 Welcome to NTIA Nightly, I am Genelle Norville, this edition's top stories. Government launches another component of the Social Stabilization Plan in response to COVID-19. The Ministry of Health to address more than 2,000 complaints from amendments to the Public Health Act and the St. Lucia Blood Bank underscores the importance of donation during COVID-19. Hundreds of St. Lucia's began receiving food packages of a different kind this week, with the launch of the Good Food Boxes Initiative. The boxes are filled with local produce from St. Lucia's farmers as part of Government's Social Stabilization Plan in response to COVID-19. Lisa Joseph reports. The Good Food Boxes Initiative was launched on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. In its first week, 770 boxes of locally grown food will be distributed as part of the Government's National Meals Programme. The initiative will also serve as a new supply outlet for farmers who have been displaced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Anbar Alan Chastney visited the market in Baudenosa, where the food boxes are prepared on Wednesdays and Fridays weekly. So we're looking to do about a thousand households to begin with. On average, there's four or five people in a household, and then we're trying to grow that number. So for the next couple of weeks, we'll do the thousand and continue to grow from that point. But I think this is a very effective way to be able to help people at this very difficult time, and that we're able to now help the farmers who've lost a significant market because of person's incomes being less, but also because the hotels are closed. And then for the Government, certainly being able to get great value for the money that we're putting into this, it's able to help substantially more people than the way that we were doing it initially. I think the initial way was important, but as time has gone by and the team has continued to review the situation, we think that this is going to be the most effective way for the next couple of months. The marketing board is serving as the central depot for the Good Food Boxes Initiative. Theresa Daisy is the assistant general manager. Purchasing from our group, farmer groups, are namely a share, Salty Bus, Burns, Grace, and we have individual farmers who are coming into job, whatever produce that they have on the ground right now. As you're aware that we were faced with a series of the dry weather and as a result, we're getting a limited amount of produce. But in as much as we are looking to ensure that the packages look attractive enough, we work with whatever we have. In the packages we have produced, namely plantain, ripe banana, pumpkin, cantaloupe, honey, due tomatoes, and we have added some more stuff from the imported side, which are garlic, onions, and potatoes. Earl Hippolyte, a farmer from Deglo, has lauded the government for the National Meals Program, as it has provided a much-needed market for farmers during this challenging time. I'm supplying a thousand pounds of plantains to the program. However, I sell to NFTO. The bulk of my bananas I sell to NFTO, the plantains I sell locally, and now I have a market at Marseille as well, and now we're marketing both. Actually, it's the first time I'm selling plantains to marketing both. I heard there is a feeding program. Farmers who are interested in supplying produce are asked to contact the Sinusha Marketing Board for the Government Information Service, listed Joseph reporting. The Ministry of Health and Wellness says recent amendments to the Public Health Act and the nuisance and offensive and hazardous trade regulations were done following extensive consultations with stakeholders, and most importantly, for the health and safety of the general public, who in the last five years has launched over 2,000 complaints. Chief Environmental Health Officer in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Parker Ragnanan, explained that the revised legislation makes provision for greater enforcement capability for key public health issues that are relevant and current in the development of the country. The Public Health Act came into enforcement in 1975, and thereafter, several regulations were enacted under this Act during the years 1978 and 1980. Given the changing environment and increased demands, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has been actively pursuing the amendment of both the Public Health Act and the regulations over the past 10 to 15 years. During that period, there were extensive consultation with a wide cross-sector of society and major stakeholders, which guided the preparation of the final document. These efforts were finally realized in July 2019, when the Public Health Act was amended. With regards to the nuisance and offensive and hazardous trade regulations, the Environmental Division have registered approximately 2,045 public health complaints over the past five years. The nature of the majority of these complaints, lodged by the public, have to do with the following. Order nuisance, wastewater disposal, solid waste disposal, air pollution, vectors including mosquito and rodent nuisances, animal raring, pig pens and chicken coops, dog kennels, overhanging trees and vegetation, charcoal pit, mole growth, occupational health and safety, bed bug infestation, noise pollution, defective septic tanks, food handling, derelict vehicles, smoke pollution, excreta disposal, and dead animals. There has also been a significant increase in the number of trades, which are categorized as offensive trades under the Public Health Act. The amendments are meant to address public health impacts of such trade in residential and highly populated areas. The public health impacts for many of these trades continue to create nuisances that adversely impact the health of citizens, including vulnerable individuals, with pre-existing medical conditions. The regulation seeks to create a balance where such trades can be carried out in a manner that will minimize the impact on public health, taking into consideration that there is no clear-cut land zoning, as most areas contain mixed-use land development, it's inclusion. The spraying of vehicles, animal raring and charcoal making, for example, in residential areas where the operators do not have adequate facilities to contain the hazards emanating from the operations, continue to adversely affect the health of residents in these areas. This has resulted in the Ministry of Health and Wellness being inundated with complaints. These activities have also proven to be extremely difficult to regulate and resolve. Senior Environmental Health Officer in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Emerson Vitalis, indicated that the