Former Chief Social Development Officer Mrs Edith A. Penn (middle) has said she is privileged to have served the Virgin Islands. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Former Chief Social Development Officer Mrs Edith A. Penn was recognised during the Opening and Declaration Service for Senior Citizens Month on May 2, 2025, at Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Mrs Penn was recognised during the Opening and Declaration Service for Senior Citizens Month on May 2, 2025, at Cane Garden Bay Baptist Church. 

She has been credited with being instrumental in shaping the development of the Social Development Department and advancing social work in the territory. 

She started in the then Community Development Department, later renamed the Social Development Department, in the 1970s. There she moved up the ranks- Clerical Officer, Senior Social Worker, and Community Development Assistant. She was appointed Chief Social Development Officer in 1988, a position she held until her retirement in 2003. 

“It has truly been the privilege of my life to have been able to provide social services to the people of the Virgin Islands, as well as head the government department tasked with these responsibilities,” she told the gathering. 

Mrs Penn highlighted the establishment of the Rainbow Children’s Home in 1997, the domestic home care programme, and implementing services for the elderly as standout parts of her decades-long career in Social Development. 

She is also credited with the establishment of the Sunflower Afterschool Programme, Senior Recreational Programme, and the Social Development Branch Office in Virgin Gorda. 

A blessing to serve- Mrs Penn

Mrs Penn was proud to have played a part in extending social services to the sister islands, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost van Dyke that “bridge[d] the gap between our people”. 

“It has truly been a blessing for me to serve in this capacity as we recognise, honour and promote our collective humanity.”

She thanked the staff who served with her, calling it also a “privilege” to have worked with them, adding, “I once again say a heartfelt thank you to all of you”. 

To those now tasked with the job in the Department of Social Development, Mrs Penn said, she prays for God’s continued courage and strength for them to continue the work.

“For all that we have done, and for all that we continue to do, I say to God be the glory, great things He has done.”