Governor Albert Bryan Jr. (D) is marking Older Americans Month with a series of public appreciation events across the United States Virgin Islands to recognize the contributions of older residents. The gatherings, organized in collaboration with the USVI Department of Human Services, highlight the administration’s outreach to senior citizens while acknowledging the financial challenges many continue to face.
Recently, Governor Bryan hosted a barbecue at Estate Catherineberg on St. Thomas for seniors who attend local DHS senior centers. The event included members of his Cabinet and featured the governor personally serving meals and speaking with attendees. Similar gatherings were held in March at the Adrian Senior Center on St. John, and additional events are scheduled throughout May, including a Seniors Ball on St. Croix at Government House on May 22.
“Our seniors are the bookends of our society,” Bryan said during the St. Thomas event. “They have held our families, our institutions, and our values together.”
The events come at a time when many older residents in the territory are reporting increased financial strain, particularly those living on fixed incomes. Bryan acknowledged that rising costs are making it harder for seniors to meet basic needs and said the events are part of an effort to demonstrate appreciation and maintain connection with older community members.
“These events are a small gesture, but they matter,” Bryan said. “It is one way we can show them that they are appreciated and not forgotten.”
The governor also pointed to efforts by his administration to distribute retroactive wage payments to government retirees and employees. Many of those receiving the payments are senior citizens who have waited years for the government to fulfill its financial obligations. Bryan stated that resolving the issue had been a priority for his administration, which began issuing partial payments during his first term.
“For years, efforts to address retroactive wages were postponed, often because of limited resources and competing priorities,” Bryan said. “When we came into office, Lieutenant Governor Roach and I made it clear that resolving this issue would be a priority.”
Bryan emphasized that honoring older US Virgin Islanders must go beyond ceremonial events and include sustained policy efforts to protect their well-being.
“Our seniors deserve more than kind words and special events,” he said. “They deserve action. They deserve results.”
Older Americans Month is observed nationally each May to recognize the contributions of older adults. In the US Virgin Islands, the observance is being used as a platform to highlight senior-focused programs and ongoing challenges related to healthcare, income stability, and community engagement.
