For many, Christmastime is the happiest part of the year. And a very important part of the season’s celebrations is, of course, FOOD!!!! We all want to relish in our most local and typical dishes. Not only sweets, but the entire gamut of our local rich cuisine.
For that reason, I picked a simple recipe to share with AARP; one that is not only Crucian, but Caribbean (ESPECIALLY Jamaican) and Puerto Rican! It’s SALTFISH FRITTERS. Hope you enjoy it and have a wonderful Christmas season!!!!
On November 25, 2025, Acting Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., signed the unanimously approved Caregiver Leave Act (Bill 36-0086) into law. This legislation represents a significant advancement, 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 each month. This leave is intended to help them manage essential caregiving responsibilities for a seriously ill spouse, child, parent, or any legal dependent.
For some family caregivers, the holidays can be a joyful time filled with lighter spirits. It feels good to care for loved ones and enjoy being together while celebrating family traditions. However, for many, the holidays also bring added stress. Caregivers are already busy, and the demands of the holiday season increase that workload. Something has to give!
It’s perfectly okay to give yourself a break this year. Here are some tips to help you navigate the holiday season with more joy and less stress.
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).
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.
This lively USVI carnival is both the celebration of Emancipation Day (which marks the end of slavery in the Virgin Islands on July 3, 1848), as well as the founding of the United States on July 4, 1776. AARP VI is looking forward to joining the celebration!
Hundreds of AARP volunteers and staff from all 50 states, USVI, and Puerto Rico are in D.C. today with one powerful message for lawmakers: protect what matters most to older Americans.
Join AARP VI in celebration of the 90th Anniversary of Social Security! Enter our "Win It Like You EARNED It" sweepstakes for your chance to win $1,000! Now, THAT'S cause for celebration!