REMARKS BY HONOURABLE VINCENT O. WHEATLEY

MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

SENIOR CITIZEN’S MONTH 2024

MAY 2024

A very pleasant and blessed Virgin Islands Good Morning is wished to all of you, and welcome to the beginning of our Senior Citizen’s Month of activities for 2024!

I wish to acknowledge the protocol that has been established, and extend a very warm and special welcome to our treasured senior gems present this morning, who have come from every corner of these Virgin Islands, to what I believe is one of the most anticipated calendar of events in the lives of the senior citizens of this Territory.  I am Vincent Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development.

Today, 1st May, 2024, marks the 35th year that the Senior Citizen’s Month annual celebration is being observed, and this milestone serves as a testament, to our deep respect and admiration for our elders who have shaped our community and enriched our lives in countless ways. Last year we celebrated seven centenarians and I am happy to say that we did not lose any of them but added a few more, to God be the glory for this blessing that he has bestowed upon this Territory.

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.

In today’s world, where technology often dominates our interactions and influences our daily lives, it is increasingly important to hone our connections with our seniors. I especially love engaging with our elders as they have so much wisdom, experience and resilience. The stories that they share are both insightful and inspirational. Indeed, our senior citizens are not merely individuals who have aged; they are the pillars of our communities, our historians, our dictionaries of wisdom, wellsprings of knowledge and bearers of our culture and traditions.

Throughout this month, several activities will take place and the goal is to empower and support our senior citizens across the Territory. 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.

I spend a lot of time with Mrs. Iris Harrigan over on Virgin Gorda, as she is the closest centenarian to where I live, she will be celebrating her 101st birthday on 4 August this year, God’s willing, and even at her age, she provides insights and suggestions of things she thinks I should consider. Our conversations have been fruitful and beneficial to me as a District Representative and as a Minister.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, family members, and organizations who tirelessly dedicate their time and efforts to supporting our senior citizens. Your steadfast commitment plays a crucial role in ensuring that our elders can navigate their golden years with grace and dignity.

As we honour our senior gems this month, let us not only celebrate their contributions but also recommit ourselves to building inclusive communities where they are valued, respected, and empowered to live fulfilling lives. Let us bridge the generational gap with empathy and understanding, recognizing that it is through our connections, with the young and old alike, that we truly flourish as a society.

To our beloved seniors, your presence enriches us, your wisdom inspires us, and your love and prayers sustains us. You are our electrical sockets!  You are the current that ignites the light in all of us, to be and do the best for this Territory we call home!  Thank you for the indelible mark you have left on our lives, and for the countless ways in which you continue to shape our Territory for the better.

In closing, let us remember that the true essence of Senior Citizens' Month lies not only in the celebrations, but also in the everyday moments of connection, kindness, and compassion that we share.

Together, let us strive to build a future where age is not a barrier or a burden, but a badge of honour, where every senior citizen is valued and cherished for the unique gifts they bring to our lives. Although it has already been my practice, during this month, I look forward to the additional opportunities afforded to me, to interact with each of you as Minister for Health and Social Development. 

As we gather here today, it now gives me immense pride and joy to officially declare the 2024 Senior Citizen’s Month in the Virgin Islands, officially opened.   

May God continue to bless our seniors with good health, life and connections, and may God continue to bless these beautiful Virgin Islands.  I thank you for your kind attention, have a blessed day and month.