Ms. Kishma P. Forbes of Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies and Mr. Julian Willock, former Speaker of the House of Assembly, hosted a Third District Senior Citizen Health Social.
The event took place on Sunday, March 10, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on the grounds of Therapy Works which is located at Hannah Bay, Tortola for residents 60 years and over.
At the Health Social, there were doctors and nurses on hand from the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) to provide information to the seniors on living healthier at their age, presentations on nutrition, timely taking of medication along with nurses testing of their blood pressure and blood sugar, weight checks, and other general medical quick wins.
Senior citizens also got the opportunity to engage in one-on-one sessions with medical professionals at the event.
Partnership with BVI Health Services Authority
Meanwhile, Mr. Willock thanked the BVIHSA for partnering with Ms. Forbes and himself, “as we keep District Three healthy and value our golden gems.”
At the Health Social, there was music and food, and the owner of Therapy Works, Dr. Jerry Smith spoke on the importance of exercise for seniors. Over twenty-eight seniors from District Three turned out and were delighted with the function according to the positive feedback received.
Also on hand were the Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) along with Dr. the Honourable Karl Dawson (R1) – the Junior Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, who both said that they fully endorsed and supported the event.
Minister Wheatley also said that he will do whatever he can as Minister to ensure the Territory’s ‘golden gems’ are taken care of, and that he will fight for better remuneration for Health Care Workers. For his part, Minister Dawson linked healthy living and eating with local Agriculture and thanked the Third District seniors for coming out.
Corporate support
The Third District Senior Citizen Health Social was sponsored by Nagico Insurance, BVI Ports Authority, Delta Petroleum, Caribbean Insurers, BCQS International, Nanny Cay Resort and Marina, Bobby’s Supermarket, Neville A. Smith, and Therapy Works.
Both Ms. Forbes and Mr. Willock have been doing more activities over the past year in District Three including a job fair, donations to the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School and St. George’s Secondary School, a food pantry, and their annual Back to School giveaways among other initiatives.