Businesswoman to launch school feeding program in 2017

Poponne-Skerrit speaks at her “Adopt a Child Back to School Program” earlier this year

Businesswoman and wife of the Prime Minister, Melissa Poppone-Skerrit, has announced plans to implement a new School Feeding Program in January 2017.

Speaking at a party hosted for children on Thursday evening, she stated that she was appalled to find that students were being kept at home because their parents lacked the funds to provide them with snacks.

“To me, in this day and age for a child to be denied an education because of a basic necessity like food, I thought something had to be done,” she expressed.

Poponne-Skerrit said that the new program will provide healthy snacks for students in need. She specified that the food will be prepared by a local restaurant, and distributed to students by school officials.

“As of January, I will be implementing the school feeding program,” she said. “It is not the typical school feeding program. Most of the other programs that you’ve heard about, the food has been cooked, it’s a hefty meal, it’s cooked in the school, and given to the child. It’s not that. It is a case where I have selected a restaurant, in Roseau, who will be making delicious but healthy snacks for your children, and it will be delivered to their school, and the principal or the teacher will give it to your child.”

Pancakes, chocolate milk, local juice, sandwiches, and hot dogs were named among the snacks which will be prepared under the program.

Skerrit-Poponne will also launch her foundation in the new year.

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126 Comments

  1. May 30, 2017

    Farmers abundan there farms and begging Zor’vote for labour till kingdom com

  2. just saying
    December 29, 2016

    mrs poppone skerrit i think that you should have several seats!!!! ask yourself why is it that these parents can no longer afford to feed and clothe and send their children to school? you are no angel. “To me, in this day and age for a child to be denied an education because of a basic necessity like food, I thought something had to be done,” she expressed. reeeeeeeaaalllly girl? imagine that not even feed these parents can afford to feed their children anymore.seat down for one second and answer this question to yourself. girrrrlllll bye!!!!

    • South East Lady
      December 30, 2016

      I wonder why its only Dominica that should have no poor people. What have you done to help someone?

  3. anon
    December 29, 2016

    theres already a school feeding program in all the schools in my opinion i think she should jump on that already moving train instead….to have a restaurant cater to that many students across the island is a massive undertaking .i think in as much as theyd like to prepare healthy snacks in time it would soon turn to a fast food snack prepackaged with maybe a hot dog cake pie chocolate milk …u know finger foods as we call it u know the kind ud get in a party on a lil plate covered with plastic wrap(can u imagine preparing healthy snacks to all the kids in all the schools in dominica every day and on time too. and who will be the restaurant preparing these foods ,where will the money be funded from,will that restaurant be given a contract by the government, will that restaurant be your family restaurant or some family or friend of u guys if so i dont think this should be allowed…lastly id prefer if jobs were created so people could feed themselves and their kids i wish everything

    • anon
      December 29, 2016

      i wish everything in this darned country wasnt so high or the salary was higher something has to be done after we pay bills theres nothing left…….so many questions the dominican people need to ask before this massive undertaking has started…..she made it sound so simple but its not ….we are tired of standing in line for handouts ….ok so u feed my kid at school im guessing one meal per day .my situation at home still remains the same ….in the long run situations still the same nothing and nobody has been improved or elevated …..i say we are tired of handouts but some people just love it …these ppl have already given up have already decided that thy arent going anywhere what they have theyl never have more so every month thy make sure their lil bills are paid thy have food for the month and thats is .thyl never vacation thyl never leave d.a thyl never experience the good life thats out there that some ppl like the first lady and ppl with money experience from time to tim

  4. bry andrew
    December 28, 2016

    Mrs first lady good night.

    I am all for what you are doing for the kids of Dominica. the people of Dominica have surrendered their soul to you and your beloved Husband.however if you look back on history some years ago in the jungle of our sister island Guyana you will have notice that Jim Joane’s wife started feeding the kids and Joane,s and his Hench did the rest with the adult , make sure you have the cool aid

  5. Me
    December 28, 2016

    Some of you on here talking about pancakes and chocolate milk not healthy and lettjng your kids buy bakes and chicken with a busta for their snack. Let the children eat their free pancakes eh. Politics is for grown people.

  6. Wonder
    December 28, 2016

    School lunch program! What does the woman know about anything? This is another attempt for them to keep Dominicans poor them brag about how many school children they are feeding. Who is going to prepare the food, do you all want to poison our children so they wont grow into men and women to seek revenge for their parents. Is this woman the PS or the minister of the education for her to say she is launching school lunch program.

    • Me
      December 28, 2016

      Well, she apparently knows about hotdogs!?

  7. CARTREATS
    December 27, 2016

    Melissa Poppone-Skerrit This idea is Totally Inappropriate, you do not have any authority to implement any School Lunch program , Please tell us how are you going to pay for that program? Do you know anything about children nutrition?Pancakes and hot bogs are not nutritious food for young growing kids, W . F T

  8. The truth
    December 27, 2016

    Give people jobs! Wicked unethical people using people as a means to an end! Melissa u people are rich accept it and get out of poor ple country.. U people must stop it.. All you people want is to remain in power forever? Why????? Greedy wicked set of people.. Never see a set of wicked people boss srupes

  9. pydana
    December 27, 2016

    I never see more idiot comments in favour of mrs skerritts programme.. is this good news.? why not Jobs for the parents to be able to take care of their children own meals.? you guys in support of this woman are so dumb.you people must try looking to the horizon. look further than you all feet. dominica can do better but unless change is not implemented in the heads the masses then we will all likewise perish. change the leader.the power is in your hands you have the remote control change the channel you just watching the same old movie over and over again. stop watching labor. (SWITCH THE CHANNEL).

