From the Cayman Islands Ministry of Education

Cayman Islands, 22 July 2022 – A team of Cayman Islands Government and Education officials led by the Minister for Education, the Honourable Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, toured the canteen facility at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) on Tuesday (19 July 2022).

The tour was part of the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) ongoing efforts to ensure that all students enrolled in Cayman Islands Government Schools have access to tasty, nutritious meals under its Public School Meals Programme (PSMP). 

The first phase of the PSMP commenced in primary schools and the Lighthouse School in August 2021. In its second phase, the programme was expanded to include high school students.        

“When the Ministry commenced the second phase of the Public School Meals Programme, the infrastructure was not in place for us to immediately include dual entry students. We have since involved students attending Year 12 classes at St Ignatius Catholic School and are continuing our efforts to ensure that dual entry students attending classes at UCCI and Cayman Prep can also benefit from this vital programme,” said Minister O’Connor-Connolly.

The Education Minister continued, “Today’s tour will allow us to assess the existing canteen facility and work with the UCCI, as needed, to create a fit-for-purpose space. The Ministry is also in dialogue with Cayman Prep to facilitate the timely extension of this programme to public school students attending Year 12 classes at that institution.”

Among those included in the touring party were Deputy Premier and Minister for Finance, Hon. Chris Saunders, MOE Acting Chief Officer Ms. Lyneth Monteith, Deputy Chief Officer Mr. Joel Francis, Acting Director of the Department of Education Services (DES) Mrs. Tammy Hopkins and Acting Senior School Improvement Officer Mr. Elroy Bryan.   

They were joined by UCCI Board Chairman Mr. Gilbert Mclean, Interim President Dr. JD Mosely-Hatchett and other UCCI representatives.