Premier urges reflection of contributions made by VI seniors
His remarks were made during the opening ceremony of Senior Citizens Month, held on Friday, May 1, 2026.
May has been designated as Senior Citizens Month and is this year celebrated under the theme 'Champion Your Health'. Hon. Wheatley emphasised that as we age, taking care of our health becomes increasingly important.
He noted that health encompasses not only physical well-being but also mental, emotional, and social wellness. It involves staying connected, active, and supported by family, community, and country.
G'ovt committed to access for services & programmes
He reminded Virgin Islanders that Senior Citizens Month serves as a timely reminder that ageing does not signify decline; rather, it is a stage of life that deserves intentional care, joy, and empowerment. With the proper attention and attitude, "these years can be truly golden".
The Premier also asserted that the government is committed to ensuring that seniors have access to the services, programmes, and support systems necessary for living healthy, fulfilling lives.
He called on Virgin Islanders to show seniors love, gratitude, and a commitment to their continued well-being.
Seniors encouraged to make wise choices
Meanwhile, the Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), stated that this year’s observance of Senior Citizens Month marks its 37th anniversary, continuing the tradition of celebrating and recognising the invaluable contributions of our seniors throughout the month of May.
He encouraged seniors to make wise meal choices, maintain regular health screenings, and stay active.
“Understanding your body, recognising changes, and seeking care early. I also want to add, taking your medication properly. Preventive health is one of the most effective tools for improving the quality of life and reducing the burden of disease. Equally important is the ability to take ownership of your health. I encourage you, regardless of age, to remain actively engaged in your health care. Ask questions. Seek clarity, and take an active role in decisions about your care. Your voices matter."
"Your experiences matter, and advocacy for your health is a powerful step towards living a healthier, more fulfilling life,” he further stated.
Ministry reaffirm collective responsibility
The ministry, he stated, is dedicated to advancing evidence-based approaches that ensure programs and services are grounded in effective practices. Through data, research, and best practices, we aim to deliver healthcare that is both effective and responsive to the needs of our ageing population.
“As we honour you, our golden gems, we also reaffirm our collective responsibility to ensure that you are empowered, supported, and equipped to live healthy, fulfilling lives. We recognise that this work cannot be accomplished in isolation. Strong community partnerships are essential, ranging from healthcare providers and social services to non-governmental organisations, families, and caregivers. It is through collaboration that we can create environments where our seniors feel supported, respected, and empowered," Hon. Wheatley stated.
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8 Responses to “Premier urges reflection of contributions made by VI seniors”
Hear dis ya! Nice sounding, flowery words is one thing but what is needed is concrete, consistent, reliable support served. Promoting eating well is good but if one cannot afford to eat well and healthy this is just old talk. Many of our seniors are retired public sector employees but they face more month than money. The retirement system need to be revamped, so that these dedicated public servants can live their golden years in and with dignity. The elected members with the “Greedy Bill” and other generous benefits ensured they could live well with dignity. Planning for good health is a process, starting in one’s early years.Preparation, prevents poor health, living. Words matter but actions are more so. Let’s treat our Seniors with Dignity.
They have toiled the soil for food, infrastructure bvi grgrowth and the list goes on.
Shame, shame on you ALL, they deserve to be treated better other than ah set of words from the webster dictionary without MEANINGS!! SHITZ!