Bermuda is to grant $20,000 a year to a hospice for AIDS victims in South Africa.

Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney said the Sustainable Development Roundtable had recommended the move to support the Soweto Hospice and Day Care Centre, which helps sufferers and children orphaned by the disease.

The Island's association with the clinic began under former Environment Minister Dennis Lister several years ago.

Mr. Blakeney told the House of Assembly in a ministerial statement on Friday: "The AIDS virus is a huge problem throughout the entire African continent and it is imperative that there be assistance in educating the populace.

"At the moment, the biggest challenge is convincing a great majority of the population that aids is a serious, life threatening disease. Part of the problem is penetrating the social and cultural practices. It is important that countries like the US and Bermuda continue to assist."

He said meeting people at the clinic had been a very humbling experience.

"As I entered the clinic, a two-year-old with the AIDS virus came immediately to me and grabbed onto my leg — what a touching moment," he said.

"I am happy that this Government has the foresight to do what we can to help, in a small way, to alleviate the suffering."