  10. betty
    December 27, 2016

    the devil trap melisia to talk nonsense they bathing in money

  11. Mrs D
    December 26, 2016

    Typical Dominicans… if she wasn’t doing anything at all you all would have something else to say.. give her a god damned break! Nothing seems to please u guys at all! Melissa, hearts off to u and God bless u.

    • viewsexpressed
      December 27, 2016

      We were minding our business, she came on with his political scam for fame in honour of Skerrit, who has failed to grow the economy and give jobs to those he has deprived and placed in poverty.
      Another handout ceremony where Skerrit has failed, now exploring all avenues to pretend that he cares after publicly failed the poor people of Dominica. Now, wifey is dressed in well coated dress and nice dandan appears mystical and groomed representing a very dishonest questionable PM and corrupt Labour party Government.
      We doh want handout, we want jobs to buy our own clothes and food and to pay our tax to the county.
      The best Christmas and New Years wish we Dominicans want is that Skerrit goes and take his corrupt regime with him. Amen

    • Dominican
      December 27, 2016

      Mrs. D., if she had not announced this programme days before Chritmas nobody would have criticized her. I don’t think for one minute this was her idea alone. She was wrongly advised. If you want to help poor children do so quietly and do not make a show out of it. The good lord will love you all the same and that is what matters.

  12. truththe
    December 26, 2016

    Good idea, so you agree Dominicans are in a state of poverty. Today we have reach a state where parents keep their children from school due to hunger, my God have mercy on us.
    My friend you have a hidden money because all the schools in Dominica need to be fed. If its healthy meal , you are missing fruit bowls. Encourage them to eat fruits. Jobs, jobs, jobs are needed for sustainance.

  13. Doc. Love
    December 26, 2016

    On the my computer, the first comment shown is my comment dated 23rd December. Twenty nine comments later, my comment is still awaiting moderation. I thought it was first come, but it would appear, it depends who wrote the comments or DNO has not made up its mind whether to delete or not. Who cares about a comment that is stale and is at the bottom of the pile. Merry Xmas DNO.

  14. Stupesnstupes
    December 26, 2016

    It’s going to take a lot more than this! If you want ro know about the state of the country go into the primary schools. Some Hildreth have to take bus to school. Sometimes the parents don’t have bus fare….no the stateam doesn’t meet the cost of bus fare for every child. When the parents don’t have bus fare hey don’t send hem to school..if hey are not in scool they are in able to get the snack health or otherwise. The real problem here is poverty and feeding the children at school isn’t goino to fix the problem at home. The solution. ..jobs that pay well so that people can work to support themselves.
    In any event, good luck with your venture….but then again how many places in roseau make pancakes for breakfast…I can count on one hand. Will the “restaurant” get paid to provide the service. I see that all business places are suffering As a result of our robust economy. This is very telling on government. ….but then it iss working …so by all means…full steam…

  15. out of south city
    December 26, 2016

    Mrs. Skerrit, if you want to feed our children, why don’t you start your business by employing the farmers and the parents and using the foods that the farmers grow to feed the children? The foods that you mentioned are nothing but foods that will promote health issues such as obesity. diabetes, hyperactivity and so on. Is the Health Department looking into this? These foods are not healthy foods and our children do not need to be consuming foods that will compound heath issues in the future.
    I don’t think that’s a good undertaking.

    UNAPOLOGETIC

  16. December 26, 2016

    With the departure of Child Fund taking with it 4,000 sponsorships, children are being kept home from school for lack of food all over the country . We need a universal feeding programme where the poorest children can be subsidised without discrimination. In Goodwill School they have a programme where children get a meal for a $1 a day. Those who cannot pay even that can still receive a meal through the kind gifts of wellwishers . It costs just $100 a term per child . If readers want to help with a sponsorship or donating dry goods in bulk they can contact Lifeline Ministries on [email protected]

    • Anonymous
      December 27, 2016

      you are very diplomatic ms. Alexander but i get the message. Let the P.M.. wife business pay their tax and we will support your charity direct that has no political connection but has been caring for children quietly for a long time already and no restaurant business that are friends of his wife have to make profit out of that.

  17. john paul
    December 25, 2016

    Really is that sponsored solely by your busness?
    Are there other contributers?
    How many schools again?How much will that cost per day to maintain?
    Is hotdog really a healthy snack?
    Does your husband feel responsible for the rise in poverty and the resulting hunger of children as you mentioned?
    Why does he keep aaying that things are improving when poverty is rising?

  18. December 25, 2016

    I live in new york i know the story!! Lol

    • S M
      December 26, 2016

      So tell us the story , That’s why people continue to do things in the dark. WE who know have to expose them so that they will stop they false prentice.

      • Anonymous
        December 27, 2016

        Yes, tell us the story. What work was the P.M. wife doing in New York when she met him?

    • Lang Mama
      December 27, 2016

      Bar tending to nutritionist without degree. Maybe an honorary nutritionist

      • Tjebe fort
        December 28, 2016

        Hmm, you are confirming what I heard on the grapevine but found it hard to believe.

