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Activist wants breakfast & lunch programme in public schools

- According to Kishma V.S. Penn, the programme will assist struggling families
Outspoken local resident Kishma V.S. Penn wants the Virgin Islands Government to implement a breakfast and lunch programme in public schools to assist struggling families. Photo: Facebook/File
According to Kishma V.S. Penn said the breakfast and lunch programme would also provide a platform for emerging chefs and to feed the children healthier meals. Photo: VINO/File
According to Kishma V.S. Penn said the breakfast and lunch programme would also provide a platform for emerging chefs and to feed the children healthier meals. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Outspoken local resident Kishma V.S. Penn wants the Virgin Islands Government to implement a breakfast and lunch programme in public schools to assist struggling families.

She said on the June 8, 2021, edition of Cut Deep, a show hosted by controversial host Rosemary Cindy Rosan-Jones, that this was one of her solutions to the high cost of living problem in the territory.

"If the Government were to put in the 27 public primary schools and three public high schools a breakfast and lunch programme that is two less meals that single parents or even a nuclear family struggling to make ends meet has to buy. When you only have to buy dinner for your child and feed them on weekends, you know how many less groceries you have to buy?" she said.

Parents, in the meantime, could utilise their food better, she explained.

"The pot you cook the night before is your leftovers for you, so you could go to work with that. You ain't worrying about the child eating during the day because it is provided for."

Training Avenue

Penn said the programme would also provide a platform for emerging chefs and to feed the children healthier meals.

"It's an avenue for jobs; it's a training ground for our chefs, it's a way in which to build, to give our chefs training experience so they could transition into hotel, restaurant management. It is a way in which to correct the obesity problem because the children them fat, sorry to say. Not only are they morbidly obese, which means you have a generation that is sick and dying before they even reach their prime. These things need to be corrected."

53 Responses to “Activist wants breakfast & lunch programme in public schools”

  • Six-Sev (10/06/2021, 12:43) Like (43) Dislike (2) Reply
    Finally someone that has a idea to help parents of the bvi. When i was in school getting a meal in school was the regular.
  • Bread Line (10/06/2021, 12:45) Like (8) Dislike (42) Reply
    But of course the Black children must learn to be dependent and remain creatures of charity and to know that as adults they will be irresponsible. Their inheritance for their rightful place in society.
    • Jane (10/06/2021, 13:37) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
      @Bread Line: Are you trolling or do you believe that sh1t? It is common in predominantly white European countries for children to receive school meals, by your skewed way of thinking, that's also so that they become "Creatures of charity". Ms Penn puts forward some very good ideas. For obesity reasons alone, this would be worth doing because we have a public health timebomb coming in the next few years - it will save money on diabetes and heart disease care.
    • @Bread Line (10/06/2021, 13:40) Like (21) Dislike (1) Reply
      I don't understand what you are saying.... Are you saying that a lunch and breakfast program would hinder the progress of these children? Because from where I'm sitting I see nothing but positivity coming from an initiative such as this - for those living on or BELOW the poverty line, a program like this would definitely ease the burden for their parent(s), perhaps making the home a more relaxed environment and allow for a more pleasant upbringing... for those who perhaps struggle but not to that extent, a program like this would free up some money for the parent that may then be channeled into afterschool programs or activities for the child(ren)... again, only improving their home life... To KNOW that your child was getting two good meals 5 days a week would mean so much to so many people in this territory. Of Course - there will be parents who do not need the assistance who take it anyway, and there will be parents who take the savings that they have made and waste it.... but that is no reason to throw this idea away for the majority. It would need to be monitored properly to ensure that the vendors are providing the necessary foods in the correct quantities and to make sure the CHILDREN who the program is designed for are the ones benefiting and nobodys 'cronies'.....
      • TiedTubes (11/06/2021, 09:02) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
        Repair the machinery that created the new phenomena of scores of hungry fatherless pickaninny in the VI to which you have alluded..This is not the way to buildupyour country...tearing down the foundation that sustained it to become a success.
    • Eldread (11/06/2021, 10:15) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thats exactly what is been done here. Creating mental and infrastructural poverty in the black man head. That we only think survival. You will never hear us trying to go to mars are nothing scientific. Just dependantism
  • Awesome (10/06/2021, 12:56) Like (27) Dislike (1) Reply
    that is a very great idea
  • Sure you do (10/06/2021, 13:02) Like (8) Dislike (9) Reply
    Love Kishma but next time stop repeating the same thing on the truck/live “if nhi can work for us,it can work for them”. Listen to you to be informed no a headache lol good luck
    • Ah Saw,,, (17/06/2021, 15:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      If she had information she would have brought it. She had nothing.
  • Kitty (10/06/2021, 13:08) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
    umm something to think about
  • Star (10/06/2021, 13:09) Like (37) Dislike (19) Reply
    She need a seat in the government.
    • Raping the government (18/06/2021, 15:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      She need to go in and do the Government work. Public work open at 8:30. She on radio until.all 10 am on the tax payers dime..de pot calling the kettle black
  • Lift Up (10/06/2021, 13:13) Like (3) Dislike (6) Reply
    Along with the inadequate education they will be guaranteed to be members of the underclass.Their wall of defense and excuses will be slavery and racism.
    • That Barge money.. (10/06/2021, 16:28) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      We could have had that Barge money for this programme, we were offered that service for free. .. atleast the children would show up early and have a good start....
  • Trump (10/06/2021, 13:17) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Yep! Teach these locals their place.
    • @trump (11/06/2021, 08:52) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thebread line for the bred and the to be bred
      Non competive with real life as long as they are maintained on the bread line.
      They luv us when we do them like that
      Trapped and zapped in poverty via thebread and bredline.
  • Thinking & Thougthful (10/06/2021, 13:47) Like (33) Dislike (0) Reply
    I agree wholeheartedly. So many children, even since back when I was in school, did not have breakfast, lunch or even a snack to satisfy their hunger during the day because their parents simply could not afford it. I know how humiliating it must be for a child to have to stretch out their hands and "beg" for someone to put some of their rice, macaroni, piece of chicken or anything in their hand for them to eat. Having to beg for a sip of water or juice to quench their thirst. Many times once a teacher knew a child was going everyday hungry they would give them a few bucks daily or bring some extra food that they cooked at home for that child/children.

