 Welcome to NTIA Nightly, I am Genelle Norville. This edition stops stories. St. Lucia's newest investment to employ 750 persons by the first quarter of 2021. The Ministry of Equity to roll out public assistance packages by month end. And St. Lucia is ranked among the world's best by the renowned travel and leisure magazine. Hundreds of St. Lucia's are to gain employment as the latest investment company to the island, Itel BPO, opens up for business. The COVID-19 pandemic has left no economy untouched. Having changed the way business is conducted the world over, many have indicated that it is not all bad as new opportunities have surfaced. Founder and Chairman of Itel BPO Ioni Epstein said this rings true for the business, which is one of the Caribbean's largest home-grown business process outsourcers offering management solutions. He noted that the business is now able to commit to some 750 jobs by the first quarter of 2021. The pandemic indicated has made evident to clients that they must diversify their vendors and locations. And as such, they have asked that Itel BPO put some of their businesses in St. Lucia. The clients include one telecommunications company for which training has already commenced to create some 150 jobs, two retail giants with training to begin in August, and another telecommunications company looking to commence before the end of 2020. We have more looking to reap the benefits and the opportunities here in St. Lucia and we're expecting big things. But we know that the St. Lucia team can achieve these big things because I've seen it before and I know that with the support of the government and the local private sector, all is well. As a global business, we must think globally and so must St. Lucia. Together, we will welcome new business and enhance our operational capabilities and connect people all over the world through technology and the warmth of the St. Lucia people. We'll work together to build economic prosperity and play a role in the new post COVID world. Today marks the beginning of a shared journey to realize this vision. Minister for Commerce, Industry, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs Honourable Bradley Felix describes the opening of ITEL BPO in St. Lucia as an important milestone that represents a new phase in view for its development and the economic advancement of St. Lucia as a whole. The minister noted that the trickle-down benefits will be felt throughout the various sectors as the government continues to take the necessary steps to develop St. Lucia, improving the lives of all citizens. Local providers of telecom, electricity, water and other technical services also stand to benefit tremendously from ITEL BPO's investment here. It is through collaboration and the innovations and investments of progressive companies like ITEL BPO that the government can take meaningful steps in shaping the ambitious economic policies that we believe are crucial at this time. It is a strategic long-term commitment meant to transform the whole economy and also to harness the opportunities presented by emergent technologies and new industries. Partnership between business and government is vital if we want to make St. Lucia the best place in the region to start or grow your business. Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Invest St. Lucia, Roderick Sherry, indicated that extensive research has gone into the sector to determine how St. Lucia could benefit. The addition of ITEL BPO according to the CEO brings Invest St. Lucia closer to achieving its goal of 3000 BPO seats by 2020. Invest St. Lucia aims to secure 5000 seats by 2021. We firmly believe that St. Lucia has the capacity to tap into the global BPO sector and we intend to work even harder at boosting those job numbers by attracting more investors to our shores in 2021 and beyond. One of our major strategies has been facilitating BPO investments from start to finish and assisting existing ones to expand. ISL also promotes St. Lucia vigorously as an ideal location for BPO by continuously reaching out to prospective investors, attending international conferences and trade shows and inviting investors to experience St. Lucia for themselves, its culture and business environment. All of this has helped to spur growth in our BPO sector. Currently, we have seven different BPO companies operating locally. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on the 15th of July 2020 in Viewfort where the business has established its base. The OECS Commission and Republic Bank Eastern Caribbean have given 30 entrepreneurs from the region an unprecedented opportunity to connect with global investors. They are doing so through a business model competition which forms part of the sustainable development movement. We get the details in this report. The genius of an idea is how resilient that idea is and its resilience derives from what I call the four A's. Its applicability, its adaptability, its agility and its affordability. Dr. Didikus Jules, the director general of the OECS Commission, spearheaded the virtual launch of the SDM business model competition which involves 30 young entrepreneurs from the Caribbean region. Republic Bank Limited is among the lead sponsors for the business model competition. Managing