On November 10, 2025, Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. signed Act 9051, which amends title 34 of the Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15, expanding the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Protection Act. Act 9051 was approved by the Virgin Islands Legislature on October 30, 2025. AARP Virgin Islands State Director Troy de Chabert-Schuster testified before the 36th Virgin Islands Legislature in support of amendments to the territory’s Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Act (Bill 36-0099).
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!
The Virgin Islands are brimming with delightful holiday traditions and unique foods that bring us together in celebration. From November onwards, the festive spirit is captured beautifully with the arrival of coquito at our tables and gatherings! While its history in the Virgin Islands isn't extensively documented, coquito is thought to have roots in Puerto Rico. The name itself, meaning "little coconut" in Spanish, highlights the creamy coconut at its heart. This delightful drink is a variation of the traditional Spanish ponche and has wonderfully evolved to incorporate flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Each region of Puerto Rico adds its own twist, showcasing the island's rich cultural tapestry. Here in the Virgin Islands, coquito has truly become a beloved holiday favorite, delighting many at local bars and restaurants. Cheers to celebrating together with this delicious tradition!
Dive into the full article for our delightful Coquito recipe, expertly crafted by our wonderful volunteer, Lucie Rodriguez. Enjoy the festive spirit!
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.
This lively USVI carnival is both the celebration of Emancipation Day (which marks the end of slavery in the Virgin Islands on July 3, 1848), as well as the founding of the United States on July 4, 1776. AARP VI is looking forward to joining the celebration!
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!
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.