 Welcome to the NTN Nightly, I'm Nisha Charles. This edition stops stories. An action plan for the implementation of a project to reduce St. Lucia's food import bill continues to unfold. More direct attention is being paid to standards in early childhood education. St. Lucia and Sri Lanka establish diplomatic relations, all that plus the latest in youth development, sports and the NTN Nouvelle Arquéon. An action plan for the implementation of a food import substitution project for St. Lucia continues to unfold. The project, funded by the government of the Republic of China Taiwan, is aimed at reducing St. Lucia's high food import bill by improving the production and quality of select crops. Extension officers play a central role in helping farmers on the ground. Some 20 officers recently fine-tuned their skills at a training workshop. The extension and advisory training workshop coincided with the implementation of the Fruit and Vegetable Import Substitution Project, aimed at reducing St. Lucia's food import bill by reducing the level of imports of seven agricultural crops. The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives with the help of the Taiwan Technical Mission through its International Cooperation and Development Fund. According to Chief Extension Officer Kamil Shababteast, the recent shifts in agriculture and economic development have demanded a shift in how farmers grow based on market demand. In the face of all these shifts, we continued to trod in the area of ensuring our national food security and that mandate is to ensure that we have sufficient safe food at all times. We need to ensure we may never get to the place of food sovereignty as a small nation, but we need to ensure that we have our bases covered. So in the case of disasters globally, whether it is wars or climate change itself or all kinds of disasters that hinder the movement of food globally, we need to ensure that we are equipped to help farmers to produce optimally so that at least we do not starve to death. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives, Honourable Ezekiel Joseph, extension officers play a critical role in equipping farmers with the necessary tools and skills to deliver the best locally grown produce to their intended markets. The workshop, he says, is essential in the country's quest for food stability. We're here today because we have agreed that the vegetable import substitution program would be the responsibility of every extension officer in the Department of Agriculture. You would have to identify your farmers, you would have to identify the targets, you would have to supply timely information as far as crop monitoring is concerned. And of course, the whole question of evaluation and monitoring is critical. The project will seek to not only revitalize the agricultural intelligence information system so that it collects data on the production and marketing of fruits and vegetables, but also by analyzing market demand for produce and helping farmers, cooperatives plan growing seasons based on market demand. And whilst we are here every year, our food import bill is increasing and that's the reality is that the information is there. We cannot produce everything. We cannot. But when we look at the seven crops we have targeted for the first phase of that program, I believe that we, if we put our shoulders to the wheel and we do what's necessary, we can create a dent in reducing the importation of these crops. So the critical link in allowing us to achieve our objective are you the officers out there as a critical link. The workshop was held under the theme equipping the modern extensionist. Saint Lucia's national culinary team more than sizzled at the just concluded taste of the Caribbean competition held at the Hyde Regency, Miami. The Saint Lucia culinary team received a warm-up welcome on their return home by the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association. It was a proud moment for the team as they secured a number of awards at the 2019 Taste of the Caribbean competition held recently at the Hyde Regency in Miami. These included Bestrum Cocktail Award and Caribbean Bartender of the Year honorary mention, Craig Andes of Sandals Grant, Saint Lucia Spa and Beach Resort. Contemporary Caribbean Street Pork Competition, Pork Shoulder Grand Champion, Joanna Alexander of Marigold Bay Resort and Marina, and Danny Mann of East Winds Inn. Caribbean pastry chef competition Gold Medal, Imani Hippolyt of Jade Mountain, Caribbean Junior Chef Competition Gold Medal, Zaheem Kade of Capmezo. Team manager for the national culinary team Richard Sonskina said that he's extremely proud of the team. The determination and the passion from these individuals who make up this team that allow them to be able to find the time and to find the energy to do so. I am personally extremely proud of each and everyone who followed my leadership along with the culinary committee team, the discipline to be able to go up to Miami and make all of us proud. I would like to say to Saint Lucia that this team is, in my opinion, in all of the competition that I've been into and all of the teams that I've led before, is the most love you could feel within a team. The camaraderie between each and everyone is so inspiring and that is something I could tell you was felt throughout the entire competition. The national culinary team also received awards for the Caribbean chocolate competition Silver Medal, Steffi Marius of St. James Club Morgan Bay, Caribbean seafood competition Silver Medal, Ricardo Jose Jr. of Harbour Club, Caribbean Beef Competition Bronze Medal, Vernon's Door of Tappers on the Bay, Caribbean Chef of the Year Competition Bronze Medal, Clayton Julian of Sanders Regency Latok Golf Resort and Spa, and Caribbean Team of the Year Competition Bronze Medal for the Saint Lucia culinary team. Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, SLHTA's Executive Vice President and Interim Chief Executive Officer Nurani Aziz explained that despite the short preparation time, the team's performance left him in awe. Your spirit is indomitable and I have nothing but raw respect for what it is you are able to accomplish in the competition. But more has to be said about what happened behind the scenes in the competition. When chefs left their stations to help other chefs, when they saw other destinations in need and rose to the occasion, sacrificed the purpose that they were there to accomplish and to help other culinary colleagues in the struggle to ensure that for everyone it was a win-win and to emerge out of that. SLHTA's Tourism Enhancement Fund's Project Coordinator Wendell George, revealing that the 2019 taste of the Caribbean competition would be his last, shared some heartfelt words. It is even better to end my stint at SLHTA on that note. So guys, thank you so much for the experience and I've really learnt a lot from each and every one of you. The 2019 National Culinary Team consisted of Chef Craig Andes, Johanna Alexander, Imani Hippolyte, Zaheem Kadei, Vernon's Dom, Steffi Marius, Ricardo Jose Jr., Clayton Julian, Gabriel James, Chauvin U3, Aldrick Jabatis, Vardili Byron and Marius Andrew. For the Government Information Service, I am General Norvel. As St. Lucia's Prime Minister, Hon. Alan Sharsney assumes the chairmanship of the Carracom Conference of Heads of Governments for the next six months with the additional responsibility for lead as Sustainable Development and Climate Change. Minister for Sustainable Development, Hon. Dr. Gil Rigabert has been strengthening the foundation for St. Lucia's continued action and meaningful engagement at the international and regional levels. Minister Rigabert led St. Lucia's delegation to the preparatory meeting for the United Nations Climate Action Summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from June 30th to July 1, 2019. The meeting took stock of progress so far across all the action areas of the Climate Action Summit and identified and developed proposals based on the criteria established for initiatives to be considered for announcement at the summit. The United Nations Secretary General will convene a Climate Action Summit in September of 2019 to develop solutions in six areas. A global transition to renewable energy, sustainable and resilient infrastructures and cities, sustainable agriculture and management of forests and oceans, resilience and an aptition to climate impacts and alignment of public and private finance with a net-zero economy. The Government of St. Lucia, through the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations, in collaboration with the Organization of American States, has launched an early childhood development standards sensitization project, more in this report. The official launch of the OAS Early Childhood Development Standards sensitization project was held another theme towards a more quality assured early childhood development sector. District Education Officer Cyrus Tepal, sharing remarks on behalf of the Chief Education Officer, quoted a review conducted by the National Association of Early Childhood Education in the United States of America. The classroom themselves are very lively, brightly decorated, must be interactive and stimulating to foster an exciting learning environment. This is where the foundation for the child's future is set. And ladies and gentlemen, the chief again extended and then while we were speaking, she said that she wants to see the time when the early childhood centers would have that setting where education will be stimulated. Ministry of Education's Education Officer's responsibility for early childhood education at Nest Prince highlighted the unit vision. The Early Childhood Services unit of the Department of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development is mandated to ensure that quality services are delivered at all early childhood centers on the island. We have a vision that every child in St. Lucia shall have access to quality early childhood services, a sound start to life and the opportunity to develop to his or her full potential. The conference indicated, however, that the unit is faced with several challenges. She remains optimistic that given the focus being placed on early childhood development, the sector is soon to see a turnaround. Representative of Seneca College, Canada, Terry Kelly indicated that St. Lucia and Canada both share a passion for early childhood development. Kelly explained that Canada has been collaborating with St. Lucia since 2013. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Kendall Kodra, officially launched the OAS Development Cooperation Fund project being funded via grant to the tune of $83,000. There are a number of activities or initiatives that the Department of Education is undertaking because we have recognized, yes, we have recognized that we must place a greater emphasis and our thrust is now moving in that direction. For a number of years, this sector along with the special education sector had been, I think, I did not want to say it but neglected to a certain extent. But we marginalized. But we are now placing great emphasis on these two areas, the special education needs and also the early childhood education sector. The aim of the project is to move St. Lucia towards a more quality assured early childhood development sector. Partners for the project include the St. Lucia Bureau of Standards, the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and Seneca College, among others. For the Government Information Service, I am General Norville. And this is the NTA Nightly. Ryan O'Brien is up next. One of the eight university recognized rights of the consumer is the right to be heard. This means that every consumer who is dissatisfied with a good or service has the right to lodge a complaint to the provider of that good or that service. This should be the first point of lodging a complaint. Ensure that the receipt as proof of the transaction is available. Welcome back. We join Ryan O'Brien for the latest happenings in youth development and sports. Thanks, Nisha. Welcome everyone to your Nightly Update from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports on the NTN Nightly News. I'm Ryan O'Brien. The 2019 CardiCom 10K Road Race came off on Sunday and saw victory for the official Vincentian pair in both male and female categories. The male first place went to Junior Ashton and in second position was colleague St. Jean of Antigua and Barbuda. Finishing third was Justin Hodge of Anguilla. The first female to finish was Linda McDowell of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, claiming her fourth title in this event. In second among the females was Kanisha Pascal of Grenada, followed by Barbadian Carly Pipe in third place. Actually, the ladies finished in the same order as they did when the run was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica last year. Sundays, 10K started just outside the Marina Haven Hotel in Rodney