director Michelle Palmer-Kaiser said the organization had little hesitation in supporting such a timely and worthwhile initiative which is in keeping with the bank's well-established focus on small business. It was a priority for us when times were better and it is more so now in these times of challenge and opportunity. The 30 qualifiers were announced virtually. They represent a range of business ideas from skincare to agro processing, green energy, the creative sector, digital and social media marketing. The feature at presenter during the launch was Paul Outstrom, managing director and co-founder of Outer Ventures and Outer Growth Capital. Falling in love with the problem, not your product. And if you fall in love with the problem that creates a compass for you to go create a great product. If you fall in love with your product, you're blinded to feedback and you can't see the world clearly. Dr. Diddickus-Jew says the business model competition through the sustainable development movement aims to position Caribbean entrepreneurs as major players in the development of the region. The genius of an idea ultimately lies not in its conception but in its execution and in the legacy that it leaves. We anticipate that the SDM will create that legacy. The 30 entrepreneurs chosen for the business model competition will undergo eight weeks of capacity building. This is a coachable moment wherein we can give entrepreneurs a viable advantage through teaching and learning, experience and exposure, trial and error. For them to be in the best position to make the most of the opportunities that exist now as well as those that will arise in the future. These 30 entrepreneurs chosen from a field of 170 applicants will compete for up to 20,000 US dollars in prizes and participate in a pitch room to be hosted by Damon John, star of ABC's Shark Tank and president of the Shark Group from the Government Information Service. The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Local Government and Empowerment is preparing for the rollout of the public assistance packages by July ending. As we hear from Anisia Antoine, the ministry has direct responsibility for several of the social stabilization programs that form part of the recently unveiled Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan. The Government of St Lucia has unveiled the Economic Resilience Plan, budgeted at 576 million dollars, that focuses on stimulating the local economy, protecting livelihoods and supporting the vulnerable. The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Local Government and Empowerment is concerned with issues pertaining to social protection and is responsible for the public assistance program under the Resilience Plan. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Local Government and Empowerment, Velda Joseph explained that the ministry has been successful in negotiating with donor partners and it is anticipated that a number of initiatives will begin to roll out this month. Ms Joseph also noted that with the current economic situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of applications for support and assistance is rapidly increasing. We have currently about 2,600 households and the intention is to expand that by 1,000 households, so up to 3,600 households. That was already in the plan as part of the Human Capital Resilience project which really looks at social protection in general and how we reform our social protection landscape. But we have decided to advance that component because of the urgency and the current environment that we're in. As part of that process, we are also looking at a recertification process which was also a part of the Human Capital Resilience project. So all of the 26,600 households that we have on the program right now, we are running them through our newly approved eligibility instrument. The eligibility instrument is an electronic based tool using data collected from assessments such as the country poverty assessment. Tansia Tusa, Deputy Director of Social Transformation explained that other avenues have been created for individuals who may not qualify to receive assistance via the program. We partner with a lot of agencies and with a lot of other government agencies or other donor agencies that may decide, okay, I'm throwing in this or I'm giving you a subsidy here. I'm giving you some food baskets or food hampers to help here. Or we may be able to refer them to the Red Cross, to the Salvation Army, to Nemo or to other agencies. We have a very broad network and when somebody comes depending on the needs, it may be psychosocial needs, it may just be that they need to see a counselor or they just need to speak to someone. We can refer them. