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).
For the last two years, AARP - Virgin Islands has been working alongside local legislators to push through the Opioid Notification Bill No. 36-0021, and yesterday Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. signed this bill into law! Bill No. 36-0021 requires healthcare providers to disclose the risks associated with opioid use, helping patients make informed decisions. This bill complements prior legislative efforts supported by AARP, including the recent establishment of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) and the creation of the Opioid Abatement Fund. Together, these efforts advance the work of combating opioid misuse and protecting public health in our territory.
AARP, which advocates for the more than 100 million older Americans aged 50 and older, including the 20,000 living in this Territory, is pleased to release a joint statement in recognition of June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. This month is recognized globally as a time to raise awareness and inspire action to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older people.
AARP-Virgin Islands reminds Virgin Islanders that we are now in the “11th hour” before our 36th Legislature revisits a critical public health crisis that affects every one of us. Earlier this year, in April, State Director Troy A. De Chabert-Schuster testified before the Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services to contribute to the critical discussion about protecting a patient’s right to know about the risks associated with opioid misuse. This testimony was presented in support of Bill No. 36-0021, which requires a practitioner to discuss certain information with a patient when prescribing opioids. As a former pharmacy owner, he gave intimate details of how he witnessed the devastating impacts of opioid misuse.
With fraud losses among older adults on the rise, AARP Virgin Islands is ramping up its efforts to educate residents and push for stronger laws to protect them.
Join AARP Virgin Islands on June 11th for an open dialogue on caregiving challenges in the Virgin Islands. Led by Sandra Gerard, AARP State Volunteer and AARP Caregiver Support.
AARP Virgin Islands Celebrates Older Americans Month by Offering FREE Movies for Grownups on May 29th. Karate Kid: Legends is Sure to Capture the Imaginations through Multiple Generations of Movie-Goers.
Troy De Chabert-Schuster, State Director for AARP Virgin Islands advocated for legislation that addresses critical issues affecting the USVI community: Bill 36-0021, which mandates that practitioners discuss specific information with patients before prescribing opioids, and Bill 36-0035, which establishes savings accounts for persons with disabilities.