 Welcome to NTA Nightly, I am General Norville, this edition's top stories. The governmental St. Lucia is sparing no effort towards the complete removal of the Leahy Law. St. Lucia commemorates World Day to combat desertification and drought 2021, and the fatherhood and paternal bonds honoured on Father's Day. The U.S. government on 18 June 2021 reinstated assistance to select units within the Royal St. Lucia Police Force, RSLPF. The RSLPF has been excluded from receiving U.S. assistance since the imposition of the Leahy Law in 2013, due to the alleged extrajudicial killings of 12 individuals by members of the police force. The Leahy Law prohibits U.S. funded assistance to units of foreign security forces, while there is credible information implicating that unit in the commission of cross violations of human rights. The State Department Leahy Law, however, includes an exception permitting resumption of assistance to a unit if the Secretary of State determines and reports to Congress that the government of the country is taking effective steps to bring the responsible members of the security forces unit to justice. U.S. Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Linda Taglia-Latela, who announced the resumption of assistance to select units last Friday, explained what is required for the complete removal of the Leahy Law in a country. What the Leahy Law requires is to have a reasonable, supported prosecution, which means that it has to be well documented. There has to be a significant effort to determine if the alleged extrajudicial killings actually took place and who was involved, and is there sufficient evidence to go forward to a trial. There is no requirement that people must be found guilty or convicted of charges. What it means is that there has to be a reasonable and respectable process by which people are held accountable and determined whether, in fact, they have participated or not in a particular activity. So it's up to the DPP to put together his best case or cases. It's up to him to determine and to document those cases that can't move forward because there is insufficient evidence, and from there we can move forward to go back to the United States government and discuss whether this is acceptable under the Leahy Laws and whether we can then remove the restrictions. The governmental St. Lucia remains committed to ensuring the complete removal of the sanctions. Prime Minister the Honourable Alan Shasne explained that the government has been working diligently to ensure just that. He indicated that while the matter rests ultimately with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, the governmental St. Lucia has and will continue to avail the required resources to see the matter through. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the Office of the DPP. I believe that the DPP's Office is doing everything to protect and enshrine the rule of law in St. Lucia. That's his most important aspect. He also has to make sure that justice is served. And justice means that a person is innocent until they're proven guilty. And we do have a process here which is called a corner's inquest, and we have the outcome of all corners inquest on the concerned matters. Four of them, the corner's inquest, ruled that there was no wrongdoing, and we have one corner's inquest which indicates that there requires to be further investigation. The only entity in St. Lucia that can in any way challenge a corner's inquest is the DPP's Office. And that challenge has to come on the basis of evidence. So the DPP has to be satisfied that the evidence that his Office has collected is sufficient to stand up in a court in his challenge to overrule a corner's inquest. Again, it is not my responsibility to be involved in the details of the DPP's investigations. I am satisfied that I have received request on a regular basis for resources, and we have made those resources available to him. I'm hoping that the DPP will make some pronouncement, because I think it's been some time, and that whether he feels he has enough evidence to challenge any of the corners inquest, that's his part. Prime Minister St. Lucia, the Honourable Alan Chastney, speaking there. The Souffre Marine Management Agency and the German Agency for International Development, GEES, formalized technical cooperation at a recently held ceremony. We get the details from Jesse Laos. St. Lucia is one of four small island developing states in the eastern Caribbean to benefit from a German funded project to lay the foundation for the successful introduction of sustainable financing mechanisms for marine protected or managed areas. The Souffre Marine Management Agency, SMMA, is the local beneficiary of this undertaking by the German Agency for International Development, GEES. The project includes maximizing SMMA capabilities to draw down funds from the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and other regional donors, also human capacity building, and drawing up national plans of action. Project manager for the GEES financing program is Dr. Hammond Volcker. He presented an overview of the project during a virtual ceremony to formalize technical cooperation between the SMMA and GEES. Mr. Rikki explained a lot about the revenues that are possible together from tourism, but besides that, and we have seen in the COVID-19 crisis that these are very volatile. So from one day to another, tourism almost went down to zero. So this might not be the only reliable or should not be the only source of revenue for the marine protected areas. This is why we want to support the SMMA in accessing funds from the CBF, the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, or other donors that are active in this region and the sector to diversify