Former Trinidad and Tobago Education Minister Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly has urged an investigation into a Central Trinidad caterer following reports of dead lizards discovered in roti intended for school meals. The incident, reported by the Trinidad Guardian on November 25, involved rotis supplied by a Freeport-based roti maker to a company contracted under the National School Dietary Services Limited (NSDSL). The contamination was reportedly detected before the meals reached students. This is not the first time the caterer has faced scrutiny; their services were previously suspended due to concerns over water quality at their facility. Dr. Gadsby-Dolly expressed deep concern, emphasizing that over 62,000 students across Trinidad and Tobago rely on state-provided breakfast and lunch. She called for updated protocols and a thorough investigation, noting that the supplier had allegedly faced similar issues in the past. Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath has pledged to follow up on the matter. The NSDSL’s School Nutrition Programme (SNP) serves approximately 54,000 breakfasts and 79,000 lunches daily to over 800 schools, relying on 68 caterers nationwide. The programme aims to provide a significant portion of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of nutrients through structured menu planning and strict adherence to food safety guidelines.
