,000 through its private sector partnership against COVID-19 initiative. This fundraiser emerged from the Sustainable Development Movement in 2020 that is guided by a rigorous private sector engagement strategy. But it is interesting that our private sector in the OECS has responded despite the hit to them in the ways in which they have. And I think that is where we ground our appreciation to partners like Masse and Digicel who've come forward because whereas multinationals far larger than they have are asking for bailouts to the tune of trillions, here they are suffering equally from to COVID but assisting in every way possible to make this thing happen. The OECS Commission handover of COVID-19 equipment was held at the GIS Studios during the NTN morning update. For the Government Information Service, I am Jesse Leance reporting. The Government of St. Lucia has deferred the enactment of the Styrofoam and Plastic Food Service Containers Prohibition Act. In 2019, the Government in Parliament presented a phased approach to reducing single-use plastic inclusion. The initiative is necessary for the effective management of plastic pollution in the country while addressing the health side effects associated with some of the food containers being utilized on a daily basis. The initiative is being introduced in two phases with the first phase having been enacted on August 1, 2019. This phase supports a ban on the importation of all Styrofoam and selected single-use plastic food service containers. However, stakeholders indicate that the transition is proven difficult. Details in this report. Following consultation among the Department of Sustainable Development, other relevant agencies and stakeholders, stakeholders indicated that they faced several challenges in the first phase of the legislation and anticipated further hindrances in their ability to move into phase two. Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Honourable Dr. Gail Brigabert, indicated that the challenges already confronting stakeholders were further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and all these issues are being taken into consideration. Mr. Speaker, remaining cognizant of the progress we have made with this initiative and mindful of the concerns that stakeholders have brought to the floor for consideration, I therefore present to you and fellow parliamentarians a request to amend the Styrofoam bill as stated in the document before us to allow for the following and that is one, or these are one, the continued use of items in Part A until July 31st, 2021, to the restriction on the manufacturing, sale distribution and use of items prohibited in Part A of the Act as of August 1st, 2021 and thirdly, the ban on the importation of items listed in Part B of the Act as of August 1st, 2021. The restriction on manufacturing, sale distribution and use of these items were asking that that be effective August 1st, 2022. So in summary, Mr. Speaker, we are extending the dates in each case by one year. Phase two was scheduled to commence on August 1, 2020. Phase two supports a restriction of the manufacturing, sale distribution and use of items prohibited in Phase 1. Phase two also supports a ban on the importation of other single-use plastic food service containers inclusive of disposable plastics, bowls, knives, forks, straws and hinge takeaway containers to name a few with a later ban on the manufacturing, sale distribution and the use of the said items. Honourable Dr. Rigabet indicated that the government is cognizant of the difficulties confronting all sectors during these unprecedented times and as such has made provisions with a view of alleviating the challenges. We want to assure the public that we are not just concerned about protecting the environment but also with safeguarding their livelihoods because of the cost of the alternative items the prices for meals have increased in some cases by as much as $3 and we've heard that cry Mr. Speaker. It will therefore be remiss of me to not at this time reference a recently approved cabinet memo that seeks to secure a 100% waiver of import duties on all biodegradable, compostable and plant-based food service containers. We believe Mr. Speaker that this will bring much relief to entrepreneurs, restauranteurs and of course our consumers. Parliament approved the Styrofoam and Plastic Food Service Containers Prohibition Act No. 22 of 2019 in June 2019 and the act was enacted on the 1st of August 2019. The Governmental St. Lucia has appointed Alternative International Musician Claudia Edward Lander as St. Lucia's newest Goodwill Ambassador. The Goodwill Ambassadors Program acts as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation in all sectors related to the creative arts and the industries that they support. The US Ambassador is eager to take on her new role. We hear more from Anisia Antoine. The Governmental St. Lucia has appointed Alternative International Musician, Claudia Edward Lander as its newest Goodwill Ambassador. The objective of the Goodwill Ambassadors Program is to serve as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation in all sectors related to the creative arts and the industries that they support. The Goodwill Ambassadors Program consists of citizens of St. Lucia who have achieved international acclaim and are able to leverage it for the benefit of the country. The Minister in the Ministry of Tourism Information and Broadcasting, Culture and Creative Industries with responsibility for Culture and Creative Industries Senator Honourable Fortuner, Belle Rose, noted that the appointment of the Goodwill Ambassadors has already begun to bear fruit. We found some of those very good people in the society to be a part of us. Quite a few of them have already delivered substantial projects to St. Lucia. I know for a fact we have people like Jali Mudevik who is working steadfastly, grew globally and dealing with a number of artists, world-renowned artists, who of course I think in his case there will be one artist coming in to St. Lucia very shortly will make the announcement and of course making a presentation to the Government of St. Lucia. We have Mr. Ken Cittoli who lives in Canada but has been a philanthropist and providing quite a bit of support to us, particularly around medical supplies and also the disabled persons in the society. We also have Tajwiks, everybody know a musician and philanthropists as well doing great work in community across St. Lucia. The newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador, Claudia Edward Ladner is a Caribbean gem and a household name in St. Lucia. She is very popular with the Asian continents especially in Thailand where she does her annual jazz circuit. Claudia has performed in the USA, Europe, Asia and the entire Caribbean. Ms. Edward Ladner has played star roles in a Canadian Lifetime TV and a Caribbean film. Senator Honourable Bellrose explained that Claudia is being recognised not only for her international achievements but for the work she has done through her charity-based organisation Edward for Education. Claudia has been a global singer as well. She sings across the world but more importantly for us when we look at the work that she is doing particularly here in St. Lucia with respect to our schools and our students. I think it's something that