    Hungry and thirsty children cannot learn or focus. No child should have to suffer. PLEASE put this program into place. Breakfast can be something as simple as oats or cream of wheat with a water and even a fruit. Lunch can be a starch, meat (not pork) and some vegetables. PLEASE FEED THESE CHILDREN!
  • Really Now (10/06/2021, 14:15) Like (6) Dislike (34) Reply
    This is not America. The BVI can’t do as those rich countries do. Where will the money come from. Are u going to put more tax on expats. Think before u talk.
    • Really (10/06/2021, 15:18) Like (23) Dislike (1) Reply
      The same tax money they was trying to use for their private insurance can surely fund something like this. They have more than enough to put a program like this in place. It does not have to be 5 star meals. But something to help out those in need.
    • the rock (10/06/2021, 15:22) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      What a stupid respond!
    • @Really Now (10/06/2021, 16:30) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
      Our government's revenue per head of the population is HIGHER than those rich countries...there would be no reason to increase ANY taxes provided the government spending is properly accounted for and channeled to the correct places. What we all have to open our eyes and see is that WE AS A COUNTRY HAVE THE MONEY... right now, we have a COI because this money is NOT being spent wisely or accounted for properly and suppliers of services to the government are incredibly OVERINFLATING their pricing knowing that the government will pay it.... the governments here have spent so many years (decades) squandering our tax money that they have us the people believing that we don't have the funding for such initiatives when that is simply not true. We have the funding. We just have yet to see a government that is willing to do right by the people and spend the money where it is needed as opposed to lining their already full pockets..... I don't mean to be rude... but even our esteemed leaders could have done with a class or two on nutrition and healthy eating.....
  • Really Now (10/06/2021, 14:15) Like (3) Dislike (22) Reply
    This is not America. The BVI can’t do as those rich countries do. Where will the money come from. Are u going to put more tax on expats. Think before u talk.
    • look (10/06/2021, 16:39) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
      If it is for the school children, that is something I would be happy that my taxes is going into. It is not about this is not America. It can be done with proper planning.
  • omg (10/06/2021, 14:23) Like (9) Dislike (16) Reply
    Kish has some good ideas but she isnt mature enough to enter politics. She she is just a pawn on the table. Let's not repeat our past mistakes.
  • DOWN SYNDROME (10/06/2021, 14:28) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Not a bad idea
  • I would agree (10/06/2021, 14:56) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    Kishma needs to have a seat in Government. A SCHOOL LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PROGRAM IS MUCH NEEDED IN THE BVI. HONESTLY, MOST OF THE CHILDREN GO TO SCHOOL HUNGRY OR HALF HUNGRY, A CHILD CANOT FOCUS IN SCHOOL ON A HUNGRY STOMACH. AND TO YOU BREAD LINE, YOU ARE ONE OF THE MOST DUMBEST A**ES AROUND. I WILL GIVE YOU A PAST BECAUSE YOU ARE SIMPLY STUPID AND DON’T KNOW ANY BETTER.
  • my2cents (10/06/2021, 15:15) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    So she wants more welfare programs for single parents and students? That I can understand to a certain degree, but in these times of economic depression it will be hard to implement these sorts of assistance immediately. The hope for the future is that our recovery from covid shut downs are beginning to happen and there may be a time soon where these things can be accommodated. Did she have ideas on where to get the additional revenue to make this happen? If so it should be included in the article or she should be encouraged to properly vet her ideas with solutions to the problems then make them public for debate. Without an idea on how to pay for it and how it will work it's just a rant but even if we don't agree on how to do it at least we have something constructive to develope & debate
  • micky mouse (10/06/2021, 16:06) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
    A good idea can turn to the dumbest thing without clearly thinking, planning and executing.
    saying it is the easiest and cheapest part.
  • Nutrition (10/06/2021, 16:32) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    excellent idea!
    • @Nutrition (10/06/2021, 23:15) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree. This is an excellent idea and while they are at it, they need to offer free books for the public schools as well. They can cover them with clear plastic laminate and recycle for quite a while. If we are going to waste and steal hard taxpayers dollars, these two things would be an excellent idea to give back to every household rather than cronies. I wish our leaders thought country instead of self. It is so shameful the decisions they are making.
  • C***y or K****a? (10/06/2021, 16:36) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    We can only have one in power “ Crazy selfish C***y or community activist for the people K****a? Tums up for the crazy bat C***y tums down for Community activist K****a? Who you’ll got?
  • jokers (10/06/2021, 16:43) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    THE BVI FOOD IS NOT A PROBELM
    THE PROBLEM IS ALL THE CRAZY PEOPLE !!!
    ESPECIALLY THOSE ON THE RADIO EVERYDAY!!!
    CHECK YOURSELF
  • saying (10/06/2021, 16:55) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    They can use that 7% from the money transfer agencies to fund it. That is mew money with no plans for it!
  • solution (10/06/2021, 18:36) Like (4) Dislike (5) Reply
    Free birth control of choice .
  • james morehead (10/06/2021, 19:46) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    why cant sam, penn, cindy find 10-others and form a political party: put up or shut up!!


