There will be continuous monitoring of the school feeding programme throughout Pomeroon/Supenam as the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) intensifies its efforts to avoid children getting “dhal and rice” alone as a meal.
This was made clear by the region’s Regional Executive Officer Susanah Saywack as she issued a strong warning yesterday.
Saywack said she learnt of the issue after it surfaced on social media that children at Akawini Primary were issued only dhal and rice on Monday January 30. The issue was posted by Prince Holder, a newly appointed APNU Councillor.
Saywack noted that she immediately made a call to the headteacher of the school who acknowledged that indeed the children were offered dhal and rice since vegetables were unavailable. Saywack was informed that the supplier from the community did not supply the vegetables and as such they had to venture to Charity to get a supply. The suppliers are from within the community and as such the REO has requested that the school procure its vegetables and other items in a timely manner.
Further, an investigation will be launched and continuous monitoring will be conducted to avoid such a recurrence. Saywack also called on all councillors to play their part by informing the regional officials of issues before it reaches the public domain.
“Moving forward let us work together in moving this region forward, whether you are from the opposition or the government side once you see an issue report it”, Saywack said.
Meanwhile newly appointed APNU Councillor, Prince Holder, said that he was the person who posted the picture on social media. He insisted that his source was authentic and posited that it was unfair for the pupils to be given such a meal for lunch.
“When children are offered such a meal it makes me wonder where is the love for our Amerindian children, we are an oil rich nation and offering bare dhal and rice for lunch is disrespectful,” Holder opined.
Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva in response said that the RDC will be ensuring that children are provided with healthy meals at all times. She added that she will appreciate it if issues come to her to be addressed rather than be aired on social media.