May 29, 2018 has been proclaimed Luz D. Sierra Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sierra was named as a Senior of Distinction in honor of Older Americans Month.
The long time public servant’s contributions to the community were highlighted in a proclamation signed Saturday by Governor Kenneth E. Mapp. 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, to include 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 such as Hispanos Unidos, AARP, and the American Cancer Society and remains well known on St. Croix for her cooking and decorating skills, with her specialties including pastilles and coquito.
“Mrs. Sierra always lends a helping hand to her community regardless of the event or occasion,” Governor Mapp wrote. “She has truly dedicated her life to public service and enjoyed the many years she served the people of the Territory.”