Advocacy

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

A new law, pushed by AARP Virgin Islands, will establish a prescription drug monitoring program — and hopefully help cut opioid abuse.

Read This Important Message from AARP VI State Director, Troy De Chabert-Schuster