The Social Transformation Ministry is expected to benefit from a grant award, thanks to the British High Commission.

The money, EC$27,333 will go towards the development of an aquaponics system for the ministry’s Disability Centre

According to a statement, the grant will allow participants to set up and operate the system and serve as a source of support and income for 20 people living with disabilities.

“As the world pauses to commemorate the United Nations (UN) International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the British High Commission St John’s is pleased to announce 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,” a statement from the UK High Commission said.

Resident British Commissioner Ms. Lindsy Thompson says the news comes at a most fitting time, with ‘Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world’ serving as this year’s theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

“This grant represents the United Kingdom’s continued support for equity across the globe, especially amid United Nations 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 endeavor to empower and support vulnerable communities in Antigua and Barbuda,” she added