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Local Government and Empowerment gave a breakdown on the measures being put in place to develop a graduation strategy for individuals benefiting from the public assistance program. We don't believe people should remain where they are. We're not helping them to change, we're not helping them to build resilience if we just sustain their current living conditions. And so we've been looking at programs such as TVET, programs under the Bell Fund such as Microenterprise, or other programs that would allow them to be able to graduate from public assistance. And that's where we headed. Under the Kudme program of the SSDF, that is already the intention. So there are a number of pillars that are being supported and once you've been able to meet all of these, you are graduated of that. Now as Ms. Tussin mentioned, you can be referred to another program because you have not quite met one of your pillars or you still need some food assistance but you're not under the core program. For more information concerning the public assistance program, persons are asked to contact the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Local Government and Empowerment at 468-5108. From the Government Information Service, I am Anisia Antoine reporting. Fresh off the heels of the reintroduction of commercial aviation services to the island, St. Lucia has been awarded a title of prestigious honour by the world-renowned National US Travel Magazine, Travel and Leisure. Destinations in Lucia now ranks at number 17 in the top 25 islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas. In 2020, hundreds or thousands of readers voted in the magazine's annual survey, sharing their thoughts on favourite hotels, islands, tour operators and more. The Travel and Leisure World's Best Awards is a leading barometer of the places and companies that satisfy some of the most passionate and discerning travelers. Three St. Lucia and Accommodation properties were also named in the category of top 25 resort hotels in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas. Jade Mountain ranks at number 9, Cap Maison number 12 and Anne Shastney number 21. In addition, Body Holiday was rated number 4 in the top 5 international spars category. With current global changes to the travel landscape, the SLTA and the Ministry of Tourism continue to work in tandem with local health authorities to ensure the health and safety of visitors and its inclusion communities. COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed the world and here in St. Lucia, we are just in our way of life to the new normal. For instance, this time last year, St. Lucia was hyped on Carnival celebrations. However, this year, the cultural showpiece has been postponed. Heres Jesse Leos. No mass, no time off. Carnival Monday and Tuesday would have fallen on the 20th and 21st of July 2020 had it not been postponed due to effects of the coronavirus. On these two days, the workforce from both public and private sector would have enjoyed a time off to facilitate their participation in the cultural festival, the full day Monday and half day Tuesday in most cases. Since the event will not be staged next week, the government has determined there is no basis to give this leave to public servants. People would appreciate and understand that because of all of the adjustments, the disruptions that we've had to make because of COVID, as a nation, both in the public and the private sector, I think we would want to maximize the opportunities we have to regain some of the productivity lost as a result of those adjustments. And because of this, it will not be necessary nor, we think, prudent to actually be given time off for the participation in an activity that is not actually taking place. The private sector also shares this view. Brian Luisi, Executive Director of the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, reminds the employees in the private sector that Carnival Monday and Tuesday were not public holidays to begin with, but rather time off granted to staff to facilitate and encourage their participation in the festivity. Since there will be no carnival celebrations this year for very obvious reasons, they will therefore be no need to give people time off to participate in an activity that will not be taking place. And so I wish to remind the public and employees that there will be no holiday, it has never been a holiday, and there's always been time off granted by the business community to the staff to participate in carnival celebrations. Back in March, the Government of St. Lucia postponed Carnival 2020 to July 2021 after stakeholders agreed that the global environment was then still highly unpredictable and that nothing should be done which would compromise local efforts at containment. The Government pledges its support for future displays of the island's premier cultural festival. We expect that God's will in next year, once we are back in a post-COVID environment, we should be able to get back to a place where, as a country, as a nation, rather, we give support to such an important national event. For the Government Information Service, I am Jess Leons reporting. And this is NTIA Knightly, up next, Primers-Hudgingston with the NTIA Nouvelle-Aquiol. In an effort to ensure patient and first responder safety, the St. Lucia Fire Service has reviewed its patient transfer procedures, especially for patients with respiratory distress. Face masks will be provided. At no time during transportation should the face mask be removed. 