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AARP Brings Virgin Islands Issues Straight to Congress

AARP VI Meets with Delegate Plaskett in Washington to Advance Key Priorities

Rebecca Hughson,

AARP Virgin Islands

Published April 16, 2026

AARP

AARP Virgin Islands joined advocates from across the nation today for AARP’s annual Lobby Day, bringing the voices and priorities of Virgin Islanders age 50 and older directly to federal lawmakers.

Representing the territory in Washington were AARP Virgin Islands State Director Troy De Chabert‑Schuster and Volunteer State President Yvonne P. Watson Francis, who met with U.S. Virgin Islands Delegate Stacey Plaskett to discuss issues critical to older adults, caregivers, and families in the Territory.

AARP Lobby Day is a nationwide advocacy effort that gives AARP leaders and volunteers the opportunity to meet face‑to‑face with members of Congress, highlight community‑based concerns, and advocate for policies that strengthen health, financial security, and independence for older Americans.

During today’s meeting, AARP Virgin Islands emphasized several key legislative priorities, including:

Protecting Social Security and Medicare, which remain the foundation of retirement security and access to health care for thousands of Virgin Islanders. Including the SSI Act - Supplemental Security Income for Virgin Islanders.
Strengthening elder justice protections, including combating fraud, scams, and financial exploitation that disproportionately impact older adults.
Supporting caregivers and family caregivers, who form the backbone of long‑term care in the Territory and often lack adequate financial, workplace, and policy support.
Expanding access to affordable, accessible health care, including the Health Equity Act.
Advancing age‑friendly communities and housing, so residents can safely age in place with dignity.

“Lobby Day allows us to bring Virgin Islands–specific challenges and solutions directly into the conversation at the federal level,” said Troy De Chabert-Schuster, State Director of AARP Virgin Islands. “These policies affect real people—our parents, neighbors, veterans, caregivers, and workers—and it’s essential that Congress understands the unique needs of our communities.”

“AARP’s advocacy work is rooted in people, not politics,” said Yvonne P. Watson Francis, Volunteer State President of AARP Virgin Islands. “Our role is to ensure that the experiences of older Virgin Islanders and their families are reflected in the decisions that shape their futures.”

AARP Virgin Islands continues to work year‑round with federal and territorial leaders to advance policies that promote dignity, security, and opportunity for Virgin Islanders as they age.