  • cat (10/06/2021, 20:52) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Poorer countries than the B.V .I is doing it social security have a large surplus that they give the government every so often maybe they can use it for a worthy cause is 6he same parents for the children pay it there
    • @cat (11/06/2021, 07:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      "Poorer" countries than the BVI is doing it...that is why they are poor.
      "Social Security have a large surplus"..Real yy????
  • Next Day (10/06/2021, 21:40) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    This would be a perfect project for the UK when they take control of their VI,
    Mek
    the natives happy with a welfare program for their children.. They like that. Build a bigger prison manned with UK policemem...latest scuffle up Balsum demonstrates the need. A section for "poor people" on welfare housing close to the new prison. Quality education will continue to be an after thought the children belly full and mommy have extra money for longer hair weave and fingernails of different colours and more children.. Job vacancies for the top paying can be filled by the Uk grads from their five star educational institutions..BVIslanders of generatIonal wealth pride and options still there,targeted by the welfare inclined with their eternal misdirected blaming.

  • @ SAYING (10/06/2021, 21:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    THATS A MORE CONSTRUCTIVE IDEA THAN WHAT THAT PREDATOR FROM VG IS DOUBLE TAXING TO MAKE UP FOR WHAT THOSE MANIPULATING EMPLOYERS THATS NOT PAYING THEIR SHARE EVEN AFTER TAKING IT OUT OF THEIR EMPLOYEES SALARY / THAT IS REAL EVILNESS
  • :) (11/06/2021, 02:36) Like (11) Dislike (3) Reply
    On the other hand that would be more money saved to squander on very long eyelashes, expensive handbags, hairstyles, cellphones and trips to Santo Domingo to replace the @$$ that your momma gave you.
  • She (11/06/2021, 07:40) Like (6) Dislike (9) Reply
    She don't need NO DAM SEAT IN GOVERNMENT SHE CRAZY JUST LIKE CINDY
  • solution (11/06/2021, 07:59) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    Free Birth Control!!!-
    Free moral checkups!
  • .... (11/06/2021, 08:53) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Yes, please, but no fried chicken and fries. That is killing our children.
  • Shsha (11/06/2021, 10:53) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I share what u ate saying but breakfast parents can provide but lunch they can give ,knowing that children are not too leave the campus.
  • I’m confused (11/06/2021, 14:50) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Why is she wearing a tie ?
  • Daisy (11/06/2021, 20:08) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    The solution is for single people not to have children.
  • musa (13/06/2021, 05:43) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Not a healthy suggestion during a pandemic, come with something better for our students like scholarship .

  • social concern (13/06/2021, 15:57) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    while this is a good idea if needs some proper assessment. This should not be free for o all. A need assessment should be done to determine who should receive free meals. Those who can pay would need to do so.
  • My friends (13/06/2021, 23:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Check this out and decide.

    https://youtu.be/0Nth_j2jhs
  • TOLA full of IDIOTS (15/06/2021, 13:59) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    So foolish and dumb dont know a good idea wen they see one, and you got others concern with wat she looks like and wat shes wearing, you stupid clowns, why dont u look at the POSITIVITY shes Trying to come with for the Children, some of yo own kids probably gonna benefit. Glad i dont live down der no more, Idiocy is Contagious, Thank God for the Smart Decent people of Tortola who DO good positive things for the country not just run them STINK MOUTH and CRITICISE


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