  19. anewagenda
    December 25, 2016

    Good show.

  20. Mahaut man
    December 25, 2016

    Everything is wrong on my island can you people in power look at the bigger countries, every school should have its own kitchen and food should be prepared for the students and teach them how to cook.our leaders are playing games look at skiroo. Where are the money for school district in your budget. Do you think roads alone is development

  21. Marcus Hill
    December 25, 2016

    Elections coming!

  22. December 25, 2016

    That`s what am talking about Madam first lady..Very great gesture,,

  23. J.John-Charles
    December 24, 2016

    Mrs Skerrit, it is indeed a worthy project,but if I was in your shoes I would not uttered these words.
    “I am appalled to find that students were being kept at home because their parents laced the funds to provide them with snacks.
    This statement reflects bad on your husband,since he is the PM for so long.

  24. edris
    December 24, 2016

    give their parents jobs so they can provie jobs, not snackdectator intention all you have . Show them ho wto fish not give themythe fish

  25. pydana
    December 24, 2016

    you feeling rich huh. and whats the foundation for?donate to it.?I hope you feed the country also.

  26. “Pancakes, chocolate milk, local juice, sandwiches, and hot dogs were named among the snacks which will be prepared under the program.”

    Yea right, you have selected foods that are nothing more than artery blockers by the time they leave school they suffer their first heart attack.

    With that out of the way, perhaps people should know what’s you business, and from what source the money to pay for the food derives, I doubt I would want my child to eat any food that come from a corrupted source! Any child who are deprived of an education because of a lack of food, Roosevelt Skerrit is to be held responsible for that mess!

    Dominicans once go to work and earn money to feed their children, from the time Skerrit siege Dominica poverty overwhelms the land, where are the jobs lady? You and Skerrit has turned Dominica, into a welfare, and beggar state. country where no one slept in the streets, under Skerrit comes homeless and hungry people!

    • Smh Dominicans
      December 27, 2016

      Why so much negativity and ignorance? Some of y’all well hungry.

  27. December 24, 2016

    Frist Lady ..I respect you with all my heart. But I think you should be doing more. Come out play your part
    Start a program like this let it continues.we know our P.M is working hard but you as the frist Lady play you part .just want to say thank you for thinking of the kids. Have a merry Christmas.

    • Lena
      December 26, 2016

      Enough with the ignorance stop calling Melissa first lady!! Dominicas’ first lady is the Presidents wife Mrs. Clara Severin, show her some respect and the Constitution likewise. Melissa is Roosevelt Skerrits’ wife or Wife of the PM of Dominica.. Nothing personal, that aside I actually like what she has been doing. I have advised to make some adjustments on the snacks she is intending to serve but while otheres wish to slam her, I think irrespective of how we may differ on politics Melissa has given a lot back. She gives to the hospital maternity ward ever so often newborn gift baskets, she has the adopt a backpack program, she sponsors quite a few events. We can go back and forth on where the money comes from and the politics of it, but honestly she doesn’t have to do none of that stuff she could keep stuffing her face and wallet. I think the out districts also need assistance and I am willing to do more in my village school meal program than I have in the past.

      • ??????????????????
        December 27, 2016

        Where does she get the money to do all that? have you ever asked yourself that question???????????????

    • jonathan st jean
      December 26, 2016

      There is already a school feeding program in all primary schools across the country.The Skerrit’s are just buying loyalty.That’s all

      • Smarter than you
        December 27, 2016

        Very true. Unfortunately the programs are not priority.
        POPS , her family restaurant I assume will not be the recipient of this lucrative contract, particularly if finances from ANY Government to or government associated entity is involved

    • Our political system does not have first lady; that is not in our political vocabulary. That only exists in the American political system.

      I know that is what she and crap Skerrit want Dominicans to call her. All she is doing now trying to do what she saw Michelle Obama did.

      However, the truth is there is mandatory food feeding program all across America, in schools, which is paid for by people like me who pay hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, in income tax, and property tax.

      Nobody walks around picking up scraps of food left over to feed people’s children. From what source is she getting the money to feed people. This is simply another ploy to detour from the poverty which is ravaging the nation.

      After all the years she and Skerrit lived and get rich off the blood of the nation, without creating a single job for anyone except their agents of which Skerrit is the chief selling passports. Not one industry has been created in the country! How many left since…

    • viewsexpressed
      December 27, 2016

      Joke you joking…our PM working hard?????? Oh yes, he got our children hungry and in poverty

  28. Memory
    December 24, 2016

    May I ask who will be responsible for footing the bill for this program? And why can’t schools be equip with kitchens so that the kids can have a meal not a fast food snack. You would be killing as the saying goes Two birds with one stone. 1) you would be providing nutritional meals for the kids, and 2) you would be creating employment for cooks which would come from vocational training at the schools.
    This would be much less costly ( cheaper) than having a Restaurant getting paid for the service, and also this could be a National School feeding program.
    This Restaurant you are thinking of do not need the kind of help you are planning to give them,they already have money. Create positive employment, create school kitchens, island wide, put that money you want to give a restaurant to better use. Since you are thinking of feeding the kids this is the way to go.

    • Dora
      December 27, 2016

      This is so true. I never thought I’d see the day when Dominicans would become so critical of other people and then themselves. A pity I have to respond to critics here because it is just plain that people who criticize have nothing better to do with their time. Hats off to the lady, If Skerrit was my husband I’d do the same. Kudos!!

