U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is marking Older Americans Month with a series of heartfelt events across the Virgin Islands. These gatherings are a tribute to the many contributions of the territory’s senior citizens and a reflection of the administration’s continued commitment to their well-being and quality of life.
Earlier today, the Governor hosted a special barbecue at Estate Catherineberg on St. Thomas for seniors who attend the Department of Human Services senior centers. Alongside members of his Cabinet, Governor Bryan spent the afternoon grilling and serving healthy meals, listening to stories, sharing laughs, and honoring the men and women whose decades of service have helped shape the Virgin Islands community.
“Our seniors are the bookends of our society,” said Governor Bryan. “They have held our families, our institutions, and our values together. Their contributions deserve more than recognition. They deserve our respect, our attention, and our care.”
The St. Thomas barbecue follows a similar gathering held in March at the Adrian Senior Center on St. John, where the Governor prepared and shared a meal with the island’s elders. In that same spirit, Governor Bryan will host two more events this month to close out the celebration.
On Wednesday, May 22, seniors on St. Croix are invited to Government House for a special Seniors Ball—a night of music, dancing, food, and fellowship.
These events, while joyful, also reflect the Governor’s understanding of the serious challenges many seniors face. As the cost of living continues to rise, many older residents on fixed incomes are finding it harder to keep up.
“We know our seniors are feeling the pressure,” Bryan said. “Prices are rising. Incomes are not. These events are a small gesture, but they matter. It is one way we can show them that they are appreciated and not forgotten.”
The Governor also highlighted the administration’s work to deliver long-overdue retroactive wage payments to government employees and retirees. Many of those affected are seniors who dedicated their lives to public service and have waited decades for the government to make good on its promises.
“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. We committed ourselves to finding a responsible path forward because we understand what it means to the many people—many of them seniors—who gave so much of their lives in service to this community.”
Governor Bryan said that honoring the territory’s seniors must go beyond celebration. It must be backed by real efforts to support and protect them.
“Our seniors deserve more than kind words and special events,” the Governor said. “They deserve action. They deserve results. And they deserve to know that we will continue to stand with them.”
Older Americans Month is a time to reflect on the legacy and sacrifices of the Virgin Islands’ elder generation. Through these events and the work his administration continues to advance, Governor Bryan is making clear that the wisdom, dignity, and needs of the territory’s seniors remain a central focus of his leadership.
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