the sources of income. During the ceremony, Dr. Volcker was officially welcomed by the Government of St. Lucia through Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Barrymore Felicium. The official wished Dr. Volcker all the best during his tenure on the island and pledged a technical support from the Government in the rollout of this project. We strongly endorse the technical cooperation agreement between GIZ and the SMMA. So that support is there and we'll commit the technical resources to make that possible. There is a need for more robust financing platform to ensure SMMA performance and protection of the marine space. We therefore welcome this initiative. It is timely now. It would have been perhaps even a little better if it had taken place before COVID-19. But now we have it here. We are pleased to have that support and the intervention of GIZ, providing the support for laying the foundation, and it's important for us to make the distinction. We are going to be laying the foundation for a sustainable financing mechanism. This when successful will provide the SMMA with the financial stability required to properly execute its mandate and boost performance. GIZ's support to the SMMA precedes this 2021 Sustainable Marine Financing Program. It is a progression from the Caribbean Aquaturrestrial Solutions Program in its phases one and two that lasted until 2020 supporting marine managed areas with infrastructure and management tools as well as improving climate resilience through systematic resource management. SMMA Executive Chairman Ricky Alexander says the agency looks forward to the continued engagement with GIZ. It is important to note that existing financial contributions are well below requirements and reveal a strong disparity in collection and user payments. All of which affect protected area performance. Establishing sustainable financing for MPAs is thus an essential exercise to help marine protected areas reach its effective management capacity. This is why the formalizing of this important partnership with GIZ is critical as one of the important mechanisms to enhance the sustainability of the SMMA. The German Agency for International Development, GIZ, has been providing support to St. Lucia and the Eastern Caribbean since 2013. It currently works with 120 countries globally and is funded mainly by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. For the Government Information Service, I am Jesse Leos reporting. With the country focused on economic recovery in light of COVID-19 challenges, the importance of supporting local continues to be emphasized in all sectors. NASA stores recently launched a promotional campaign to create greater awareness and visibility of small and medium-sized local manufacturers, who supply its stores as one such example of how this is taking root. The supermarket retailers campaign complements the national initiative of the Ministry of Commerce, which invites the public to love all things in Lucia. With the right support, small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises have the potential to boost economic growth. It is this understanding that spurs mass stores to improve its relationships with this supplier segment with accelerated focus since COVID-19. Rigor Dolls spices a local manufacturer of herbal teas and spice shakers. Ona, Jassin Tarariga Batsas, her company, has been able to grow and leverage various market opportunities over the seven years that she has been working with mass stores. All of the inputs to Rigor Dolls spice come from Herb's indigenous to Saint Lucia and cultivated by the owner herself. Ria Koshes, Swede Lapol, is a locally made skin care line of body butter and a body scrub that comes in a variety of frequencies. While still a relatively small startup, Ona Maria Johnny says the feedback from the public is very encouraging. She is confident that the very good working relationship which she enjoys with Massey and the added visibility from the campaign will help push her small business in a positive direction. Well, this is a very good idea. I mean, you're actually pushing the local people to come out there to do their stuff. And as I said, everybody has talent, everybody can do what they put their mind to do. As long as they put their mind, they can do whatever they can do, don't be afraid. I mean, I'm shy, but whatever you put your trust in, you can make it happen. For those who are now living that want to start their own products, go ahead, start your business like Massey and the government trying to promote it, why not? These two uniquely Saint Lucia products are all natural and can be found at Massey store supermarkets, island wide. From the Government Information Service, I'm Helmete Mark. The Department of Forestry joined hands with the CIBC First Caribbean Bank to commemorate World Day to combat desertification and drought 2021. The 2021 Desertification and Drought Day held on June 17th focused on turning degraded land into healthy land. In an effort to restore ecosystem services and integrate the ecosystem management approach, the Department of Forestry in collaboration with First Caribbean Bank, CIBC, held a tree planting event in Monsito. Assessments carried out by the Department of Forestry provided evidence of over-utilization of resources for livelihoods in the area, which has the potential to result in a loss of resource base. The forest reserve was intentionally cleared for the production of charcoal and planting of agricultural crops. The activities saw the transplanting of approximately 300 trees with an eye toward combating deforestation. Country manager First Caribbean Bank CIBC Saint Lucia, Nigel Olivier, says that this initiative comes at a fitting time as the bank celebrates its 100th