amendment has brought these activities under a legislative framework and allow for greater capability to enforce, thereby reducing the health impacts to employees and persons living in close proximity to these operations, while empowering individuals within those various trades. Within those trades, we need to recognize a lot of them have been haphazardly in terms of the standards are not being met, even within the trade itself and the occupational health and safety aspect of it, even to them. It was really a negative to them. We could look at, in a case in point, our garage is around. We see these guys alongside the road spraying the cars and there's no safety equipment. The garage itself is not properly built and at the end of the day, if you can be regulated, regulation comes with standards. Standards brings about a certain level of operations which would enhance what you're doing. It allows them to be safer first and foremost in terms of having the appropriate guess. It allows the facility to be properly designed that it doesn't impact. It protects against legislative actions because, again, you may have an instance where it may go to a civil matter, but if you are regulated and you have been condoned to do this activity, I mean, you're operating within the parameters of the law. You're also operating from a perspective which is beneficial to you from the health aspect of it. You're not doing anything detrimental to the environment, so it empowers them. In February 2020, amendments to beauty and wellness center, SPA, massage parlor, body art facility and prohibiting or restricting the smoke from tobacco or tobacco products in public places were made. The offensive trade regulations of 1978 section 3 indicate that, one, a person shall not establish an offensive trade without first making application to the public health board. An application shall be in writing stating the name and address of the person responsible for carrying on the offensive trade, the nature of such trade, and the address of the proposed premises. The public board of health before issuing a license shall cause the premises to be examined. Therefore, the amended offensive and hazardous trade regulations SI 80 of 2020 now strengthens this position. From the Government Information Service, I am Genelle Norville. The director of the Pan American Health Organization, Caricia Etienne, has made another call to countries in the region to prepare for the hurricane season as doing so is critical to mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Antoine tells us more. As of June 8th, the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO, reported more than 3.3 million cases of COVID-19 in the region of the Americas, more than any other region around the world. The director of PAHO, Dr Caricia Etienne, wants that as the hurricane season approaches, efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in North and Central America and the Caribbean may become complicated. The director spoke on the climatic factors affecting the response to COVID-19 and encouraged the public to start planning for formidable challenges that may arise. We don't have data showing that temperature or humidity influence the spread of COVID-19, but we do know that winter fuels respiratory infections like seasonal influenza and pneumonia that can rapidly spread in colder climates and as more people gather indoors to stay warm. This is a problem for patients because respiratory illnesses leave them at greater risk of severe COVID-19 infection. It's also a challenge for strength health systems that will have to cope with the dual burden of a coronavirus pandemic and a spike in other respiratory illnesses. It does not help that the similar symptoms will make diagnosing COVID-19 even harder. The director of PAHO noted that as countries continue to strengthen surveillance for COVID-19, they must also simultaneously monitor influenza cases. According to the director, 14 countries in the region have begun to immunize 90 million people against seasonal influenza. Early vaccination to prevent severe cases of flu is more critical than ever, particularly for high risk groups like health workers, the elderly and people with chronic conditions. These same groups are also at high risk of coronavirus infection. We have encouraged countries to adapt seasonal flu vaccination campaigns to fit current social distancing measures. Many countries have embraced this approach and introduced innovative methods of immunization that minimize the risk of COVID-19. This includes offering vaccines outside of health facilities in empty schools, for instance, pharmacies, or drive-through posts in supermarkets. Dr. Etienne reaffirmed PAHO's support and commitment to helping countries prepare in the event of an emergency. Now is the time to review national hurricane response plans and conduct simulation exercises to ensure your disaster and COVID-19 responses are aligned. We should also plan for potential disruptions to the care of critically ill patients and refine evacuation plans. PAHO has already issued guidance to manage emergency shelters, including precautions to minimize the spread of COVID-19, by designating distinct zones to allow for social distancing, regularly disinfecting high-traffic areas, and swiftly isolating individuals who show signs of illness. The director of PAHO stated that the organization will be providing emergency response supplies throughout the region, as well as securing critical facilities like laboratories and quarantine and isolation centers, to ensure that diagnosis and treatment for COVID-19 can continue during this time. From the Government Information Service, I am Anisia Antoine reporting. Meantime, the Pan American Health Organization says blood donations are more necessary than ever during the current COVID-19 pandemic. PAHO is leading the region in the observance of World Blood Donor Day on June 14. Senior medical technologist at the Saint Lucia Blood Bank, Karen Louie, speaks to the significance of blood donation. Saint Lucia joins countries around the world in the observance of World Blood Donor Day, celebrated on June 14th, under the theme, safe blood saves lives. With the slogan, give blood and make the world a healthier place. The need for safe blood is universal. Blood transfusions do not discriminate against race, religion, or social status. A decision to donate blood is a decision to save a life. The occasion serves to thank our voluntary unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gift of blood. Inspire persons who have never donated to start donating and to highlight and encourage the need for committed year-round blood donations as a means of creating a strong yet sustainable national blood supply that is sufficient to meet the needs of all patients requiring a transfusion. