Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Social and Urban Transformation, Hon. Rawdon Turner, has congratulated graduates of the GRACE Programme School for Eldercare Assistants, commending their dedication to a profession that demands patience, empathy, and responsibility.

In a statement, Minister Turner praised the graduates for successfully completing the six-month training, which provided essential skills in professionalism, safety, nutrition, CPR, and caregiving ethics. He highlighted their practical experience at key institutions, including the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, the Fiennes Institute, and the Hospice at Holberton Hospital, describing it as invaluable in preparing them for their careers.

“Eldercare is not just a profession—it is a calling,” Turner remarked. “Your efforts will have a lasting impact on the lives of those you care for.”

The minister also commended the Family and Social Services Division for its commitment to training and certifying caregivers through the GRACE Programme. With more than 222 individuals certified to date, including some who have advanced to nursing assistant roles, the initiative continues to strengthen the eldercare sector in Antigua and Barbuda.

Turner encouraged graduates to continue striving for excellence and to uphold the values of compassion and integrity in their work, stating that their contributions would help bring dignity and comfort to the elderly and individuals with disabilities.

The GRACE Programme remains a cornerstone of the nation’s efforts to improve eldercare services, ensuring that caregivers are equipped with the necessary skills to meet the growing needs of the community.