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National School meals center now established in Barbuda
By Aabigayle McIntosh
This marks the full integration of Barbuda into the programme, which is already established in all primary schools on Antigua.
The kitchen’s opening on Tuesday was a milestone in efforts to provide equal access to nutritious meals for students across the nation.
Education Minister Daryll Matthew attended the ceremony along with other dignitaries, emphasizing that the ministry’s goal is to ensure that students in Barbuda receive the same opportunities as those on the mainland.
“Any service provided to students in Antigua must also be available here in Barbuda,” he said, stressing the government’s responsibility to treat all citizens equally.
Director of the National School Meals Programme, Ezra Knowles, expressed that including Barbuda in the initiative was long overdue but represents a significant achievement in promoting healthy eating among students.
“We set a goal and we achieved it. It wasn’t easy, and it took time, but we’re here. Barbuda is now fully part of our programme, and my team and I are elated,” Knowles said. She added that they are committed to continually improving the programme.
Holy Trinity Primary School Principal Charlene Harris shared her excitement over the occasion, while Director of Education Clare Browne echoed the importance of providing equal opportunities for students on both islands.
Barbudan MP Trevor Walker also praised the ministry’s efforts in establishing the kitchen, encouraging students to embrace the opportunity, especially since some children come to school without a nutritious meal.
After ten years in government and all the CIP money raking in, Customs revenues increasing, Barbuda finally got a school meal program. The UPP government opened more school meal centers in the schools with less revenues coming in.