The Government of Montserrat has finally sorted out the planned outsourcing programs. At the turn of the new year it will begin outsourcing the school lunch programme and the school bus service.
School lunch programme privatised as of January 1, 2013
The government has agreed to give EC$ 10,000 in start-up funds to a private contractor to provide warm launches for the island’s public school as of January 3, 2013.
The Cabinet made a decision on November 29, to turn the service over to the successful tenderer.
The Cabinet also noted that lunch fees will be $25 per week for Secondary School students and $20 for Primary School students starting January 3, 2013.
The Attorney General’s Chambers will finalise procurement arrangements with the Ministry of Education.
School bus service privatised as of January 1, 2013, fees to be increased
– As of January 3, 2013 the school bus service will be in the hands of a private company, with the fees increasing from September at the start of the new school year.
The Cabinet made a decision on November 29, to turn the service over to the successful tenderer.
The Cabinet also noted that fees will increase to $10 for Secondary School students and $5 for Primary School students per week and will go in to effect for the new academic year in September 2013.
Contract arrangements are presently being finalised with the Attorney General’s Chambers while the Deputy Governor’s Office is also preparing to transfer all terminal benefits and staff to other government departments.
According to a GIU release, it says, “These are two of several government services that have been earmarked for outsourcing in 2013 and is part of the Strategic Growth Plan to increase private sector growth.”
