Advocacy

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!

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.

AARP in the Virgin Islands is backing legislation by territory Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr. (D) that would give full-time government employees up to four hours of paid caregiving leave each month.

As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older Virgin Islanders—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This disruption affects individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.

On October 28, 2025, Troy de Chabert-Schuster proudly testified before the 36th Legislature's Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, championing important amendments to the Caregivers Leave Act (Bill No. 36-0086). This proposed legislation is an exciting step forward, 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 every month to fulfill their essential caregiving responsibilities for a seriously ill spouse, child, parent, or any legal dependent.

We are excited to announce that Social Security celebrated its 90th anniversary in August! To commemorate this milestone, AARP VI has rescheduled a special event on St. Croix for Saturday, November 8th, from 10 AM to 2 PM—and you’re warmly invited!

On October 28, 2025, Troy de Chabert-Schuster will testify before the 36th Legislature in support of amendments to the Caregivers Leave Act (Bill 36-0086). This legislation proposes that all full-time employees of the Government of the Virgin Islands—including those employed by independent boards, commissions, agencies, autonomous and semi-autonomous agencies, and other instrumentalities of the Government—who are the primary caregivers for a seriously ill spouse, child, parent, or any individual who is a legal dependent of the employee, be entitled to four hours of administrative leave per month for caregiving duties.

After two years of hard work, the amendments to the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Act (Bill 36-0099) passed unanimously today before the 36th Legislature. AARP VI testified in support of the amendments to the territory’s Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Act (Bill 36-0099). This Bill was sponsored by Senator-at-Large Angel L. Bolques, Jr. "Elder abuse is not an abstract problem - it is a harsh reality in our islands. Too often, it is hidden in silence, whether in the form of financial exploitation, physical harm, neglect, or psychological manipulation. Each case represents not just a crime, but a betrayal of trust and a violation of the fundamental right to live with dignity and safety," stated AARP State Director Troy De Chabert-Schuster.

On Friday, September 19th, 2025, AARP Virgin Islands State Director Troy De Chabert-Schuster, is set to testify before the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands in support of amendments to the territory’s Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Act (Bill 36-0099).

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.