Rebecca Hughson

As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older Virgin Islanders—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This disruption affects individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.

On October 28, 2025, Troy de Chabert-Schuster proudly testified before the 36th Legislature's Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, championing important amendments to the Caregivers Leave Act (Bill No. 36-0086). This proposed legislation is an exciting step forward, ensuring that all full-time employees of the Government of the Virgin Islands, including those working with independent boards, commissions, and agencies, receive four hours of administrative leave every month to fulfill their essential caregiving responsibilities for a seriously ill spouse, child, parent, or any legal dependent.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we wanted to spotlight our incredible volunteer, Pablo Rojas, and have asked him to share his favorite recipe from Ecuador.

Join AARP VI on November 13th at Caribbean Cinemas for a FREE screening of "Now You See Me 3." The third installment in the Now You See Me series, titled Now You See Me: Now You Don't, follows the original Four Horsemen as they reunite to recruit three skilled illusionists for a high-stakes heist. The plot revolves around the theft of the world's largest queen diamond from a powerful crime syndicate. The film promises to deliver mind-bending magic, intricate planning, and a thrilling climax.

We are excited to announce that Social Security celebrated its 90th anniversary in August! To commemorate this milestone, AARP VI has rescheduled a special event on St. Croix for Saturday, November 8th, from 10 AM to 2 PM—and you’re warmly invited!

On October 28, 2025, Troy de Chabert-Schuster will testify before the 36th Legislature in support of amendments to the Caregivers Leave Act (Bill 36-0086). This legislation proposes that all full-time employees of the Government of the Virgin Islands—including those employed by independent boards, commissions, agencies, autonomous and semi-autonomous agencies, and other instrumentalities of the Government—who are the primary caregivers for a seriously ill spouse, child, parent, or any individual who is a legal dependent of the employee, be entitled to four hours of administrative leave per month for caregiving duties.

In 2022, AARP VI proudly awarded a Community Challenge grant to the St. Croix Orchid Society, Inc., an exciting step toward revitalizing the historic Orchid House at the St. George Village Botanical Garden, which had suffered damage from Hurricane Maria. The dedicated repairs included replacing the ridgepole and rafters, adding new shade cloth, updating the grillwork, and enhancing the irrigation system. After three years of hard work and determination, the Orchid House has been beautifully restored and now shines as a key attraction in the garden!

Join AARP VI at Caribbean Cinemas on October 23rd for a FREE screening of "Regretting You." The movie on St. Croix will start at 6:30 PM, while the St. Thomas screening will begin at 7:00 PM. Registration is FREE for everyone, and you do not need to be a member to enjoy the event!

AARP VI and the VI Department of Human Services will collaborate to host the third component of their Elder Justice Summit: Safeguarding Older Virgin Islanders, Supporting Caregivers, on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at My Brother’s Workshop Campus, St. Thomas, VI (behind Home Depot).

Learning and growing as a caregiver is a responsibility that is ongoing, and the caregiver’s self-care can be overlooked or buried beneath an avalanche of scheduled responsibilities. The question ‘what about me’ can often be viewed as a luxury item when continued support is a necessity. Discovering when to take time for self-care is a skill that requires development and must resonate at the heart of all caregivers. Learning how to take time for self-care may be challenged by several barriers, which may include limiting beliefs, adjusting to role reversals and implementing new structures for caring. Caregiving can also contribute to behavioral health concerns such as burnout, negative self-talk, depression, compassion fatigue and loneliness. In short, the journey of caregiving is a uniquely personal experience.