Bay. The 5K, which started at the Marysale-Corin junction, was won by Tarek Zavye of the VFOR Comprehensive Secondary School in the male category. While one of his schoolmates, Zeli Setwi, was the first female finisher. The Ministry of Development and Sports held a school sports awards on Friday with cricketer Zadia James emerging with the prestigious award of Outstanding Female Schools Personality over the last school year. She spoke to NTN Knightley and stressed how delighted she was at copying the award. It feels really good because I wasn't expecting that I was, when they said females are thinking of Julian Alfred, the Sarah Fleet, but when they said about representing countries and I got an idea, it was me, and going up that stage, not frightening but I was, after when Azuli Knightley got won. Outstanding Female Schools Sports Personality, Zadia James. With that item, we come to the end of your segment from youth development and sports for today on the NTN Knightley News. I'm Ryan O'Brien. Thanks Ryan. The Government of Sri Lanka has established diplomatic relations with the Government of St. Lucia with effect from the 25th of June 2019. The agreement to establish diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and St. Lucia was signed by Dr. Amrit Rohan Parerra, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations and Cosmos Richardson, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of St. Lucia to the United Nations. The establishment of diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and St. Lucia will enhance the existing friendly relations and cooperation in the political, socio-economic and cultural fields for the mutual benefit of the two countries. And stay with the NTN Knightley, up next, Primers Hutchinson is here with the NTN Nouvelle Arquio. One of the eight universally accepted rights of the consumer is the right to safety. This means that consumers must have the right to be protected against products, production processes and services which are hazardous to life or health. Such products and services must meet established national standards. These standards give the consumers the assurance that the product is safe for use or consumption. Welcome back. We join Primers Hutchinson for the NTN Nouvelle Arquio. Thank you very much. Thank you, Madam Department of State University for the information. The Government of St. Lucia, GIS, the National Television Agency of NTN is here with the Nouvelle Arquio, the Prime Minister of St. Lucia. For more than 40 years, the Government of the Republic of Cuba has continued the opportunity for the NTN Nouvelle Arquio to have higher education since 1971. For more than 10 years, the Government of the Republic of Cuba has launched a total of 149 countries. This means that the Government of the Republic of Cuba will have more than 600 professionals and specialists who will be able to study at the University of Cuba. This means that the students will have the opportunity to study at the University of Cuba. Thank you very much. You see, you kick out the very benefits of that, kick out the West Coast sub to finish Sayoshia Commencea. Minister Satie Onawab Miria Isaac, who also said he was a student, he was a student at the University of Cuba, declared that it was his opportunity to share his time. Onawab Isaac said he was a nurse, he said he dignified his time. He added that it was his profession that he deserved. In the United States, I had the opportunity to meet with the public in Cuba to discuss the title of Secretary of Defense. I had the opportunity to crack down on it with Mr. Mr. once again, in the minute. I had been asked to comment before Dr. Claudio, that this program would help now get people to know about Cuba. Dr. Louis Avuecki, who has performed very well in the past, but at the same time, we need to make sure that we have the ability to avoid and take care of business. Also, I want to thank the students who have been working in the SPSC culture for a long time, but also SPSC in Africa, and also the SPSC in Kauai. Minister of Economic Development, I have started a new initiative in proportion to the 2020 census. This initiative is to seriously consider the people who are disabled. So what this has done is to establish information on the disabled and look at who is better. I have participated in the development of national and regional economies. I am Kerry Joseph, the Deputy Chief of the Economic Development Department. I have been working in the Equality and Social Development Programme since 2001. I have been working in the Equality and Social Development Programme since 2001. I am the Assistant Secretary of the Department of Social Development and the Ministry of Equality and Social Development. I am Lennie Tjoseph, the Deputy Chief of the Economic Development Programme. I have become disabled as well as people who are disabled, with dignity and wealth. Minister of Agriculture, I am Ezekiel Tjoseph, who has been working on the fisherman for many years now. He is a fisherman who has been observing the fishermen in the past. We have a lot of work to do and we have a lot of issues, but we have a lot of work to do to make it easier. We have a lot of challenges in the civil society. I have a lot of problems with the civil society and we have a lot of technology to assist the patients. So I would like to say that the Ministry of Health and the Government have said that we will do our best and we wish all the patients the best of luck. Thank you very much. This is the end of today's news. Thank you very much for your time. Thank you for your invitation. Thank you very much for your time. Thank you very much. Another tropical wave located over the eastern tropical Atlantic is moving westward at about 15 miles per hour or 24 kilometers per hour. Tropical cyclone formation is not expected over the tropical Atlantic during the next five days. The tide for Castries Harbor was high at 3.38pm and will be low again at 7.58pm. The tide for V4 Bay was high at 4.45pm and will be low again at 9.25pm. The seas locally rough with waves and north-easterly swells 6 to 9 feet or 1.8 to 2.7 meters. Small craft operators and sea bathers are advised to exercise caution due to brisk winds, rough seas and reduced visibility. The sun will rise Tuesday at 5.39am. And that brings us to the end of the NTN Nightly. Join us next time at 7pm with a repeat at 7am. You can also catch up with us anytime on the San Lucia Government Facebook page or YouTube channel. I'm Nisha Traff.