KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party Youth Organisation (PNPYO) and the PNP Patriots have welcomed the Government’s decision to adopt and implement a key component of the party’s proposed programme to provide free breakfast to students across public schools.

In a release on Wednesday, the Ministry of Education and Youth announced that it will be investing more than $1 billion to provide breakfast for approximately 69,000 students under the National School Learning and Intervention Plan (NSLIP).

READ: School feeding pledge

The move follows a 2025/26 Budget Debate presentation during which PNP president and Opposition Leader Mark Golding committed to providing a daily lunch meal at primary and secondary schools for all children in need, if his party is to be elected to form the next Government.

His commitment was supported by PNP spokesman on finance Julian Robinson during his budget presentation, who noted a long-term plan to include breakfast under the programme called Ensuring Adequate Sustenance for Education (EASE).

READ: Robinson commits to EASE programme for education

In a statement on Thursday, following the Government’s announcement, the PNP groups commended the Government for embracing the “progressive, people-centred policy recommendations put forward by the party”.

“We are proud that the bold and compassionate policy proposals put forward by the PNP leadership during the budget debate have pressured the Government into doing the right thing—providing basic nutritional support for some 69,000 students who now stand to benefit from this programme. We welcome this important initiative to provide at least one free, nutritious meal per day to students in need. Ensuring that no child is forced to learn on an empty stomach is not only a moral imperative but also a smart investment in the future of our nation. This programme has the potential to improve attendance, boost academic performance, and reduce long-term inequalities in our education system,” the PNPYO said.

The party further encouraged the Government to stay on this path and show the courage to embrace more policies put forward by the PNP, stating, “The education and well-being of our nation’s children must remain above politics.”