Nagra Plunkett, Assignment Coordinator

WESTERN BUREAU:

Several students at Mount Alvernia High School in Montego Bay, St. James, reportedly staged a 'hunger strike' Wednesday in protest against what they claim are unhealthy food preparation practices at the institution's canteen.

It is understood that a number of students at the all-girls institution were complaining of severe stomach pains, while others had diarrhoea.

"The hygiene of the food at the canteen is not good so the students are protesting by not eating there," one student explained, "At first, it was only the seniors that were on hunger strike, but now other students are joining in."

Stomach aches

One parent told The Gleaner she had to take her daughter to the doctor on Tuesday afternoon, as the child complained of having stomach aches, which reportedly occurred subsequent to eating curried chicken and rice from the canteen.

"When I saw my daughter, her skin looked darker than her normal complexion; she was itching and there were rashes all over her body," the parent said.

"The doctor had to administer an immediate injection and write her a prescription."

The Gleaner understands that last week Friday, at least two girls had to seek medical attention after the close of school.

The matter is now under the microscope of the St. James Health Department, which is conducting inspections at the school canteen, which is operated by a private concessionaire.

nagra.plunkett@gleanerjm.com