The newly appointed Board of Directors of the National Schools Dietary Services Limited (NSDSL) officially received their Instruments of Appointment on Friday, September 12, 2025, during a formal ceremony at the Education Towers, St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Education, including the Honourable Dr. Michal Dowlath, Minister of Education, who delivered the feature address. Minister Dowlath emphasized the critical role of the Board in ensuring continued delivery of high-quality meals to students across the nation.
“As stewards of our nation’s dietary programme, it is your responsibility to ensure that the highest standards of quality are maintained in every aspect of service delivery. Understand and respond to the unique nutritional needs of our children. Their well-being depends on your commitment to excellence and your dedication to nourishing both body and potential,” Minister Dowlath stated.
Other Ministry leadership in attendance included Mr. Claudelle McKellar, Permanent Secretary; Mrs. Simone Williams, Permanent Secretary (Ag.); Dr. Peter Smith, Chief Education Officer; and other senior executives. Ms. Stacy Barran, Chief Executive Officer of the NSDSL, was also present.
New Board Composition (2025-2027)
The new Board consists of 12 members who will serve two-year terms:
- Mrs. Raffiena Ali Boodoosingh (Chairman)
- Ms. Anjanie Benjamin (Deputy Chairman)
- Dr. Samir Gopeesingh (Board Member)
- Ms. Hema Reena Boodram (Board Member)
- Mr. Nizamudeen Ali (Board Member)
- Ms. Ria Roopchandsingh (Board Member)
- Ms. Angel Jaggernath (Board Member)
- Ms. Carlene C. Banfield (Board Member)
- Ms. Racquel Ghany (Board Member)
- Mr. Ronald Desmond Garcia (Board Member)
- Ms. Alicia Joanna Knights (Board Member)
- Mr. Akini Williams (Board Member)
Each member will bring diverse expertise and leadership to support the continued success and development of the School Nutrition Programme.
Established as a limited liability company by Cabinet on May 16, 2002, NSDSL plays a vital role in supporting student well-being through nutritious meal provision. The organization works closely with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, and the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation.
The NSDSL manages the School Nutrition Programme on behalf of the Ministry of Education, under the oversight of the Ministry of Finance. Each day, the programme provides approximately 62,768 breakfast meals and 76,914 lunches to students across more than 800 schools nationwide. These meals are prepared and delivered by 65 contracted caterers strategically located across Trinidad.