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 join Primers-Hudgingston for the NTIA Nouvelle-Aquiol. M. Ota Genel, M. D. Padma, University of West Coast Ability for Information. The Government S. T. L. C. G. I. S. and NTIA Nouvelle-Aquiol, Primer's-Hudgingston. We are a company in West Coast Ability to assist businesses with diverse activities, and the facilities of the service, particularly in other countries, are officially open to the public. I. T. L. B. P. O. K. N. Capacitia to offer a service that differs from K. N. Capacitia to employ more than 700 employees in the Greek business, which is a small business like that, because it is a pub to offer Greek-Service Salah in the region and internationally. D. M. C. O. M. O. O. O. C. K. N. Capacitia to offer a business Salah to O. G. G. I. T. B. P. O. Johnny Emstein, Declareki, company in the Zell-Lee region, and Greek-Service Technology, which is well-inviced. S. L. M. Stein, and Capacitia to offer a service that differs from 700 employees in the Greek business, which is a small business like that, K. M. O. Allen Shasne, Declareki. S. L. K. M. Shasne, and D. S. H. E. O. O. O. O. R. L. P. T. H. N. J. D. S. H. E. O. O. O. O. O. O. It's a good opportunity for all those people who have been forced to leave the city, to stay and do not settle here, to find a job, and to work. We are ministering, we are working, and I tell BPO, to present the opportunity. Not only for my new employer, but also for those who have already left the city to find a job in Kastri. We are also working with the Ministry of Business and Business for the industry. We are also working with Bradley Felix, who is a very good person. So we are working with the company to find a job in the application. We are also working with Felix to explain how the company works. This is because we have a lot of businesses in the country. We have a lot of countries that are looking for a job to sell as a business. So this is what we are doing. We are looking for a job, and we are learning how to do it. We are trying to encourage people to sell. To sell, you have to sell everything. You have to sell everything. It's not true. It's cheap. And we have a lot of training for you to do it. Even if you have to go to the work for a month, you don't have to do the training to help. You have to do it for a month. So, it's cheap. My name is Bradley Felix Ziqui. I'm a young man who works in Placerla and I'm a technical service provider and I'm able to develop a capability for the future of business and also for the future of the industry. You had the kind of business you had and then you needed to spend 700 on your work and you continued to go. It's just that we're all in the front of the front of the business. We can learn very different technical skills. So we can encourage more business companies to come here. So it's a good day. We can encourage more business companies. Because as we said, we need to diversify. We need to look at the COVID-19 sessions. It's not tourist, it's all about that. So we need to diversify to complement the others. business before. So only maybe in Maladi Corona it is please you someone to to have you for a business with employment. So business is a way of giving you reality. When I was job trading whatever people because we are coming we do not we do not let people start before we never come to say, you look still port la, si port la, Saint-Joseph's Hospital. So, we have to have self-sufficient talent. So, all of this, we can't take a street exit to complying in the study. They want to put all of these departments, government, so that they can be online. So, I have to, for example, I have to sell all of this. So, yes, we can't take a street. So, we have to have self-sufficient talent to solve all of this. So, we can't take a street. So, we can't take a street. So, we can't take a street. When this issue began, we had to pay for commercial services. We had to pay for the public, for the public to travel, for the public to go to America. We had a publication that was popular all over the world. It was called Travel and Leisure Destination, which placed this list, the word 17, among 26 countries. Every year, we read the publication Travel and Leisure to demonstrate commitment to seek travel experiences that contribute to our service in a safe way. In the year 2020, more than 100,000 people voted for hotel operators, and more than 100,000 people voted for CPI Salah. Pladi Lonehead, Traveled and Leisure, is the highest number of people in the country. It is the service of the country, for those who have traveled to the US. The Ministry of Tourism, Dominic Fede, declared that according to this report, the Ministry of Tourism and Development has decided to provide a service for hotels, for hotels, for hotels, for hotels, for hotels, for hotels, for hotels, for hotels, for hotels, for hotels, for travel services, for hotels, for hotels, for hotels, for hotels. The Ministry of Tourism, Dominic Fede, declared that according to this report, the Ministry of Tourism and Development have decided to provide a service for hotels, for hotels, The Ministry of Tourism continued to collaborate with the authorities to ensure that there is always a place for good protection of health. We are here with the cleaners to visit this place. I would like to thank all of you for your time and for your invitation. I would also like to thank all of you for your time and for your invitation. I would like to thank all of you.