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.
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.
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!
Join AARP VI on November 13th at Caribbean Cinemas for a FREE screening of "Now You See Me 3." The third installment in the Now You See Me series, titled Now You See Me: Now You Don't, follows the original Four Horsemen as they reunite to recruit three skilled illusionists for a high-stakes heist. The plot revolves around the theft of the world's largest queen diamond from a powerful crime syndicate. The film promises to deliver mind-bending magic, intricate planning, and a thrilling climax.
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.