year of banking in the Caribbean. We wanted to have something that would be significant and long lasting and something that would contribute to keeping a greener space. And it sort of fitted well with the fact that we have branches throughout the region in all 16 territories and as you know, a branch is also a part of a tree and we thought that that would be a good thing to do. So we decided that let's do some tree planting and so we've done that in all our territories and today here in Saint Lucia and quite frankly I think we're probably going to be the best because I think we have very special partnership in that today sort of fits in with what is happening as a country and then overall with what we're doing as a bank. The event saw many other national agencies and NGOs coming together in solidarity for the cause. Acting chief forestry officer Alouin Donnelly says the tree planting campaign also aims to help raise environmental awareness and shed light on the importance of its protection. The activity here today would bring you know all those stakeholders, all our partners to actually come and plant the tree. So they would actually take the tree and place it in the soil. You know it's not like we planting and they just come in and watch, no they actually come in to plant and that is also significant because you know that kind of activity can be replicated, could be done you know in other places. They can come back in the next three to six months you know and see the progress you know of what their own work, you know their own labor, they could come back and see it. And in that way you know when you know people are engaged you know in that way and doing the practical work themselves, I mean sometimes there is greater value you know that they place on the resources seat. Mr Donnelly encourages the public to continue to adhere to regulations put in place by the Department of Forestry as the forest reserve and protected forest systems of the country are intended to perform essential functions such as safeguarding and regulating the island's water supply and preventing soil erosion and landslides. The spotlight was placed on the role of a father in the family setting and his importance to society as St. Lucia joined the rest of the world in celebrating Father's Day on Sunday 20th June 2021. On a special edition of the program Issues and Answers aired on the National Television Network NTN, host Dr Barry Innocent and Dr Emmanuel McLaurin engage in a fruitful discussion on the father's influence on the holistic development of a child. Dr Emmanuel McLaurin, family counselor and Bishop at the Bethel Tabernacle Empowerment Center believes that fathers are to provide a sense of security, acceptance and belonging to the life of his child or ward. Because Barry one of the things we've learned in our as we deal with consulate that if the father's role is not proper within the home and the child does not learn how to relate to a father it becomes difficult to relate to God as the father. And you have found that because if they had a bad fathering process in the home so they see God from the same light of that father and so sometimes they seem as creator but they cannot receive him as father. So the father role is very very important that they understand that in their role they must be there as a father with all the sufficient confidence and and building them, guiding them, leading them, spending time with them and really leading them now spiritually. Dr Barry Innocent indicated that the Department of Gender Relations has seen an increase in participation from father figures in the life of their children. A welcomed development. The Gender Relations Department they were telling me through the director there she was telling me that it has been reported that lately they actually said there seem to be a shift in the behavior of a lot of fathers. She was saying that the schools are reporting that you have more fathers not more than modern, modern, but more than usual. Your fathers attending PTA meetings, visiting the teachers, your fathers dropping their children at preschools and daycare carrying them like I said. And she said to me that there seemed to be an improved sense of responsibility in fathers in the way they perform their role and having an integral part in the life of the child. Fathers are encouraged to engage in positive communication with their children and to make a conscious effort to raise their children to become productive members of society. This is NTN Nightly, up next Primers Hutchingston with the NTN Nouvelle Aquial. Mom, you okay there? Doc said I need to make better choices to get my high blood pressure under control. He said I need to watch the salt. I think he meant you need to do things like read the nutrition facts on the back of food packages. These labels are so hard to understand. Why can't they be simpler? They could be if our leaders adopt the warning labels that are shaped like a stop sign on the front of the food packages. Wishful thinking my dear. No mommy, it's not. Caricorm leaders are currently voting on whether or not they want to introduce them. These labels will make it easier for mom and mom, you and even me to tell when packaged foods are high amounts of sugar, fats and salts. He's right. Eating too much of sugars, fats and salts is linked to obesity and non-communicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancers. Leading causes of death in the Caribbean. You know, mom is not the only one who needs to watch what she eats. Us children are at risk too. We're basically drinking ourselves sick. Now last deal, you need to wear gloves. Caribbean leaders can make a real difference. Now more than ever, we need them to step up. Now more than ever, we need better