The dormitory of the Port Kaituma Secondary School in the northwest, which houses more than 60 students was on Monday faced with a food shortage.
Stabroek News was contacted yesterday by a concerned resident from the area who said the contracted cooks were, as of yesterday afternoon, unsure of what they would prepare for the students housed at the dorms.
It was related that cooks were forced to make do with six loaves of bread and a small quantity of rice to prepare meals for both breakfast and lunch for the students.
Meanwhile, persons who are au fait with the operations of the dorm told this newspaper that the issue has been a longstanding one which they believe results from the gross mismanagement of the food supplies by a specific staff member.
This newspaper was told that monies are spent to acquire food supplies on a monthly basis from a Mabaruma supplier, however, it was alleged that the list of groceries which is usually prepared is often times reduced to less than what is sufficient. In addition to this, there are complaints that cooks are forced to make do with less than acceptable cooking utensils.
Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashely when contacted last evening explained that he had received the report late yesterday afternoon and noted that millions are paid for the provision of dietary supplies at all regional dormitories. However, he suggested that it was the inability of the supplier to deliver on time which caused the food shortage. Notwithstanding, they are investigating the report.
Additionally, Stabroek News was reliably informed that a report was made to regional education officials who were as of yesterday trying to find an interim solution.