      • viewsexpressed
        December 27, 2016

        WHAT on earth are you taking about woman Dora. You seem to be blind of the poverty in Dominica,

  29. Just Me
    December 24, 2016

    And by the way…. things in that store sooooo expensive – how much money all you really making?

  30. Pres_Donald_Trump
    December 24, 2016

    I cannot wait for president trump inauguration on Jan 20th.

  31. Truth Be Told
    December 24, 2016

    Mrs Melissa Poppone-Skerrit, thank you very much for such a noble gesture this Christmas season. May I also inform you that where there is a hungry child, there are usually hungry parents! The little that my parents had they gave me, and sometimes they gave me and went without! My point is, please encourage your husband to create more jobs at all social levels, like Public Works Department workers, Botanical Gardens sweepers along with other civil servants, but especially the lower social ranks. If people have jobs and an income they can then feed their children. Please learn to address root causes of social welfare issues before simply throwing alms at it. God bless you and your family at Christmas and always.

    • viewsexpressed
      December 27, 2016

      Amen, the truth be told…..it has been told……it will bee told. We know who is corrupt and then have wifey to patronise the same poor people they create.

    • John Paul
      July 8, 2023

      Noble gesture?They create poverty then are called noble in a feeble attempt to feed the hungry?
      “ I break your leg then I give you critches and you call me noble?”

  32. Elephan
    December 24, 2016

    “..healthy snacks”
    Pancakes, chocolate milk, local juice, sandwiches, and hot dogs

    Am I missing something here?

    • Just Me
      December 26, 2016

      Indeed you are. I think DNO forgot the “un” before healthy. Admin help us on this one please?

  33. Angel
    December 24, 2016

    Very good gesture Mrs PM. Dominicans have never seen this before. Thanks for caring for our children.

    • Angel, and I hope you are not my niece who call herself “Angel, but sad to say you are a damn fool, because the type of diet she selected will quench hunger, however, in the long run, by the time the children reach adolescents they will have a problem with obesity.

      Whereas you hear the word juice: ask yourself what sort of juice is she implying; because in the event she is anticipating bottled juice sold over the counter, in shops in the long run you will find a whole lot more people diagnosed with hyperglycemia (diabetes mellitus).

      It is not everything which shines is gold, fools gold also shines!

    • viewsexpressed
      December 27, 2016

      Is this an Angel or a Devil in disguise????

    • Me
      December 27, 2016

      Fawning creep!

  34. Just Me
    December 24, 2016

    Am… but as if it have school feeding program since I was in primary school

  35. Reasoning
    December 24, 2016

    :?: Why is it this woman who’s deciding to carry on such program,where are the institutions that are supposed to be responsible,like ministry for health and ministry for education :?: This island is really a failed state with a one-man illegal rogue posing as government!!! Why are those who are employed to lead the institutions of the island allow this,is the country supposed to be governed by laws and institutions or a man :?:

    • Dora
      December 27, 2016

      Why is THIS WOMAN??? Well Reasoning..come out from your hole where you are hiding and help do something better. Shate!!!

    • viewsexpressed
      December 27, 2016

      Amen…good question

  36. Cerberus
    December 24, 2016

    Presumably that foundation will have charitable status with contributions donated to it tax deductible , thus reducing the donors liability. In principle there is nothing objectionable to that. It is done the world all over. However, control of the expenditure of such a charity should not be in the hands of, or controlled in any other way by the donor to avoid even a temptation- or suspicion of diversion of funds for purposes other than the charitable ones for which it is intended or serve directly or indirectly the benefit of the donor. In other words, it should be fully transparent and open to public scrutiny. It follows that the donor(s) should not have a stake in the service provider whether it be a caterer, transport company or otherwise.

  37. Reasoning
    December 24, 2016

    :?: Is this what she’s describing as a healthy meal :?:……………….Your husband is the one who created such level of poverty and hunger by destroying agriculture,the source of income and healthy eating of the people!!! If you are really interested in having a healthy eating school feeding program,have every school equipped with proper kitchen and dining,with good cooks and dietitians. The farmers and fisherfolks can provide the foods with proper nutrients and by then earning a living!!! You are probably only interested in having one of your political party supporters with restaurant earn money,as the mismanagement of the economy has failed their business!!!

  38. Franklyn Cuffy
    December 24, 2016

    I applaud this School feeding programme planned for the New School Year by Mrs. Poponne-Skerrit..I know of a couple Schools where feeding programmes were started and did not continue due to lack of support or Parents participation. It is so important that Students have a good meal if they are to benefit from all that the School provides for their development as Citizens of this Nation. May the good God bless and guide you .

    • viewsexpressed
      December 27, 2016

      Cuffy (is it Fr.?), e do not applaud such schemes especially the source of it. Stop promoting dependency and you, like she should approach her husband to create jobs that parents feed their own children. This is an intrusion and NOT an act of faith. I fear this couple. It is just for personal gains and looking good.
      Too much poverty in Dominica.

    • Mr. Cuffy, I respected you for a very long time, not because you are a priest? But because I respect the educated; especially if they are academically, because I know an uneducated person can become a priest: When I was little, I desire to become a priest, Until I was told I would have to learn at least seven different languages which to satisfied Rome! I was told I am a rude boy, and cannot be priest. I believe in everything that works for good for those who love the Lord!

