ST JOHN’S, Antigua — The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation has reaffirmed its commitment to honouring Antigua and Barbuda’s oldest citizens by providing burial assistance to the families of two recently deceased centenarians.

Through the Ministry’s Community Development and Citizens’ Engagement Division, one-time grants of EC$10,000 were presented to the families of Denzil O’Brien Cummins and Laurna Agatha Mills to assist with funeral expenses under the Government’s Centenarian Assistance Programme.

Mr. Cummins, who was born on September 17, 1924, died on June 25, 2026, at the age of 101 years and nine months. Mrs. Mills, born on August 18, 1925, passed away on June 28, 2026, at the age of 100 years and 10 months.

The Centenarian Assistance Programme provides a one-time contribution of EC$10,000 toward burial expenses for citizens who reach the milestone age of 100 years and older. The initiative forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to recognise the invaluable contributions made by the nation’s senior citizens.

Director of the Community Development and Citizens’ Engagement Division, Dale O’Brien, said the programme is a meaningful way of expressing the nation’s gratitude to those who have lived extraordinary lives of service, resilience and dedication.

“The Government remains deeply committed to recognising and honouring our national treasures. This one-time burial grant is a small but meaningful expression of gratitude for the lives these centenarians lived and the legacies they leave behind. We are pleased to continue providing this support to their families during their time of bereavement,” O’Brien said.

Minister for Social and Urban Transformation, Hon. Rawdon Turner, said the initiative goes beyond financial assistance and reflects the nation’s appreciation for citizens who have witnessed more than a century of Antigua and Barbuda’s history.

“These remarkable men and women have lived through generations of change, helped shape our communities and left lasting legacies for their families and our nation. As a Government, we believe they deserve to be honoured not only during their lifetime but also with dignity in their passing. Supporting their families during this period is one way we demonstrate our appreciation for lives so well lived,” Turner said.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, Rosa Greenaway, said the programme underscores the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the nation’s oldest citizens are remembered with dignity and respect.

“Our centenarians represent resilience, sacrifice and a lifetime of service to country. As a ministry, we believe it is important that their families know they are not alone during this difficult time. This assistance reflects our compassion and our commitment to honouring citizens whose lives have enriched our communities and our national story,” Greenaway said.

The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation said the Centenarian Assistance Programme, supported by the Governor General’s office remains an important part of its commitment to recognising citizens who have reached the extraordinary milestone of 100 years and ensuring their contributions are honoured even after their passing.