needs to be given greater recognition. She's been able to build a theatre. I'm not sure how many St. Lucia Ambassadors have built a theatre within a school so she's been able to work with a school to develop a theatre. She's been able to work with the Corinth Secondary School to be able to develop a lab, a sick lab for the children and of course in the case of the Ave Maria School she's been able to work with them to develop a learning centre. So that's the kind of work you want to recognise and that's the kind of acknowledgement you want to give to persons who are giving back. Ms. Edward Ladner plans to undertake a number of activities and projects geared at benefiting the youth of St. Lucia. With this new appointment I think it will open more doors for me to continue the work that I'm doing and even for me it would be a pleasure working with other Ambassador, Goodwill Ambassadors to even do greater bigger projects in the future. Currently 12 St. Lucians are appointed under the Goodwill Ambassadors programme. From the Government Information Service I am Anisia Antoine reporting. With all that's happening around us simple adjustments are necessary to keep us all safe. When calling 9-1-1 we may need a little more information to deploy the right personnel and protocols. You may be asked about your travel history signs and symptoms, contact and movement history and whether others in your household are exhibiting similar symptoms. Please be patient and cooperative during this time to ensure you receive the best possible care while keeping our first responders safe. Welcome back. We now join Prime Minister Hutchinson for the NTN Nouvelle of Quiole. Thank you very much, General. Mr. Prime Minister of Quinoa University, I would like to inform the Government of St. Luci, that is GIS, and the National Television of NTN, that this is the Nouvelle of Quiole, that is Prime Minister Hutchinson. After enjoying the quality under the coronavirus like all the other countries in the world, I would like to thank you for allowing me to share with you the experience I had during this time of being able to speak English since I was 26 years old. The British Airways had a trip to Eropa, Gatwick, which was the first time that I spoke English. I would like to thank you for allowing me to speak English. I would like to thank you and I would like to please be satisfied to know that the activities that you have been doing for the past few years have been very good for the export. I would like to thank you for the opportunity for the service that you have been able to provide for the past few years to continue to provide assistance for the export. I would like to thank you for your service for the Mangle Trading Naila Mangle. I would like to remind you that the most difficult experience during this time was to address three disappointments. One is the people who bought the language to receive it. The other is the people who received the money to receive it. The other is the people who took the video for the business and saw it in operation again. Naila Mangle is a young girl who is involved in a business that can find good benefits for the export. She has done research to buy the language for the export. She has done research to buy the language for the export. She has done research to buy the language for the export. We have a lot of problems with the export. We have a lot of problems with the export. In the meantime, we have always had the money to buy the language and that is also an opportunity to continue to continue to provide good quality of use to the imported people. I would like to thank all of you who have been to and start a business. Because we don't have a place there. For example, it's affected because we don't have a place there. There are a lot of people there. So when we open a business, we have to consider the business, the quality of the business that we do. And we have to practice, work in the business, and we have to practice the business that we do. That's important. So we know that in the development sector here, I have to move forward. That's why the law, that's why we have to work together to make a response to each of these problems that we face. In the development sector, we have to think about the public law. Then in the development sector, I have to put a lot of pressure on the public to develop their business. The discussion about public law and public information has to be linked. I am going to ask the Chief Office of the Government, Mr. Pak Ragnanan, to explain the necessary needs to visit these jobs available and be able to look at government money to establish a arrangement that is equal to all. I don't complain about it because it's not just about the past. But I've had it. I've been doing it for years. I've had it for a while now. I'm going to go buy it. A lot of complaints about this are I don't complain about animals. I don't think it's animal packs, it's not the ones that are on the internet, it's not the ones that care about animals. So he gave me a lot of money, and we had a lot of complaints about the animals, the pigs, and the dogs. The dogs were often destroyed. So he gave me a lot of money to clean the place up. We had a lot of complaints about that. We had complaints about a lot of the people who sprayed the machine. We had complaints about the people who did the massage. The dogs were not allowed to work, the cows were also sprayed with the massage. We had complaints about the people who had the chemical. It's a complaint that the government has to put in place a glow, a glow of septic tank, a glow of cuisine, and a glow of agave. It's a complaint that the government has to put in place a lot of problems, a lot of money, a lot of what? It's a problem that affects the world. According to Ragnanon, the department has found more than 600 complaints every year about the various public health situations. There are also complaints about the amount of money that is paid to the department to address these health situations. In addition to these health issues, it is a problem to record other situations that are caused by certain people. In the past week, the police officers who worked in the city of Kastri have been following the study to help them communicate effectively. Ugobsala, who has been working for you for three days, was in collaboration with the Minister of Justice and Director of the Government, who is working with the fellow just public. He is the assistant officer of Ugobsala, Mrs. Stephen Brett. He also participated in the study to address the issues of the organization. Mrs. Lemare for Vilkastri, Peterson Francis, who is an officer who has served her country quite well. It is an achievement that is possible for these police officers, the Vilkastri, who are more capable of developing a good attitude and a better way to complete work in the former department. Mrs. Francis has been working for the future of the organization, which has led to several degrees of investigation to make sure that the situation is safe among the people. The responsibility of these police officers, Mrs. Francis, is to keep Vilkastri well protected. Thank you very much, Mr. Otter, for taking care of us. I would like to invite you to join us again, if you have any questions, you can ask us in the comments below. Thank you very much, Mr. General. General Norville.