      With that said, are you suggesting that the diet that woman proposed for the children will be a good meal? Sir, I advise you to have a talk with a professional dietician before you recommend something that will eventually do more damage than good.

      Secondly, how can you support something that you do not know from what source that woman is getting her money to feed the children; considering politicians money in Dominica might derive from a corrupt source! We read she is a business-woman, but do you know what…

  39. mike maya
    December 24, 2016

    What people need is jobs, you see with jobs we can feed our own children, take the money for the feeding program and make financing available to entrepreneurs, farmers, manufacturers and the service industry and you will get more bang for your buck, enough of that socialism nonsense it never works.

  40. Daughter of the soil
    December 24, 2016

    Thanks you Mrs. Skerrit you have a big heart I pray that God will continue to use u to help others in need I pray God’s blessing upon u and your family in the new year and beyond once again I say thank u. God bless u

    • jonathan st jean
      December 26, 2016

      There is already a school feeding program in all primary schools across the country.What is she competing with this initiative for.Only to buy loyalty for the Skerrit’s

  41. anonymous2
    December 24, 2016

    Well, at least she is trying to do something for the poor children as the island only gets poorer. Another problem that needs to be addressed is the parenting skills. Many are not cut out to be parents.

  42. December 24, 2016

    I like the idea generally, but if the goal is to provide healthy snacks, they may want to skip the hot dogs in favour of the other items mentioned.

    • Steve Chocolate milk is not a good beverage to drink either. Milk is a dairy product which contains plenty of natural sugar, and cholesterol too; it is also a cancer causing product.

      I will not get into the science of it all and explain, because Dominicans cannot stand nor face the truth.

      As long as it is free, they could careless the damage it will cause; even causing one’s bad cholesterol to rise. If you ever went into a market in the U.S., and go to the milk shelves, you will find a variety of milk rated” “None fat, Whole milk; 1%, 2%, and a host of other verifications.

      The bottom line is milk, is as a bad for the body system. One of the reasons milk contains so much fat, its for the strengthen of the young calf. When a child is born it takes many months to crawl, then reap, then walk.

      What happens soon after a calf is born it is suckled by its mother, soon after it first feeding, the calf jumps up walk and follow it mother!

  43. Viewsexpressed
    December 24, 2016

    This song represents the current Labour Government. Wearw fedupp

    GOOD CITIZEN
    Performed by The Mighty Sparrow
    Album: Many Moods Of Sparrow, 1967.

    When does someone really become a good citizen?
    I’d like to know for sure.
    Why when the ordinary man disagrees with the establishment
    They call it treason?
    Why should they persecute a brother for seeking black power?
    Don’t they know a blind man could see that this is blatant hypocrisy,
    The real traitors and them are all high in society.
    Yet the government protecting all ah dem and penalizing you and me.

    And in a million different ways they violate the law
    It’s the same good, no good bastards who oppress the poor
    They selling black market, making excess profit, paying a starvation salary.
    These good citizens are the architects of economic slavery.

    They say you have the right to criticize but then you are victimized,
    And without any reason, many a time you find yourself
    Politically paralysed by that same good…

  44. John Jay
    December 24, 2016

    On whose money yours or the states. I guess it’s going to be like another RED CLINIC, people come and beg for food.

  45. Africo
    December 23, 2016

    Could be a very good thing. But then it could be politically deeper. Go and check out The Eva Peron Foundation, set up by the wife of the Argentine dictator, Juan Peron, in 1940s Argentina. Or watch ‘Evita’ the movie starring Madonna.

    • Tjebe fort
      December 27, 2016

      Well observed Africo. History repeating itself. Dictators crave public acclaim and adoration, nothing changing in that department.

      • sadformycountry
        September 14, 2017

        But why not just work with the already established or struggling feeding programs implemented in school around the country? Why try to create her own thing which will benefit nobody but her friends? These foods are not healthy. Period! I taught in American school system for years and these kids are overweight and lack the ability to concentrate properly on the same kinds of things she is listing here. This will NOT benefit our children. Work with the ones already present in schools and make local, healthier alternatives. Put kitchens in each school and create jobs for some of the parents of those same kids. We are not Americans and their model will not work for our children. Nothing but health defects are going to result from this menu.

  46. December 23, 2016

    More hand outs again!!! Where are the Jobs? Both you and your husband think that hand outs are a sustainable alternative to work but history has already proven you’ll wrong. Don’t take my word for it, just watch the former Soviet Union, Cuba and Venezuela. What we need in this country is jobs, jobs, jobs.

  47. country man
    December 23, 2016

    This is a serious sign of widespread poverty. This is a direct result of this administration policy. Only a few will survive. Now we will create an economic opportunity for some well to do person in Roseau to feed hungry children. The only thing on the menu that is somewhat healthy is the local juice ( healthy depending on the sugar concentration).
    We were once the bread basket of the region but today we have no local food to feed our children.

    I just can’t seem to understand the logic of the people in Dominica who call this progress.

  48. December 23, 2016

    Healthy snacks prepared by a local restaurant……………….in a Styrofoam container ?????
    What about compostable/Biodegradable containers made from plants ????
    What about non-cancerous container ?? and capitalize on the education of those children.
    My company is ready to supply, just call me.

