Ministry of Health and Social Development Engages
The Ministry of Health and Social Development reaffirmed its commitment to supporting seniors after a visit with the OASIS (Older Adults Sharing in Service) Seniors Group at the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, convened at the invitation of the Second District Representative, according to a Government of the Virgin Islands press release. Minister Vincent O. Wheatley and Acting Chief Social Development Officer Shirma George praised the community-led initiative, and the Ministry said it will assess how best to support and scale similar programmes that are currently backed by community contributions and local partners.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with and supporting senior citizens following a visit with the OASIS (Older Adults Sharing in Service) Seniors Group in the Second District, the Government of the Virgin Islands said in an official press release.
The meeting was held at the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church Fellowship Hall and was convened at the invitation of the Second District Representative, providing Ministry officials an opportunity to hear directly from seniors about the group’s activities and community impact, the release said.
Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, attended the session and commended the initiative. “The OASIS Seniors Group is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together to support one another,” he said in remarks quoted in the Ministry statement.
He added that such engagements help the Ministry better understand the needs of older residents as it explores ways to strengthen supports across the Territory. Acting Chief Social Development Officer Ms Shirma George also spoke at the meeting, underscoring the importance of community participation in senior programming. “The Social Development Department continues to work towards strengthening and expanding senior engagement programmes throughout the Virgin Islands,” Ms George said, according to the press release. “The OASIS initiative demonstrates the power of community led action, and we are encouraged by the level of participation and support shown in the Second District.” OASIS — which has been operating for more than a year — meets weekly on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The group focuses on fellowship, promoting wellness, and strengthening social support among older adults. The Ministry noted that the programme is currently supported through community contributions and the assistance of the Second District Representative and other community partners.
During the engagement, participants shared personal experiences, demonstrated parts of their weekly programme, and highlighted the positive impact the initiative has had on their lives. The session provided a forum for open dialogue between seniors and Ministry representatives, allowing officials to listen to participants’ perspectives and commend their commitment to active ageing and community building.
The meeting was attended by Honourable Vincent O. Turnbull, Deputy Secretary Mrs Sheniah Armstrong-Jones, Acting Chief Social Development Officer Ms Shirma George, and members of the OASIS Seniors Group, the press release said. The Ministry reiterated its intent to continue exploring opportunities to support initiatives that promote the health, social participation and overall well-being of seniors across the Virgin Islands, and said it will assess how best to support and scale programmes of this nature in alignment with national policies and standards.
Residents seeking information about senior programmes may call the Government of the Virgin Islands main services line at (284) 468-3701. The Ministry’s press release listed media contacts at (284) 468-4138 and FRandall@gov.vg; international media enquiries may be directed to BVIGovernment@dgagroup.com.
The Government said more services and a virtual booking system are being introduced and provided a WhatsApp contact for general services at (284) 468-9760.
Primary source: BVI Government