Governor Albert A. Bryan, Jr. and Members of the 32nd Legislature Recognized by AARP in Bipartisan List of “Capitol Caregivers”

Honorable Governor Albert A. Bryan, Jr. and Honorable Senators Francis, Jackson, Sarauw and Smith joins an elite bipartisan group of 74 elected officials from 30 states and including one territory (US Virgin Islands) as recipients of the “2019 Capitol Caregivers Award.” These leaders are recognized for championing Bill 32-0327 which supports family caregivers in the US Virgin Islands, who help their parents, spouses, adult children with disabilities and other loved ones live independently at home and in our community—where they want to be.

In 2019, Bill 32-0327 was signed into law creating the platform for the five (5) acts drafted and proposed by the Uniform Law Commission of the United States of America. This Bill amends the Virgin Islands Code Title 15, to enact to the Uniform Non-probate Transfer Act, the Uniform Transfer on Death Act; the Uniform Disclaimer of Property Interest Act, the Uniform Custodial Trust Act; and the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act. It is now Act No. 8169.

“AARP-VI salutes these officials for supporting family caregivers through the advancement of Bill No. 32-0327, which keeps property out of probate thereby ensuring that real property stays in the control of the owner and passes on to their intended heirs,” says Troy de Chabert Schuster, State Director of AARP in the VI; “with specific benefit to the Senior Citizens in our community. This Bill, now law (Act No. 8169), is a step in the right direction to making family caregivers a top priority for our advocacy. AARP-VI pledges to continue to fight for the rights of family caregivers and their loved ones in 2020 for more support, better access to resources, relief and much more. “

AARP-VI will present each recipient with a “Capitol Caregiver” certificate in recognition of their support to family caregivers across the territory, and they have been recognized in a national publication.

For more information on the (5) Acts benefiting all citizens of the US Virgin Islands please click this link on Bill No. 32-0327.

Caregiving Resources:

· AARP’s I Heart Caregivers Initiative

· CARE Act information Wallet Card

· AARP Caregiving Resource Center

· Home Alone: Family Caregivers Providing Complex Chronic Care (October 2012)

· Caregiving in the US: 2015 Report

· Prepare to Care: A Caregiving Planning Guide for Families