This past summer, AARP Virgin Islands (AARP VI), in partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services, successfully convened the first two of three Elder Justice Summit sessions. These gatherings brought together legislators, financial professionals, advocates, legal professionals, first responders, law enforcement, and mandated reporters. The consensus was clear: existing protections are insufficient. Findings from the first two sessions have shaped AARP VI’s legislative priorities, and the organization has pledged to lead the charge in advancing changes that will safeguard the financial futures of our elders.
AARP VI has already briefed Senators Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Avery L. Lewis, Kurt A. Vialet, Kenneth L. Gittens, and Marvin A. Blyden of the 36th Legislature, and has engaged the Lieutenant Governor’s Office.
AARP VI is thrilled to announce that the first financial institution in the Virgin Islands to join us in the fight against fraud is FirstBank Virgin Islands. After the August 21st Elder Justice Summit, representatives from FirstBank Virgin Islands left energized and inspired to protect Virgin Islanders against fraud and financial exploitation. This week, FirstBank Virgin Islands became the first in the territory to enroll in the AARP BankSafe training program.
The August 21st Elder Justice Summit focused on financial exploitation of the 65+ community. This event was held on both St. Croix and St. Thomas, with a livestream connecting both AARP offices. The Elder Justice Summit was attended by Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach, Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, as well as representatives from First Bank, Oriental Bank, the St. Thomas Credit Union, Merchant Commercial Bank, Bank of St. Croix, Frederiksted Federal Credit Union, and financial specialists from Medicaid and SNAP from the Department of Human Services.
Social Security was signed into law in 1935, and August 14th marks the 90th Anniversary. AARP Virgin Islands encouraged Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. to sign a proclamation marking August 14, 2025 as Social Security Day in the US Virgin Islands to honor this incredible achievement.
Take a fitness class, discuss local issues, or just listen to an AARP chat, courtesy of presentations AARP Virgin Islands is offering on its Facebook page and YouTube channel.
AARP in The Virgin Islands and the VI Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation are pleased to announce an AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park in Christiansted, St. Croix, at the Altona Lagoon, a long-term investment in the health of residents. This donation from AARP includes funding for fitness classes at the park for people of all ages. The AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park is open to people of all ages, though young children must be supervised by an adult.
Español | AARP in The Virgin Islands had a triumphant welcoming of the New Year with the successful signing of two (2) major pieces of legislation this month.
AARP in The Virgin Islands (AARP VI) and the Virgin Islands Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VI VOAD), the St. Croix Long Term Recovery Group, the St. Thomas Recovery Team, and the Love City Strong non-profit organizations all collaborated to donate 1,000 emergency preparedness kits to Virgin Islands seniors in need territory wide. This collaborative effort is the beginning of an ongoing project to help seniors prepare for a natural disaster.
In English| AARP en las Islas Vírgenes ha liderado los esfuerzos para la aprobación de la legislación de Calles Completas. El viernes 2 de octubre de 2020, durante la Audiencia del Comité de Transporte de Vivienda, Infraestructura y Telecomunicaciones de la 33a Legislatura, el Proyecto de Ley No. 33-0041 y Enmienda 33-681, que establece la Póliza de Calles Completas en los diseños de construcción y reparación de carreteras dentro del Territorio, recibió una respuesta favorable y todos los miembros del Comité votaron a favor del proyecto de ley. El proyecto de ley ahora se dirige al Comité de Reglas y Poder Judicial. AARP agradece a los patrocinadores del proyecto de ley: los Senadores Steven Payne y Oakland Benta. AARP también agradece al Senador Marvin A. Blyden, Presidente del Comité, y a los Miembros del Comité: los Senadores Alicia Barnes, Allison DeGazon, Donna Frett-Gregory, Stedman Hodge, Jr., Myron B. Jackson y Javan James.
En Español | AARP in The Virgin Islands has led the efforts for the passage of Complete Streets Legislation. On Friday, October 2, 2020, during the 33rd Legislatures’ Committee on Housing Transportation, Infrastructure & Telecommunications Hearing, Bill No. 33-0041 and Amendment 33-681, which establishes the Complete Streets Policy in the construction and repairs designs of roadways within the Territory, received favorable response with all Committee members voting in favor of the Bill. The Bill now heads to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary. AARP thanks the Bill’s Sponsors - Senators Steven Payne and Oakland Benta. AARP also thanks Senator Marvin A. Blyden, Chair of the Committee, and Committee Members - Senators Alicia Barnes, Allison DeGazon, Donna Frett-Gregory, Stedman Hodge, Jr., Myron B. Jackson, and Javan James.