Gov. Kenneth Mapp declared Tuesday, May 29, as Luz D. Sierra Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sierra was named a Senior of Distinction in celebration of Older Americans Month.
A long-time public servant, Sierra’s contributions to the community were highlighted in a proclamation signed Saturday by Mapp, according to a news release from Government House.
Sierra began working for the Government of the Virgin Islands in 1978. During that time, the tax division was part of the Department of Finance, which was located in the Hamilton Building in downtown Christiansted. The Bureau of Internal Revenue later became an independent agency. She wore many hats in the bureau during her tenure, including custodial worker, messenger, tax revenue clerk, tax clearing and deposit clerk, PBX operator/receptionist and finally senior tax registration teller.
Sierra has been an active member of various civic and cultural organizations, including Hispanos Unidos, AARP, and the American Cancer Society. She remains well-known on St. Croix for her cooking and decorating skills, with her specialties including pasteles and coquito, the news release said.
“Mrs. Sierra always lends a helping hand to her community regardless of the event or occasion,” Mapp’s proclamation reads. “She has truly dedicated her life to public service and enjoyed the many years she served the people of the territory.”
