Saturday was commemorated globally as the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
To mark the occasion, the British High Commission, St. John’s announced a major grant award to the Ministry of Social Transformation, Human Resource Development and the Blue Economy, aimed at improving the lives of individuals living with disabilities in Antigua and Barbuda.
The EC$27,333.00 grant will go towards the development of an aquaponics system for the ministry’s Disability Centre, which will allow participants to learn how to set up and operate such systems as well as serve as a source of support and income for about twenty people.
In announcing the grant, Resident British Commissioner, Lindsy Thompson, said its timing was most fitting given the theme of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world”.
“This grant represents the United Kingdom’s continued support for equity across the globe, especially amid United Nation estimates that an eighth of the world’s population are differently abled,” she said.
“We are pleased to support the Ministry of Social Transformation, Human Resource Development and the Blue Economy in this important endeavour to empower and support vulnerable communities in Antigua and Barbuda.
