There was an informational presentation on sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS Jens Haven School in Nain of February 26th.

Cathy Earle is Labrador Project Coordinator for the Labrador Friendship Centre.

She says she spoke about these topics to grades 10 -12 students.

Earle says the youth viewed a video about sexually active teens.

And the risks of catching HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C if they are sexually active teens.

The students also created posters which showed their own interpretations of what they want the community to know about diseases and the risks.

Earle says there is an increase in rate of Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease.

And there is an incidence of 8.5-10% in Labrador.

Earle says youth need to be more informed and made aware of sexually transmitted diseases and safe practices.

She adds that she will hold a Working Girls Project in Cartwright in mid-March to inform the community of sexual health.

In addition there is a project planned for males.

Earle makes these educational awareness presentations twice a year.

The St. John's Native Friendship Centre finally has a permanent Executive Director.

Mary Lucas is Administrative Assistant.

She says the Board of Directors met on Wednesday, February 27th, 2008 and hired David Penner.

Lucas says Penner starts his new position next Monday, March 1st.

She says Penner was previously Executive Director of the Labrador Inuit Development Corporation.

Penner replaces Bob White who went onto another venture.

Representatives from Torngat Fish Producers Co-Operative, Labrador Inuit Development Corporation and Nunatsiavut Government just returned from the International Seafood Show in Boston.

Keith Watts is the Regional Manager for Torngat Fish Producers Co-Operative.

He says the meetings held with the market companies went well.

AS for the 2008 fishing season, the scallop prices have not changed.

And the char, crab and turbot prices looks more promising.

He says there is a fair amount of fresh, frozen and smoked char, turbot and crab left for sale at the Goose Bay office.

The Board of Directors meeting for Torngat Fish Producers Co-Operative is scheduled for mid-March.

Watts says at that time there will be further discussions on one group to handle the fishery.

The Torngat Fish Producers, LIDC and Nunatsiavut Government would form that entity.

He says a 10 member committee has already been set up between the 3 organizations, who are looking into this possibility. 

There are three people from Makkovik attending a Sustainable Tourism Training Workshop next week.

Amalia Tuglavina is Community Development Officer in Makkovik.

She says that she is attending this workshop with Carol Gear and John Andersen for 3 days at Rocky Harbour, NL.

Judy Rowell is Superintendent for Parks Canada at the Nain office.

She says this training will focus on best practices for tourism development in our communities including environmental components/considerations.

This training is taking place at the Gros Morne National Park in the great Northern Peninsula.

This is leap year, we have an extra day in February.

Do you ever wonder why?

Martha MacDonald, a Folklorist from the Labrador Institute will explain.

She says that February 29th is the one day that a woman can propose to a man.

And that if the man refuses he is supposed to give her a silk dress and a kiss.

The Nain Inuit Community Government has plans for 2008 fiscal year.

Sarah Erickson is AngajukKak for Nain.

Erickson says 2008 will be a busy year and the Town has plans for extensions for residential and commerical lots.

She says there will be work done on the water and sewer infrastructure so that maintenance crews can have easier access during the winter.

Erickson says the sports field started last summer will be completed in 2008.

She adds that they would also like to enlarge the Zamboni area in the arena.