BY: JUDITH A. HUNTER

Kingston, Jamaica, April 22, 2025 – Approximately18,803 students from183 schools are beneficiaries of the Nutrition Products Limited (NPL) Snack Programme.

This is bolstered by the NPL Breakfast Programme, which serves students under the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH), which currently supports an additional 50,884 students across another 641 schools daily.

The Holy Trinity High School in Kingston (HTHS) was added to the NPL Snack Programme earlier this year, and according to the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MoESYI), this reinforces the Government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable students.

This addition is significant, as it aims to enhance learning outcomes while providing critical nutritional support to students who may otherwise struggle to concentrate and succeed, due to lack of proper nutrition.

The school is also the first to benefit from the recently launched Grade 7 Academy Programme which the MoESYI, in conjunction with the St. Michael’s College in Kingston, is piloting as part of an initiative to reimagining underperforming schools in Jamaica.

This initiative is designed to enhance the numeracy and literacy skills of students entering grade seven.

Director of Communication at the MoESYI, Ruth-Ann Carr, told JIS News that  the Ministry recognises the critical link between proper nutrition and academic performance. So, through NPL, efforts are being made to address the needs of students who may not have access to adequate nutrition at home.

“By providing nutritious meals/snacks to these students, the programme seeks to improve their ability to concentrate, engage in lessons, and ultimately perform better academically. The initiative underscores the importance of addressing basic needs to foster an environment conducive to learning, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom,” Ms. Carr explained.

Principal of HTHS, Karl Clark, underscored this connection. “Nutrition is not just about survival; it is integral to our students’ focus and engagement in learning. Many of our students rely heavily on the school for food, and we see first-hand how proper nourishment can influence their academic performance,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, noted the undeniable link between nutrition and academic performance.

“Nutrition plays a vital role in a student’s ability to concentrate and succeed academically. By ensuring that our students receive the proper nourishment, we are giving them the best possible opportunity to excel in their education and close the achievement gap in underperforming schools,” she said.

The Grade 7 Academy Programme has been described as a transformational project designed to create a robust framework for enhancing student-centred learning and development.

According to Mr. Clark,  there is need for such frameworks. “With approximately 500 of our students on PATH, there are many other students who, despite not being enrolled in PATH, also need support and the school steps in to provide lunch for them. The Snack Programme allows us to address their immediate nutritional needs, while the Grade 7 Academy Project aims to create an environment that fosters academic success,” he said.

The NPL plays a critical role in the National School Feeding Programme, overseeing the distribution of baked goods categorised under Breakfast and Snack. The programme now covers a total of 824 schools nationwide.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NPL, Andrew Narine, has emphasised the broad impact of  the School Feeding Programme.

“By ensuring that vulnerable students receive the nutrition they need to stay focused and engaged, NPL’s initiative directly supports the MoESYI’s mission to close the achievement gap in struggling schools,” the CEO said.

Meanwhile, Senator Morris Dixon said the Ministry continues to prioritise the  improvement of  literacy and numeracy through sustained nutritional support, and the NPL Snack and Breakfast Programmes stand as a testament to the collaborative efforts made towards student success.

“Integrating nutritional support with educational progress demonstrates that enhancing welfare is not merely a separate initiative but a vital element in raising educational standards throughout Jamaica,” the Minister said.

“By embracing these programmes, schools like Holy Trinity are not just filling stomachs,  they are fostering achievement and transforming the landscape of education in Jamaica, a journey undeniably marked by the promise of a better future for all students,” she added.

Photo contributed

S C H E D U L E    O F    E V E N T S

The 2025 CARIFTA Athletics Games will be held at Hasely Crawford Stadium from April 19–21, while the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships take place at the National Aquatic Centre from April 19–22, with Open Water events on April 23 at Five Islands Beach.