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a greater strain on the available blood supply, thus blood donations are needed now more than ever. Giving blood is an act of solidarity and COVID-19 does not prevent us from doing our part. World Blood Donor Day is more than just a day. It is a celebration of life by giving the gift of life. This is NTIA Nightly, up next, Primers Hutchinson with the NTIA Nouvelle Aquial. COVID-19 is a new pandemic disease as declared by the World Health Organization. It is transmitted directly by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes or indirectly through rubbing the face with contaminated hands. There is still no specific treatment of vaccine against COVID-19 and as such, the farming community should adhere to some special recommendations. Ensure that farm clothing and gear is clean. Wash hands thoroughly before harvesting crops. Use face masks and head ties whilst harvesting, cleaning and packaging crops. Use all safety precautions when transporting crops to the markets and depots such as handling crits and crops with only clean hands and covering sneezes and coughs with a tissue or the inner arm to ensure body fluids or droplets don't get on produce and washing hands or using hand sanitizer after using the tissue. More than ever before, your important role as gatekeepers of St. Lucia's nutritional, health and food security should be taken seriously. When you exercise these precautions, you not only safeguard your health but also continue to allow all St. Lucia's access to freshly grown fruits, vegetables and other local crops. Remember, it is our responsibility to ensure our nation eats fresh St. Lucia's best. Welcome back. We join Primus Hutchinson for the NTN Nouvelle, Aquial. We have found around 8 million dollars per NIC, that's the ASIOS LATIONAL DECEPTLESSI, ASOYON ANONSEMENT, HOT MINISTERE AFFAIR FINANCE. We have Allen Chastney, Corporation of ASIOS LATIONAL NIC, preparing my salary by contributing to a program of SIPOA FINANCIAL. Selon Prime Minister Chastney, it's the first time that ASIOS LATIONAL AFFAIR has been able to charge and have access to more than 18,000 applications. Prime Minister Chastney declared that in the past few weeks, it has been able to work, because it has been able to receive less than 600 dollars, which is more than the amount that ASIOS LATIONAL DECEPTLESSI has been able to pay for a program of SIPOA FINANCIAL. So, Prime Minister, I thank you ASOYON ANONSEMENT for giving me the opportunity to also thank the Prime Minister for giving me the money that ASIOS LATIONAL DECEPTLESSI has been able to pay in total, the amount that ASIOS LATIONAL DECEPTLESSI has been able to receive, and the amount that ASIOS LATIONAL DECEPTLESSI has been able to receive. Prime Minister Chastney has already paid 9,816 climes in the 18,000 applications that ASIOS LATIONAL DECEPTLESSI has been able to receive. Prime Minister Chastney has also paid 7,614 climes in the 18,000 applications that ASIOS LATIONAL DECEPTLESSI has been able to receive. Prime Minister Chastney has also paid 7,614 climes in the 18,000 applications that ASIOS LATIONAL DECEPTLESSI has been able to receive. Prime Minister Chastney has also paid 7,614 climes in the 18,000 applications that ASIOS LATIONAL DECEPTLESSI has been able to receive. Prime Minister Chasney, by this list here in Sulaki, government can continue to support you, especially those who are affected by COVID-19. Several hundred citizens have started receiving boxes full of local products that are stored in a farm. That's the cultivator, and there's even a social stabilization program that Prime Minister Alain Chasney started. In the beginning of the 20th century, the government continued to implement a box full of food. More than 770 boxes of food have been stored in the farm, under the national government program, to provide food for those who are more vulnerable. This also benefits the farmers, as they have also been affected by COVID-19. Prime Minister Chasney said that if we continue to implement this program, we will be able to provide food to those who are more vulnerable. That's because, before, the government could not support this program, but after that, we will be able to provide food to those who are more vulnerable. Prime Minister Paledi, this has been an establishment of the Board of Health that will be able to provide food to those who are more vulnerable. This has been happening every week. That's why Prime Minister Chasney said that if we continue to implement this program, we will be able to provide food to those who are more vulnerable, as I have already listed. This means that we as government are also able to provide food to those who are more vulnerable, as we have already listed. Prime Minister Chasney said that if we continue to implement this program, we will be able to provide food to those who are more vulnerable, contact, contact, and marketing board set the city. Minister Zafar developed my economic transportation on Rwabukai Joseph and the discussion was very important. To educate and inform the public about the new digital services that are being developed by DJ Gov, he said that Zafar will be able to pay more money to support the city, because of your existence. The discussion was very important. Minister Zafar was able to create a system that would allow the city to serve the internet to inform the public about the new digital services that are being developed by DJ Gov. But it is also not a service that is available for the city. We also have a new machine with the full change of ownership form that is being developed online. We have a new application that can be used to provide online access to the city. We do not have a service that is available, but the government is generally providing a service. So we have a new application that can be used for the city. The city needs a service from the Ministry of Health, it needs a service from the Fire Service, it needs a service from the Traffic Department. The city can go to different places in the city. We also have an online application that can go to different places in the city that has the responsibility to buy an approval for the application. But the city needs a service that is better and more clean. I hope that you like the news about today. I thank you very much for watching it. I have a very important invitation. I also hope that you could give me the great news about Acquéol. See you all in the next episode. Thank you all for watching. And that brings us to the end of Entia Nightly. You can also catch up with us anytime on the St. Lucia Government Facebook page or YouTube channel. I am Channel Novel.