Social Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner says the government has trained more than 200 caregivers over the past two years, but Antigua and Barbuda still requires at least 200 additional workers to meet the country’s growing elder-care needs.

Turner told Parliament during Monday’s Budget Debate that 222 caregivers have been trained in the last 24 months , as the ministry works to close a widening gap in support for the elderly and disabled.

He said the graduates are now helping fill critical shortages, with many working in private homes and some qualifying for ward-assistant positions at the hospital because of the standard of training they received.

Despite these gains, Turner warned that demand continues to outpace capacity. He said discussions with the programme’s director indicate that if current trends continue, the country “need[s] another 200” caregivers to fully meet national requirements.

Turner also noted that 54 individuals are currently enrolled in the latest training cohort, but stressed that the need remains urgent as the elderly population grows and waitlists expand.

The minister said the programme’s success has been supported by Director Charles and Nurse Pascal, whom he credited for the quality of instruction provided to trainees.

He added that the ministry will continue strengthening the workforce but appealed to families to remain active in caring for their own relatives.