Friday April 18, 2025

52nd CARIFTA Athletics Games and the XXXVIII CARIFTA Aquatics Championships Opening Ceremony

• Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad
• Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
• Admission Free

Saturday April 19, 2025

Athletics – Hasely Crawford Stadium: Port of Spain, Trinidad

Morning Session – Starts 9:00 AM

• Boy’s U20 Decathlon 100m Heats
• Girl’s U17 High Jump Final
• Girl’s U17 Javelin Throw Final
• Girl’s U20 Shot Put Final
• U17 & U20 100m and 400m Semi-Finals
• Boy’s U17 Octathlon 100m Heats
• Boy’s U20 Decathlon Long Jump & Shot Put

Afternoon Session – Starts 4:00 PM

• Medal Ceremonies
• U17 & U20 Finals: 100m, 400m, 1500m
• Girl’s U20 Triple Jump Final
• Girl’s U17 Discus Final
• Boy’s U20 Discus & High Jump
• Boy’s U17 Triple Jump & Shot Put
• Special Olympics 100m (Girls & Boys)
• Mixed Open 4x400m Relay Final
• Pole Vault & Octathlon/Decathlon 400m Heats

Aquatics – National Aquatic Centre: Couva, Trinidad

Morning Session – Starts 9:00 AM

• Girl’s 800m Freestyle (slowest heats)
• Boy’s 1500m Freestyle (slowest heats)
• Prelims:
  • 200m Breaststroke (11-12, 13-14, 15-17)
  • 50m Backstroke (11-12, 13-14, 15-17)
  • 100m Butterfly (11-12, 13-14, 15-17)
  • 4x100m Freestyle Relay (all age groups)

Evening Session – Starts 6:00 PM

• Girl’s 800m & Boy’s 1500m Freestyle (fastest heats)
• Finals:
  • 200m Breaststroke
  • 50m Backstroke
  • 100m Butterfly
  • 4x100m Freestyle Relay (all age groups)

Sunday April 20, 2025

Athletics – Hasely Crawford Stadium: Port of Spain, Trinidad

Morning Session – Starts 9:00 AM

• Boy’s U20 Decathlon 110m Hurdles, Discus, Pole Vault
• Girl’s U20 Shot Put Final
• Boy’s U20 Long Jump Final
• Boy’s U17 Octathlon 110m Hurdles, High Jump
• Girl’s Open Heptathlon: 100m Hurdles, High Jump
• U17 & U20 400m Hurdles & 200m Semi-Finals
• Girl’s U17 Discus Final

Afternoon Session – Starts 4:00 PM

• Medal Ceremonies
• U17 & U20 4x100m Relay Semi-Finals
• Girl’s Open Heptathlon: Shot Put, 200m
• Boy’s U17 Octathlon: Javelin, 1500m
• U17 & U20 800m Semi-Finals
• U17 3000m, U20 3000m, Shot Put, Long Jump, High Jump, Javelin
• Finals: 400m Hurdles, 4x100m Relays, Mixed 4x400m
• More Medal Ceremonies

Aquatics – National Aquatic Centre: Couva, Trinidad

Morning Session – Starts 9:00 AM

• Prelims:
  • 200m Freestyle (11-12, 13-14, 15-17)
  • 50m Butterfly (11-12, 13-14, 15-17)
  • 100m Backstroke (11-12, 13-14, 15-17)
  • 4x100m Medley Relay (all age groups)
• Slower heats: 400m Individual Medley

Evening Session – Starts 6:00 PM

• Finals:
  • 200m Freestyle
  • 50m Butterfly
  • 100m Backstroke
  • 4x100m Medley Relay
• Fastest heats: 400m Individual Medley

Monday April 21, 2025

Athletics – Hasely Crawford Stadium: Port of Spain, Trinidad

Morning Session – Starts 9:00 AM

Morning Session – Starts 9:00 AM

• Girl’s U17 & U20 100m Hurdles – Semi-Finals
• Boy’s U17 & U20 110m Hurdles – Semi-Finals
• Girl’s Open Heptathlon: Long Jump
• Girl’s U20 High Jump Final
• Boy’s U17 Long Jump & Discus Final
• 4x400m Relay Semi-Finals (U17 & U20 – Girls and Boys)

