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I have a 'sacred duty' to advocate for seniors- Hon Turnbull

- May is Senior Citizens Month
Hon Melvin M. Turbull (R2) said it is his sacred duty to advocate for seniors. Photo: Facebook
Senior Citizens Month was officially opened on May 2, 2025, with a service at the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church. Photo: Facebook
Senior Citizens Month was officially opened on May 2, 2025, with a service at the Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church. Photo: Facebook
Mrs Edith Penn (middle), Former Chief Social Development Officer was recognised during the opening of Senior Citizens Month on May 2, 2025. Photo: Facebook
Mrs Edith Penn (middle), Former Chief Social Development Officer was recognised during the opening of Senior Citizens Month on May 2, 2025. Photo: Facebook
CANE GARDEN BAY, Tortola, VI- Representative for the Second District Hon Melvin M. Turnbull has said he has been called to advocate on behalf of the senior citizens of the Virgin Islands (VI).

The month of May is being recognised as Senior Citizens Month, and this year’s theme is ‘Powered by Connection’. 

Speaking during the Opening and Declaration Service for Senior Citizens Month on May 2, 2025, at Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church, Hon Turnbull said: “As someone who loves both seniors and young people, I see it as a sacred duty to advocate for you, and I will continue to do so." 

Hon Turnbull said the fight will include healthcare, retirement benefits, pensions, home care and everyday support so that seniors can “rightly live in these Virgin Islands in these golden years”. 

VI seniors, he said, paved the way and paid the sacrifice for “us to be here” and so it is “our duty” through the Health Ministry and the Premier, who holds the office of Minister of Finance, to “ensure that the things that you need to live out the rest of your years are put in place, so I will advocate on your behalf”. 

We stand on your shoulders- Hon Turnbull

Hon Penn sent out advanced Mother’s Day greetings to the senior mothers and mother-figures, many of whom he said adopted him with warmth and wisdom. “Thank you for your love.”

He also saluted the fathers and men of honour.

“I salute you with reverence because your footsteps have cleared the path for persons like myself to follow and I hope that as we walk this journey as citizens of this Territory, that we always remember that you laid this foundation, not only do we stand on your shoulders but we move forward with the faith and the foundation that we believe in God, depend on one another and we could make this BVI the greatest it has ever been.”

Mrs Edith Penn recognised

Meanwhile, Former Chief Social Development Officer Mrs Edith Penn was recognised during the service. 

She was described as a woman who served with distinction in shaping the development of the Social Development Department and advancing social work in the territory. 

13 Responses to “I have a 'sacred duty' to advocate for seniors- Hon Turnbull”

  • asking for a friend (05/05/2025, 09:37) Like (12) Dislike (8) Reply
    Is that the same cockroach who insulted pure bread locals hoping that an island man would be premier?
  • Local (05/05/2025, 11:49) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mrs. Edith Penn has left an indilible mark in Health Services
    Congrats to her!
  • expats (05/05/2025, 11:51) Like (4) Dislike (6) Reply
    I hope you can pave a way for we expats who spent our youthful years building the BVI to get what really ours when it our time to retire and not just a last pay salary and 4 days to get out the island
    • Norris Turnbull (05/05/2025, 12:38) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      @expat... you need to stop uttering your Bull nonsense., puré Bull nonsense.
    • @ expats (05/05/2025, 12:58) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      The VI you built is a far cry from the the VI it was.. your contribution was spent on Balsum Ghut prison and additional policemen from across the globe in an effort to corral the savagery and the quality of education plummeted as evidenced by th less quality college acceptances and the now need to attend the Lil Community College before applying to college simply to possibly pass an entrance exam and learn how to complete an application. Your arrival like the majority of your ilk arrival on our shores did the BVI little to no favor. We had and contnue to own property cars home, we lost better educational curriculum and students also zero crime. Juvenie criminals was unheard of..
  • Skelly Clan (05/05/2025, 12:36) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    Who wanna hear anything from this Judas?
  • We with the DG (05/05/2025, 13:40) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Mitch is bad news
  • Citizen (05/05/2025, 16:06) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Look how he and his brother using that church to get votes.
  • BuzzBvi (05/05/2025, 17:21) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    How long have you had this sacred duty?
    Where is the Spooners Estate Old Peoples Home?
    I know Kye Rhymer is not doing well at 10 years to repair a building.
    But, the land was cleared over 12 years ago for the Spooners Estate.
    Is the home nearly finished?
    Waiting for your sacred update.
  • reality (05/05/2025, 22:15) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    He became an advocate for the seniors after his parents retired and realized the world ain't theirs to manipulate anymore
  • Citizen (06/05/2025, 11:29) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    He and Kye just using the Seniors, but God will deal with them.
  • Well (08/05/2025, 06:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I do not always agree with Mitch but one of the things he has been consistent with is his involvement with the Seniors over the years. I have have observed him showing up and interacting with them and he genuinely seems to have an interest.


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