May 15, 2007 — Senators took a back seat to seniors Tuesday at a mock legislative session on St. Croix in honor of Senior Citizenship Day.
The day was a mixture of tackling serious issues and raucous fun, as seniors from both districts took on roles as the territory's elected representatives. While some seniors, seated in the senators' chairs on the floor, were senators for a day, others filled the chambers of the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room in Frederiksted to watch the proceedings.
Rita Petersen, representing Senate President Usie R. Richards, opened the session with a firm bang of the gavel, allowing the "senior senators" to debate two fictitious bills dealing with senior health care and assisted living.
The seniors took their jobs seriously, and with little coaching by the real senators (who were seated behind them offering advice on senate rules and procedures) began to vigorously debate the bills.
Most "senior senators" were in favor of the bills, but several questioned how the project would be funded and if it would be affordable to recipients. They said the measures included in the bill were badly needed by seniors who were facing a time in their lives when they needed more help to do everyday chores, like housecleaning and cooking.
"This bill needs appropriate funding," said Carmen Quinones, who represented Sen. Ronald E. Russell. "When we ask for someone to help us at home, Human Services says it does not have the personnel to come to our homes," she said.
A motion was then made to send the bill back to committee, but the vote failed.
"We need to look closely at this bill and bring it to fruition," said Lola Roberts Richards, who was sitting in for Sen. Carlton Dowe. Eventually, the seniors unanimously approved both measures.
Other seniors held legislative staff positions at the session, sitting in for legal counsel, recorder, sergeant-at-arms and clerk.
After the mock session, the seniors headed to Pier 69 Restaurant for a luncheon buffet. There the seniors got a chance to review their day as legislators.
"For me it was beautiful," said Quinones. "It gave us the opportunity to express ourselves."
Mary Weeks-Pamphile, director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, said the seniors look forward to Citizenship Day every year. "It's so lively," she said of the session.
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