    • Dominican
      December 28, 2016

      The container you concerned about? You tree huggers are reallynuts. The children are more important than the containers why didn’t you comment on the type of “healthy” snacks? stupes

  49. Stx62
    December 23, 2016

    Great idea first lady other business should make a contribution to help the program I know you can’t do it alone also we in the community should pitch in no matter how small every little bit helps people in the diaspora should find a way to get involved

  50. December 23, 2016

    So sad

  51. Viewsexpressed
    December 23, 2016

    Read this people, a big insult……….
    Melena says…..”It is a case where I have selected a restaurant, in Roseau, who will be making delicious but healthy snacks for your children, and it will be delivered to their school, and the principal or the teacher will give it to your child.”
    Can you people understand this….? Are out children hungry to reduce them to this insulting bourgeoisie attitude…? I am very upset so are other parents. Melena tell your inept Husband and his corrupt government, give these parents jobs that they can earn their own money and cook their own meals for their children,. Stop interfering. This is an insult. Your husband bring people to poverty and hunger and now there is money about from where< we don't know, to feed peoples children.
    This is the form of child Abuse and the Tina`s etc this is your opportunity to be vocal. The rich taking advantage of the poor and vulnerable.

    • Me
      December 27, 2016

      you mean Melena or Melissa?

  52. Viewsexpressed
    December 23, 2016

    Ohhh Jesus give me a break. Is this scheme a move for the failures of the PM Skerrit and his corrupt Labour Government where niceties are being prepared to show some level of patronism.
    Skerrit`s wife must be ignorant of the fact & circumstances of Dominica’s families & children, created by her inept husband who should have never been Prime Minister. God Bless Pierre Charles, may he rest in peace. This is any application of the Red Clinic through the back door now distributed by hi wife. Skerrit. Melissa, our parents need Jobs and employment not the old rotten Red Clinic hand out mendicancy. You and husband ought to be ashamed of yourselves. Go open some genuine business that employs people. The Sisserou award will not be awarded to you nor your husband as under his rotten leadership have placed Dominican families & children into poverty and beggars. Families, parents please stay away from this rotten scheme. Skerrit , keep your wife out of your doctored scheme. Shameful.
    Go to…

  53. The Gov't: One Man
    December 23, 2016

    With all due respect Mrs Melissa Poppone-Skerrit, while your idea sounds noble, it proves that the Labor Party led by your husband has made Dominicans poorer. To confirm that children can be denied an education because of a basic necessity like food, is a true inditement on his administration. I am assuming you will be focusing on Roseau, but what about the many in Vieille Case, Mahaut, Pointe Michel, La Plaine, Castle Bruce, Grand Bay, Bagatelle, Petite Savanne, Gallion, Scotts Head. In old school days, Attendance Officers, would ensure children go to school, and if they really had problems arrangements would be made for the State to cater for them through the government machinery. Labor ca travail…. Mechanstez. Downright politics.

  54. Free Thinker
    December 23, 2016

    Great idea, but I thought Dr. PM said the economy is doing well? I also hope its your money funding this programme

  55. Dr Clayton Shillingford
    December 23, 2016

    A good idea..I hope we do not throw politics into the mix

    • jonathan st jean
      December 27, 2016

      Why the duplication of effort to feed school children when there is already a school feeding program in all primary schools across the country.Now we have feeding programs competing at the same schools,so what is the objective and the motive.It would have been better to strengthen the existing feeding programs.This is nothing but buying patronage and undermining the existing program

  56. The truth
    December 23, 2016

    Your husband that course parent not being able to feed their children,her is a course to our country

  57. Cher
    December 23, 2016

    Hot dog is not healthy

  58. Question
    December 23, 2016

    Part II:
    She told me she was a talented seamstress and believed her business could really grow. But she needed the cash to get it off the ground. “How much do you need?” I asked. “$300 would be enough,” she replied. “And, what is more, I’ll repay it within three months and employ six people full-time.” I was very impressed with her enthusiasm, focus and ambition, and happily gave the $300, not wanting to be repaid. Three months later I was back near Ulusaba visiting community projects supported by Virgin Unite, when six women came up and gave me a beautiful gift of hand-made cotton pillows and clothes. They also gave me $300 – they were the six women the entrepreneurial seamstress had employed. I asked where she was, and was told she was rushed off her feet, at the market selling products. Her business was thriving. The episode taught me that the value of giving is often in providing somebody with the opportunity to make something unique themselves.

  59. Question
    December 23, 2016

    Part I:
    While assisting the less fortunate is a good gesture, proper utilization of your resource is even better and so I hope Melissa can use this model from Virgin’s Richard Branson to find out who the mother of these children are to empower them by assisting them with either skills training for jobs or provision of seed money for their business venture: I was pleased to be asked to help judge Facebook’s My Giving Story contest, which is encouraging everyone to share a story that inspired them to give. To me, it is individual stories, the people behind non-profits and businesses that inspire me. One example that springs to mind happened a few years ago when I was in Ulusaba, our wonderful game reserve in South Africa. A woman from the local village approached me. She was forthright in her request: “Mr Branson, can you please lend me money to buy a sewing machine?” While I am often asked for money, it was an unusually direct question.