Afternoon Session – Starts 3:00 PM

• Medal Ceremonies
• Finals:
  • All Hurdle Events (U17 & U20)
  • Girl’s U20 Discus Throw
  • Girl’s U17 Triple Jump
  • Boy’s U20 Shot Put
  • Girl’s U17 & Boy’s U20 800m
  • Girl’s & Boy’s U17 and U20 200m
  • Boy’s U20 Triple Jump
  • Girl’s U17 Javelin Final
  • Boy’s U20 5000m
  • Special Olympics 200m (Girls & Boys)
• Girl’s Open Heptathlon: Javelin & 800m
• 4x400m Relay Finals (U17 & U20 – Girls and Boys)
• Closing Ceremony

April 17, 2025 – The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) has announced the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) approval of three critical climate resilience projects for St. Kitts and Nevis and The Bahamas. The projects, collectively securing nearly US$6.73M in funding, will support national adaptation planning and climate-smart agricultural initiatives to strengthen regional resilience against climate change impacts.

St. Kitts and Nevis secured an approved funding allocation of US$732,616.00 to develop the St. Kitts and Nevis Climate Smart Agriculture Project (SKN CSA-P) through the GCF’s Project Preparation Facility (PPF). The PPF grant proposal received formal approval on 14 February 2025.

The PPF grant will be used to fully develop the SKN CSA Project through several critical studies, such as a Feasibility Study, Environmental and Social Action Plan, and Gender Assessment and Action Plan. Designed to advance sustainable agricultural practices, the SKN CSA-P aims to strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience, and mitigate environmental degradation across the twin-island nation.

The twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is poised to strengthen its national adaptation efforts through strategic investments in institutional capacity-building, policy development, and climate risk assessments—critical components for fostering long-term climate resilience. Formally approved on 10 March 2025, this initiative will be driven by the Building Resilience Through National Adaptation Planning in St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN-NAP) Project, which has successfully secured US$2,998,365.00 in funding.

Spearheaded by Ryan Phillip, Project Development Specialist at the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), the SKN-NAP project will enhance the country’s ability to anticipate, plan for, and respond to climate challenges. By integrating climate risk considerations into national policies and strengthening institutional frameworks, this initiative will lay the groundwork for a more resilient and climate-adaptive future for St. Kitts and Nevis.

Phillip shared, “The development of a National Adaptation Plan for St. Kitts and Nevis marks a pivotal milestone in the country’s efforts to build resilience against the impacts of climate change. This initiative will establish a clear roadmap for strengthening adaptive capacity and addressing climate vulnerabilities through targeted interventions. Through this process, St. Kitts and Nevis will be better equipped to anticipate, plan for, and respond to climate challenges. Additionally, it will enhance the country’s ability to attract much-needed financial resources to implement large-scale climate-adaptation initiatives in key sectors such as health, tourism, and agriculture. I am grateful to have spearheaded the development of this proposal and deeply appreciate the support of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) throughout this process and their ongoing commitment to supporting Small Island Developing States (SIDS).”

The Bahamas also secured US$2,999,997.00 in funding through the approval of the Advancing National Adaptation Planning in The Bahamas (BAH-NAP) Project. Formally approved on 18 February 2025, this transformative initiative is designed to enhance the country’s long-term climate resilience by embedding climate adaptation strategies into national policies and planning frameworks.

Dr. Donneil Cain, Former Lead Project Development Specialist at the CCCCC, led the development of this project, which will strengthen institutional capacity, improve risk management, and ensure that The Bahamas is better equipped to address climate vulnerabilities and future environmental challenges. By mainstreaming climate resilience into national development strategies, the project will foster sustainable growth while safeguarding critical sectors from the impacts of climate change.

This approval underscores the Caribbean’s steadfast dedication to proactive climate action and resilience-building. Continuing to build on the momentum of the recently held GCF Regional Dialogue, the CCCCC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting Caribbean nations in their climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. The CCCCC will continue to collaborate closely with regional governments, international partners, and key stakeholders to mobilise critical resources, drive innovative solutions, and implement strategic interventions that empower vulnerable communities to navigate and thrive amid growing climate challenges.