Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley officially has declared the 35th anniversary of Senior Citizens’ Month open.

The Opening and Declaration Ceremony was held at the Sea Cow's Bay Methodist Church on May 1.

Honourable Wheatley said this milestone year for the observation of Senior Citizens’ Month in the Virgin Islands is a testament to the Territory’s deep respect and admiration for its elders who have shaped and enriched the community in countless ways.

            Honourable Wheatley said, “This year, as we embark on this month-long journey of appreciation and recognition, we do so under the inspiring theme: Powered by Connections. This theme speaks to the profound impact that our senior citizens have had on our lives, and the interconnectedness that brings us all together as a community.”

            The Minister for Social Development highlighted that several activities will take place throughout the month to empower and support senior citizens across the Territory.

            Honourable Wheatley posited, "These events span social and physical engagements to artistic and entertaining pursuits, providing avenues for personal development, social connectivity, and intellectual stimulation. By participating in these activities, you not only have the chance to forge new relationships and strengthen bonds with existing friends but also to share your wealth of experiences and insights with fellow participants."

Meanwhile, Premier of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley acknowledged the contributions of seniors in the Virgin Islands' history and the role they play in developing the future. The Premier also emphasised the need to ensure the Territory’s senior citizens experience the quality of life they deserve.

The Honourable Dr. Wheatley said, "It is said that you can tell a lot about a society by how it treats its elders. There will also be room for improvement but for the most part, we in the BVI are doing a fairly good job in this area. This comes from our culture and our upbringing."

The Premier added, “We in the BVI recognise the sacrifices and the work of those who have laid the path for us to walk on and the foundations for us to build on. We value and respect their efforts and their achievements, whether it has been in raising us and ensuring our education, creating generational wealth or across the spectrum of national development. In this regard, we are powered by connection; our connection to our seniors.”

There are several activities planned for this month with seniors in mind, including those on the sister islands. The activities on Tortola are:

• Carrot Bay Intergenerational Day - May 15
• East End/Long Look Intergenerational Day - May 21
• Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly Open House - May 24
• Cultural Soirée - May 31

For the sister islands, the activities are:

• Anegada Sweet Sixties Brush and Sip - May 20
• Jost Van Dyke Intergenerational Day and Social - May 30
• Virgin Gorda Golden Years Gathering - June 12

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to engaging our seniors in programmes and activities designed to improve their health and social well-being.