  60. Aa
    December 23, 2016

    Good initiative your royalty, but please leave out the chocolate in the milk

  61. Common_Sense
    December 23, 2016

    Why is it u people like to separate the policies from Govt from the state of affairs in Dominica? You put Vat, all kinds of regulation to increase cost of doing business which in turn increases the cost of living but this does not seem to matter to anybody. So here u are showing u care, you doing a good deed for problems u created in the first place, u people not easy in this country called Dominica boy!

    • Me
      December 28, 2016

      Bravo, he made us pay another $100 tax for the roads. I suppose that is a surcharge for the holes. Thank you P.M. we have plenty of holes our tax is paying for.

  62. Lang Mama
    December 23, 2016

    Ha ha pancakes,hot dogs and chocolate milk is healthy stuff hundreds. Smh.
    People can’t afford because your current husband is responsible for impoverishment. School feeding programs have been in Dominica before you and Skerrit and to find the poverty level appalling is a testament of a people impoverished. Keep feeding the people with deception,give them toilet and now hot dog ,chocolate milk and pancake and no jobs. Then go make all you children on America.
    Tell us where the funding is coming g from -is it CANSAVE,save the children fund, USAID,Petro Caribe, pasdport Industry or is it that the business is turning over garments so good.
    I crineed when black people enslave their own.
    Escobar,Dodoso, El Chapel all gave back .
    DNO leave my comment and yes I am angry

  63. missy white
    December 23, 2016

    not a bad program but…i need a hope of opportunity to work…we need jobs, manufacturing jobs agricultural jobs etc…national health insurance, voter id card, transparency in govt. this program is not going to change nothing…ok…

  64. Peace
    December 23, 2016

    Kudos to you Mrs. Skerritt. You do not only care about your children, but all of Dominica’s children. Heartwarming!

  65. MWEN
    December 23, 2016

    This is just an example of the poverty that DA has returned to. And I am sure that it is worse than you can even imagine.

  66. Anonymous
    December 23, 2016

    she want s to be like Eva Peron? it don’t think so, more like, Imelda Marcos.

  67. bro
    December 23, 2016

    I’m guessing this will be like the Clinton foundation. Rich unknown donors will deposit funds to this charitable foundation for access to Skerrit and gov’t incentives. King of xyz will donate for Dominica’s vote on some UN issue, Businessman abc for some tax free and duty free incentives… you know the normal. That’s how these foundations work, this lady is no where nowhere a successful business person to operate and fund such a food drive without generous amount of outside help.

    Now I could be wrong, if so shame on Astaphans, Nassief and Whitchurch for not donating more to the ghotto, infirmary etc when apparently businesses in Dominica are flush with cash.

  68. Real!!!!!
    December 23, 2016

    SMFH…..Is this what this country has come to under the current administration.

    So after Skerrit administration has improvise the people his wife is now appearing to be savior of the poverty problem they created…SMFH

    People just want jobs and no handouts!!!!!!!!

  69. Dominican
    December 23, 2016

    “Pancakes, chocolate milk, local juice, sandwiches, and hotdogs ”

    Is this for real? Are we serious? First of all I find you and your husband believe in dependency a bit too much. You initiative is a good one but why not teach a man to fish. Next, why these unhealthy foods in an agricultural country? I know before you implement you will revisit, because you are a good person. I will not bash you for trying, I will wait. Meanwhile please review with a nutritionist and a social welfare individual. I thank you.

  70. Dominican Passports
    December 23, 2016

    Pancakes? Chocolate milk? And Hotdogs? :lol: :lol: It’s a good initiative though, but people gonna say negative stuff.

    • Me
      December 27, 2016

      It reminds me of Marie-Antoinette, the wife of Louis XVI of France, who supposed said “let them eat brioche” when told that the ordinary people were starving and struggling to afford bread. We all know what happened? It led to the French revolution, which cost the royals their heads.

  71. Massacre
    December 23, 2016

    Why don\’t you launch a jobs exposition so that our kids who were actually born in Dominica can find jobs after they leave school?
    This would be a much better adventure and self sustaining contribution for everyone.
    But it seems like you all do not want the people of Dominica to be able to fend for themselves.
    The idea of I will feed you so that you will always serve me still remains in Da. .

  72. john doe
    December 23, 2016

    first let me say finally a drop of the passport money will serve a few citizens! Now it appears that this poponne-skerrit is foolish since when are cupcakes, hotdogs or chocolate mike been healthy snacks. u trying make them even more obeis! smh

  73. Doc. Love
    December 23, 2016

    ” To me , in this day and age for a child to be denied an education because of a basic necessity of food.” I hope you don’t get into trouble for publicly making such a statement. Do you really believe, mothers or fathers would deliberately keep their children at home if they could do better. You must be forgetting who is Prime Minister of the country and he is responsible to a create an environment so that as many mothers and fathers would be working thus preventing so many hungry children. I feel your pain, but if there is any one to be blamed for the current situation, it is your beloved husband.

  74. Realistic One
    December 23, 2016

    A good start but hold the hot dogs which are not healthy. How about some fresh fruit instead?

  75. zandoli
    December 23, 2016

    Is that a Roseau-centric endeavour?

