A church service, social gatherings and open houses are among the activities under way across the territory this month for the Virgin Islands’ 35th observance of Senior Citizens Month.
“These events span social and physical engagements to artistic and entertaining pursuits, providing avenues for personal development, social connectivity, and intellectual stimulation,” Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley said during the opening ceremony on May 1 at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church. “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.”
Tortola-based events continue next Wednesday with an “intergenerational day” from 10 a.m. at the West End Community Centre, followed by a similar event at the East End/Long Look Community Centre from 10 a.m. on May 21.
On May 24, the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly will host an open house, and the Tortola activities will wrap up with a “cultural soirée” from 10 a.m. on May 31 at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, according to government.
Sister islands
Activities are scheduled on the sister islands as well.
On May 20 on Anegada, a “brush and sip” event will be held from 10 a.m. at the Emile E. Dunlop Community Centre. On Jost Van Dyke, an “intergenerational day and social” will be hosted from 10 a.m. at JVD Primary School.
And Virgin Gorda will celebrate with a gathering at 10 a.m. on June 12 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Hall.
Contributions
During the opening ceremony last week, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley acknowledged seniors’ contributions to VI history.
“It is said that you can tell a lot about a society by how it treats its elders,” he said. “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.”
This year’s observance is themed “Powered by Connections.”