Virgin Islands Launch Re-established Commission on Aging

Departments and Community Organizations Focus on Territory’s Aging Population

AARP in the Virgin Islands is pleased to announce the first meeting of the Commission on Aging which was convened by Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. on Wednesday, October 9 at Government House, St. Croix, a result of AARP’s advocacy and a great win for the aging population of the Territory.

For several years prior to 2020, AARP in the Virgin Islands, under the leadership of State Director Troy A. de Chabert-Schuster, advocated for the reconstitution and reestablishment of the Commission on Aging, which had not functioned for several decades. In 2020 the 33^rd Legislature of the Virgin Islands unanimously approved Bill 33-0367 and Governor Bryan signed Act 8403 into law, which amended the Virgin Islands Code to change the composition and re-establish the Commission.

The Commission will assemble Departments and community organizations to collectively working on matters regarding aging, developing plans and policies, advocating, and providing programs and services for older Virgin Islanders. The Act supports equitable aging for all, a pledge made by Governor Bryan when he enrolled the Territory in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in May 2019. Act 8403 grants AARP a permanent seat in the Commission, further ensuring that voices of AARP members and the aging population are heard.

"I have seen the challenges facing our aging population, and I’m deeply thankful for the reestablishment of the Commission on Aging. My thanks go to Senator Myron Jackson, the 33rd Legislature, and Governor Bryan for their unwavering support,” said de Chabert-Schuster. “This Commission offers a chance to build strong partnerships that will create lasting solutions for our seniors, ensuring they can age with dignity, independence, and respect. I look forward to working with the Commission to advocate for and empower older Virgin Islanders."

At the Commission’s first meeting, the members began the work of finalizing the bylaws, which will be approved at the November 2024meeting. To begin the work, the members elected de Chabert-Schuster as Interim Chair of the Commission. Former Human Services Assistant Commissioner and Associate Pastor of the Zion Outreach and Evangelical Ministries Church Michal Rhymer-Browne was elected Acting Vice Chair, and Senator-at-Large Angel Bolques was elected Acting Secretary. Once the bylaws are approved the officers will be elected.

The diverse membership of the Commission, comprised of community members and organizations, represents the entire Territory, as well as the Departments of Health, Human Services, Sports, Parks, and Recreation, Police, and the Department of Justice. Community organizations include AARP, the Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands, the Women’s Coalition, and Zion Outreach and Evangelical Ministries Church.

“Our community is getting older, and with that comes the responsibility to provide more services, resources, and infrastructure to support our seniors,” said Governor Bryan. “The Commission on Aging will play a critical role in making recommendations on how to deliver these services and will help us advocate for the resources necessary to meet this growing demand.” Governor Bryan continued to say, “This Commission is more than just a policy group; it’s an advocacy body that will fight for the rights, dignity, and well-being of our elderly population. We have an opportunity to make the Virgin Islands a national leader in senior care, and today’s meeting is the first step toward that goal.”

AARP continues to advocate for policy to make the Virgin Islands more livable for people of all ages, especially the older population, empowering people to choose how they live as they age.

For more information on the work of AARP in the Territory please visit aarp.org/VI and AARP Virgin Islands on Facebook. Contact us at (340) 713-2003 or aarpvi@aarp.org.