  76. R. Linton
    December 23, 2016

    Any program to alleviate hunger both in households and Schools are welcomed. However I have issues with the types of meals served to kids both at home and in school programs. Statistic have been showing an increase in preventable diseases over the years…We know the foods that are causing them. Yet we still want to include these meals to our kids on a national level? That’s madness!!!HOTDOG IS BAD. IT IS NOT A HEALTHY SNACK!!!
    Nitrates are used to preserve hot dogs so that it has a longer shelf life and maintain its pink color. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, over 24,000 people are expected to die from leukemia in 2015. According to new research, children who consume over a dozen hot dogs a month are nine times more likely to develop leukemia.
    Lets get out ACT together…Mrs SKerit needs to review what she considers healthy SNACKS. We have enough local vegetables and produce to create healthy life styles for our KIDS.

    https://www.davidwolfe.com/hot-dogs-cancer/

  77. nonamegal
    December 23, 2016

    Great job! Good initiative!

  78. Titiwi
    December 23, 2016

    Why refer to her as a businesswoman when we all know that she is the P.M.’s wife. If Mrs. Skerrit has money to spare why not assist existing charities that care for the destitute and poor and are largely unsung? This not so subtle campaigning on behalf of her husband’s public image is unbecoming and rather tacky. Mrs. & Mr. Prevost have been feeding the hungry street people of Roseau for years without any hoopla.

  79. December 23, 2016

    Why not provide school meals for the children.

  80. Righteous
    December 23, 2016

    Great initiative by Mrs Poponne-Skerrit. I would urge her however to solicit the assistance of a nutritionist on island to select a combination of foods to provide the best nutritional value to the kids in need. I would personally suggest, if possible and as the program grow from support from our local businesses, that we leave out the hot dogs and other highly processed foods.

    Thanks Mrs. Poponne-Skerrit for your contribution to the children and the most vulnerable ones in our society. I await the news on your foundation.

    #OneLoveDominicans!

  81. Jack
    December 23, 2016

    Sounds like a great initiative, but I’m not sure the method is the best, especially when bully is so prevalent in our schools today. With the approach suggested it appears that everybody at the school will know which children can’t afford food. The children now have to deal with the embarrassment. Some may the embarrassment is better than being hungry and that’s maybe right, but unless you’ve been bullied and embarrassed in school, you would never understand my concern.

    There are many other questions/concerns:
    Why is this programme not being done by the Govt, like in many other countries?
    Would the govt decide to contribute and support this programme sometime in the future
    Then the next question is (if the govt) is going to support which local restaurant is selected
    Why can’t parents afford to feed their children in Dominica. How does that reflect on the performance of the govt?

  82. Unknown
    December 23, 2016

    I admire the initiative however, the would be no need for a cure if where is prevention. The only reason why people can’t provide snacks for their kids is because of lack of jobs in the country. Growing up in a poorer Dominica, my parents never depended on anybody to give me snack. If I didn’t had I did without. We don’t need more hand outs we need jobs. By the way, is this issue only affecting Roseau?

  83. jonathan st jean
    December 23, 2016

    Whilst a school feeding program is not in and of itself a bad concept,but considering the environment in which it is being implemented by the wife of the Prime minister is disheartening.First there are children kept home because of lack of food is an admission of total failure of the policies of the government.There is a mentality that dependency on the government is a good thing whilst it stymmies growth and progress in a people and by extension a country.I guess there is a red clinic to give handouts to the parents and now you are going to be giving meals to the kids.Just declare yourselves God’s because you give the Dominican people their daily bread.For that they will be eternally grateful to the providers thus hopefully trying to cement the entrenchment of Labour in their lives.This is a recipe for failure. Dominica should not celebrate this move as it removes the will of the people to provide for themselves,each accordingly to his abilities.What has happened to self reliance.

  84. Dominique
    December 23, 2016

    Seriously, PANCAKES, CHOCOLATE MILK AND HOT DOGS to give to children are you kidding me, OUR CHILDREN’W HEALTH IS IN FOR A CRISIS, what a shame. I agree to feeding under privileged full heartily but give them HEALTHY FOOD.

  85. educator
    December 23, 2016

    Good initiative…….. .In reality, every school sells snacks………….so if there is a child in need( who has no purchasing power) , the child/children can be assisted with a monthly budget for their snack….The finance could be sent to the school for the child/children………….duplicating or having snacks sent to the school serves no purpose,
    Will the restaurant be on time for recess at each school?
    How many schools can be served simultaneously?
    Just think about these two,…….,and there may be more……
    therefore……..a child on average needs $X for their snack,,,multiply that by 20 days in a month..this i think is more feasible…

  86. gwensho
    December 23, 2016

    “To me, in this day and age for a child to be denied an education because of a basic necessity like food, I thought something had to be done,” she expressed…..good point mam……very good point!

  87. Sylvester Cadette
    December 23, 2016

    Wonderful initiative from the First Lad, Mrs. Skerrit. Thank you. Any good news or initiatives I hear from Dominica I embrace with joy.

    To all the other individuals that we do not know about but making great contributions in the lives of Dominica’s young children, I say thank you to them too.

    • viewsexpressed
      December 28, 2016

      Mr. Cadette, I am convinced now that you are out of focus and the real issues affecting Us here in Dominica. How on earth can this be a good initiative and how long will this abuse go on for?
      That is NOT good news nor is it a welcome initiative. people need jobs and have crying for it foe over ten years now. Skerrit and his bunch of corrupt government have bought poverty and begging to poor people they have created now you supporting a scheme which lowers and reduces our people to beggars. You are a professional, please put it in use.
      Dominicans stay away from Mrs. Skerrit, run as far as you can away fro here, also tell her husband to go to hell….got to hell…go to hell

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