AARP Virgin Islands

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.

Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. (D) in June signed a new opioid notification law that will mandate health care providers inform patients of the risks associated with opioid prescriptions. AARP supported the measure.

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.

Here are some photo highlights from AARP Virgin Islands' 90th Anniversary Celebrations on August 14th and August 15th. The USVI really knows how to PARTY!

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.

On August 21, 2025, AARP VI and the VI Department of Human Services will host the second in their series of Elder Justice Summit events. Financial professionals from across the territory and across the country have been invited to attend both in-person on St. Croix or virtually. This event focuses on fraud prevention and protection.

Join AARP VI on August 28th at 6:30pm for a FREE screening of "The Roses" at Caribbean Cinemas on St. Croix and St. Thomas!

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.

St. John - Ice Cream Social and Music Celebration in the Bajo El Sol Gallery Courtyard in Mongoose Junction on August 14th, from 2pm-5pm. St. Thomas - One Legacy Block Party on August 15th at 6:30pm, on the lawn of Cutlass and Cane Restaurant in Yacht Haven Grande! St. Croix - Family Fun Day on August 16th from 10am-2pm at Sion Farm Distillery (Mutiny Island Vodka).

A new AARP survey, released in conjunction with Social Security’s 90th anniversary, confirms that Americans highly value Social Security, and even more so than five years ago. The vast majority of Americans – 95% of Republicans, 98% of Democrats, and 93% of Independents – consider Social Security vital to the financial security of all Americans, and 67% believe it is even more important for retirees than it was five years ago.