CHARLOTTE AMALIE—Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed a proclamation this week declaring May in the Territory as Older Americans Month. Counties around the nation also recognize May as Older Americans Month in hopes of improving services for residents and to further expand public access to critical benefits programs.
Governor Bryan, Lt. Governor Roach and the Department of Human Services are committed to strengthening the Virgin Islands community by connecting older adults, their families, and caregivers with available programs on each island.
Acknowledging the many valuable contributions to society by older Americans living in the Virgin Islands reminds the public that the Government of the Virgin Islands is focused on addressing gaps in local services and programs.
“Older Americans in the Territory provide a great service as culture bearers and gatekeepers of our heritage and many traditions,” Governor Bryan said. “Improving services and programs as well as providing wider access to them will allow Government to improve the quality of life for every resident.”
The opportunity to recognize and honor Virgin Islands elders during the national celebration of Older Americans/Senior Citizens Month underscores one of the key points in the Bryan/Roach administration’s agenda.
While special days or months that annually recognize our seniors are welcomed and important, we can best show our love and respect for them daily by ensuring that their homes, neighborhoods and our public facilities are comfortable places in which they can continue to age with dignity, while enjoying a level of independence. The wisdom that senior citizens share from their life-long experiences are lessons from which we benefit every day.
“This month of recognition is truly deserving of our full support, as we salute our elders, the pillars of our community. The Virgin Islands may be small in size, but it is vast in all that it has to offer. We treasure our history, culture, and traditions which have been passed on to us by our trailblazers and pioneers. The past will forever serve as an integral part of our future, and those who keep the memory of our past will forever be a valuable part of our future,” said Lieutenant Governor Roach.
When our seniors remain with their families, opportunities for sharing culture and traditions arise; hearing old-time stories and parables while seated at the knees of our parents and grandparents can be some of the fondest memories for children as they grow into adulthood.
The Department of Human Services recognizes the importance of bringing together all generations and engaging in activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being for the benefit of all. Governor Bryan believes that by promoting home and community-based services that support independent living, older adults residing in the Territory will be provided with greater opportunities to work, volunteer, learn, lead and mentor future generations.
Older Americans Month is a time for U.S. Virgin Islanders both young and old to engage with one another and exchange information and traditions that keep our culture rich and vibrant.