On November 10, 2025, Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. signed Act 9051, which amends title 34 of the Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15, expanding the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Protection Act. Act 9051 was approved by the Virgin Islands Legislature on October 30, 2025. AARP Virgin Islands State Director Troy de Chabert-Schuster testified before the 36th Virgin Islands Legislature in support of amendments to the territory’s Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Act (Bill 36-0099).
AARP VI's Free Family Fun Day was initially set for August, but Mother Nature had other plans with heavy rain and flooding that led to its cancellation. However, nothing can keep the vibrant spirit of the Virgin Islands down! The community rallied together, and on November 8th, the celebration finally took place in a spectacular way. Families came out to enjoy a day filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories!
The Virgin Islands are brimming with delightful holiday traditions and unique foods that bring us together in celebration. From November onwards, the festive spirit is captured beautifully with the arrival of coquito at our tables and gatherings! While its history in the Virgin Islands isn't extensively documented, coquito is thought to have roots in Puerto Rico. The name itself, meaning "little coconut" in Spanish, highlights the creamy coconut at its heart. This delightful drink is a variation of the traditional Spanish ponche and has wonderfully evolved to incorporate flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Each region of Puerto Rico adds its own twist, showcasing the island's rich cultural tapestry. Here in the Virgin Islands, coquito has truly become a beloved holiday favorite, delighting many at local bars and restaurants. Cheers to celebrating together with this delicious tradition!
Dive into the full article for our delightful Coquito recipe, expertly crafted by our wonderful volunteer, Lucie Rodriguez. Enjoy the festive spirit!
Today, 63 million Americans — including our own Virgin Islanders — step up as family caregivers, helping older parents, spouses, and other loved ones live independently at home rather than in costly nursing homes. These everyday heroes hold up a broken long-term care system, managing medications, preparing meals, helping with bathing and dressing, and more. In the Virgin Islands alone, family caregivers provide thousands of hours of care each year, worth an exceptional amount in unpaid labor.
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.
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.
AARP stands with individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers in support of policies that promote independence, financial security, and quality of life. As an organization dedicated to empowering individuals as they age, AARP represents the interests of over 100 million Americans aged 50 and over, including the more than 22,000 members living here in the Virgin Islands. AARP urged the committee to act in favor for advancing the financial security for disabled Virgin Islanders and their families, by ultimately passing this legislation.
AARP VI in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (VIDHS) will bring our community stakeholder partners together for dialogue on the malady of elder abuse in the Territory of the US Virgin Islands. Guests include law enforcement officers, financial institutions’ staff, healthcare professionals, advocates, senior residential facility staff, and caregivers. The summit aims to support responders in swiftly identifying, intervening in, and resolving elder abuse situations.
On July 7, 2025 AARP VI State Director, Troy De Charbet-Schuster was invited by Senator at Large, Angel L. Bolques, Jr. to testify before Honorable Senator Ray Fonseca, Chair of the Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services and the Senators of the 36th Legislature. De Charbet-Schuster testified in favor of Bill No. 36-0003, an Act to Establish Nursing Home and Assisted Living Care Standards in the Virgin Islands.