Senator Angelica O’Donoghue on Thursday celebrated the achievements of thirteen graduates of the Government’s Residential Assistance Care for the Elderly and Eligible (GRACE) Programme, charging them to become champions of dignity, compassion and service as they embark on careers caring for some of Antigua and Barbuda’s most vulnerable citizens.

The graduation ceremony, held at the Zion Church of God under the theme “Serving with Dignity,” honoured members of the GRACE Programme Class of 2025 who successfully completed their training and are now equipped to provide professional care and support to elderly persons and adults living with physical disabilities.

Delivering remarks on behalf of Hon. Rawdon Turner, Minister of Social and Urban Transformation, Senator O’Donoghue conveyed Minister Turner’s congratulations and best wishes to each graduate and greetings from the Ministry’s leadership. Minister Turner was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances, while Minister of State Hon. Kiz Johnson was away on government business.

In her address, Senator O’Donoghue challenged the graduates to view caregiving as more than a profession.

“You are entering a profession where the greatest gift you can offer is not merely physical assistance, but dignity, companionship and respect. Every act of care, every conversation, every moment of patience reminds someone that they matter. Through your service, you become guardians of dignity and ambassadors of compassion.”

She reminded graduates that the true measure of a society lies in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens and encouraged them to carry forward the values of empathy, respect and excellence in service.

The ceremony was chaired by Ms. Avril Cox, while prayer and the National Anthem were led by Mrs. Marsha Pharaoh, Deputy Director of the Family and Social Services Division.

Opening remarks were delivered by Mrs. Amira Henry, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation.

Mrs. Henry highlighted the importance of the GRACE Programme, which provides support to elderly persons and adults living with disabilities, particularly those who are vulnerable or living alone.

She noted that the programme helps clients remain in the comfort of their homes while preserving their dignity, independence and quality of life.

She also outlined Government’s plans to further professionalize the sector, including certifying all GRACE workers in elderly and disability care, pursuing accreditation for the GRACE Programme School for Eldercare Assistants, establishing an Adult Day Care facility, and implementing systems for the registration and monitoring of nursing homes.

An overview of the training programme was presented by Mrs. Melvina Pascal, GRACE Programme Manager, while Ms. Kathian Colbourne highlighted the graduates’ journey through a multimedia presentation.

Graduates also received words of encouragement from Mrs. Althea Georges, RN/CM/PHN, who delivered the feature address.

Valedictorian Ms. Adlyn Henry reflected on the rigorous nature of the programme, describing the experience as challenging but rewarding. She noted that the training reinforced the importance of caring for those who once cared for us and prepared graduates to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the elderly and persons living with disabilities.

The GRACE Programme Class of 2025 comprises Adelia Belgrave, Claudia Bruce, Doreen Campbell, Cynthia DeSilva, Kiasha Natisha-Farrell, Adlyn Henry, Joycelyn Henry, Lannett James-Jones, Octavia Powell, Luanda Ryan, Shawnette Richards, Sabrina Simon and Tresha West.

The GRACE Programme remains one of the Government’s flagship social initiatives, providing in-home care, companionship and support to elderly and disabled citizens while advancing a vision of professional, compassionate and dignified eldercare throughout Antigua and Barbuda.