A sports day, a prom and a spelling bee are among the activities planned on Tortola and the sister islands during this Senior Citizens Month, which kicked off on Friday with an opening ceremony at the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church.
“This year’s theme, ‘Flip the Script on Aging,’ is both timely and powerful as it invites us to rethink the way we view aging,” Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley said as he launched the observance’s 36th year. “It challenges us to move beyond outdated stereotypes and to embrace a new narrative.”
Besides speeches from leaders, who also included Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley, the ceremony included dancing and musical performances by seniors and others who took the stage as elderly attendees from across the territory cheered, applauded and sang along.
The health minister also recognised the territory’s oldest resident, 106-year-old Enelle Smith, and seven other centenarians: Emogene Creque, 105; Betty Yates, 103; Floresa George, 102; Evelyn Hodge, 101; Iris Harrigan, 101; Christeen Hodge, 101; and Esme Turnbull Stoutt, known as “Muddy,” who celebrated her 100th birthday on April 22.
“We honour them, and all our seniors, not just for the years they have accumulated but for the immeasurable contributions they have made — and continue to make — in our families, our communities, and our territory,” Mr. Wheatley said.
To support seniors, he added, his ministry and its Social Development Department are working to boost healthcare services, community engagement initiatives, and policies that protect their well-being.
Centenarian grants double
“As part of this commitment, the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands recently approved an increase in the centenarian grant — doubling it from $5,000 to $10,000,” he said. “Furthermore, through the revision of the Public Assistance Grants under the Public Assistance Programme, monthly grants to our seniors have been raised to $506.25, offering greater financial support to those who have given so much to our territory.”