labels so we can make better choices for better health. This message was brought to you by the St. Lucia Cancer Society in association with the Healthy Caribbean Coalition. Welcome back. We join Primers Hutchinson for the NTN Neufel. Caposito Neufel, a quail visitor. Primers Hutchinson. Export St. Lucia. Jametissipoi des organizations femmes qui engagent un agricole à cette liste, ça y est allomé Helen's Daughters. Mecudilly says, j'ai 2020. Chef officier ex-executif pour export St. Lucia, Sonita Daniel, s'y ayant agrément des bonnes compagnes et puis chef Helen's Daughters, Mamzelle Keflin-Kerou, organization Helen's Daughters, qui a embrassé un spécial objectif pour bailler femmes dans cette commune pays cette liste, capacité pour bâtir et accroir l'habilité économique. Alors, organization j'ai établi un initiative pour indiquer et renforcer efforts femmes cette liste avec les jeunesse pour essayer pour fuir une production avec recolle qui y a recolté. Par conséquence, export St. Lucia, qui a supporté, indiqué et facilité pour du local pouvant un autre pays. Organization a aussi avancé efforts pour cimer effomations concernées manières et pour y vendre pour du soleur place original et international. Et pour essayer de s'y faire fouiller et chercher une époche de l'occasion pour aider jeunesse-fee, madame, et qu'a pas dit ça. Organization Helen's Daughters pour m'en forcer habilité et pour voir économiques. D'il y a un sérum d'Essie Attisala, qui est passé chef Helen's Daughters, Mme Zelle Kechflin-Kerou, par les opportuns collaborations salaires, il fait qu'au point de guider les opportuns collaborations particuliers en secteur agricole pour aider monde qui place nos besoins principalement les jeunesse et femmes, Mme Zelle Kechflin-Kerou, qui a initié tout ça qui a ouvert et ont conchimé pour femmes églégiennes qui participaient en plein programme pour vendre pour du soleur place original ici. C'est le chef expert Saint-Louis, Mme Zelle Sonnet Daniel. Agency l'a déjà examiné mes façons pour aider pour ces programmes Helen's Daughters d'ouvre. Mme Zelle Daniel, déclaré avec qui, pour avoir une organisation femme agricole salaire, c'est un mape-bipouge, particulièrement femme qui est engagée en agricole en sébitation celle-ci. Daniel déclaré qui. En parmi ces agences-là, ça y est qu'à effet, c'est pour ouvrir chemin pour Helen's Daughters trouver la place neuf pour vendre pour du ex-service hors de celle-ci à leur payer. À commencer là, c'est pour délaner côté export Saint-Louis et pour tuer développement, business, agricole, étonnement et club activité pour pousser avec agonie pour du agricole et femme et génifique à produit. À celle-ci. Viens institutes qui qu'à assister pour renforcer bonnes liçons exportées pour gamme éducation. À celle-ci, ça y est l'au-mai. Effective Learning Institute qui a aidé principalement la famille qui inibuisait assistance à Daniel Haudiguay. C'est un mape-bipouge grand organisation qui établiera un pays Saint-Kitts. Much like Haudiguay. À celle-ci, avoir conduit de l'édividie qui travaille un système d'éducation payier ou un belterre. Ça c'est Peter Arneus. Institution pour aider pour ces éducations, à celle-ci, qu'assister s'offer l'école qui sortit à la famille, qui peuvent épiler l'école, uniforme, assistance finance, l'agent pour payer transportation. Partier commission et l'assistance qui décesse pour gamme éducation. Attention, c'est pour Gwansi Pohsala qu'il faut écoager plus m'mai pour développer le plus fort à l'école et pour ne quitter l'école à valer. Selon coordinateur pour gamme non Peter Arneus, il faut faire un grand effort pour réduire la source de l'éducation m'mai qui peut attirer ces pour continuer l'éducation à l'école. Arneus déclarait qu'il n'y a plus pas capables pour fournir m'ma et puis dégrer assistance l'école et puis tout nécessiter qu'il y a eu mérité. Alors, si ça a établi ces diverses assistances pour s'offer l'école avec la famille. Arneus dit aussi, principal objectif là c'est pour placer la famille ex-enfant à de la meille position pour s'offer m'ma et s'offer pour trouver l'éducation. Pierre Staflavius, qui est Wisconsin pour s'offer l'école ch'a trouvé et qui a continué de trouver support pour l'éducation salare. If I'm a appell pour public la longie y'en est ch'a été tab pour me c'est Arneus l'éducation m'ma la oui commandé pour assistance. Parce que tout ça c'est pour aider m'ma l'école et puis par un y'au qui pleine buiser assistance. Existition de assistance d'éducation salare ch'a collaboré puis magazine Marrage initiative-là pour assister les plus pauvres la famille exerfaillant qu'il a assisté l'école. Bureau des affaires électorales, c'est leci Pavley, Citroen, Pierre, Nytrope, Maltet qui vous souvient assistance, Haud, Bureau handling de l'éducation pour cut ideal. Assistant chef and department électual Alain Filanel déclare qu'il les officiers, Bureau qui a commencé visiter pléziative court commun, eq powers a c'est leci pour protuer service de l'éducation salare. So, Nouteni, Détroit Saint Couté, Noutekavini, Noutekalia, Diffo, Komen, Nufedetwattamiku, Nutekafeli, Weekend, Dimash, XMD, Nufemiku, Nufei, Belvi, Atchon, Mokonukapale, Nukafeli, Weekend, Naswazei. Okay. Exemmounsatika, Service, because lot, As it is la voire, dese un grand chef a departement electoral, as it is si madame Elimphir Alayana, Alexa, Kossano, Watumabutu, Nufella, Makawe, Monsieur Ota, Pukagade, Makawe, Invitation, Pujolevimoa Kossidi, Kosavelavi, Tengai Puzetowalot, Nouvelle, Aqueyala Puzet, Makawe Puzetowu, Channel. Merci Opil Primus. That brings us to the end of NTN Nightly. Join us next time at 7pm, with a repeat at 7am. You can also catch up with us anytime on the St. Lucia Government Facebook page or YouTube channel. I am General Norvel.