Finance Minister calls for broader access to school feeding contracts

A wide cross section of people should have an opportunity to bid for contracts with Education Ministry.
This is according to Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr Ashni Singh.
His comments came as he responded to reports that only a selected few were being given contracts to prepare meals for children under the school feeding programme.
This was told to then minister when he met with residents of Sheet Anchor, Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) recently.
One resident, Deepa Rampersaud said only relatives of a senior member of the Ordinance-Fortlands Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) are being awarded those contracts.
“One set of family have that contract…All the schools he take and give to his family and the church members. It cannot go on like that,” she said.
The resident took the opportunity to congratulate the Minister and the President for the work there have been doing.
“… but at the NDC level it is very bad,” the resident added and was applauded by dozens in attendance.
She challenged those in authority to prove that the wider community was aware when those constructs were out.
Singh pointed out that those contracts are not awarded by either the the NDC or the Regional Democratic Council (RDC).
“It is a valid issue that one family or set of people should not be getting all of the contracts.”
He promised to raise the issue with the Education Ministry.
“A sufficiently wide cross section of people should have an opportunity to bid for contracts,” Minister Singh said but noted that they will also have to obtain the facts as it relates to the allegation.
Meanwhile, other residents claimed they were cooks and were not give an opportunity to bid.
The Education Ministry has implemented a school feeding program aimed at enhancing the nutritional status of children and promoting educational attendance. This initiative is designed to provide healthy meals to students, particularly in low-income communities, where food insecurity can hinder academic performance and overall well-being. By offering nutritious meals, the program not only addresses hunger but also fosters a conducive learning environment, encouraging students to attend school regularly and engage more fully in their education.
The school feeding program also plays a vital role in supporting local agriculture by sourcing food from local farmers, thus boosting the economy and promoting sustainable practices. Additionally, it serves as an educational tool, teaching children about the importance of healthy eating habits and nutrition.