June 2015 | Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the St. Croix Government Retirees Inc. (SGR) meeting

Minutes of the St. Croix Government Retirees Inc. (SGR) held on Tuesday June 16^th 2015 at Charles Harwood Clinic. The meeting began at 1.15 pm and it was chaired by Debra Ann Christopher.

Attendance…There were fourteen retirees and stakeholders in attendance at the meeting.

Minutes… Abdul R. Ali read the minutes and following the reading Miguel Nico made a motion that the minutes be accepted, subject to the corrections made. The motion was seconded by Sonia Griles.

Matters Arising… There were no matters arising from the minutes.

Correspondence… No correspondence was placed before the meeting.

Reports (Finance) Treasurer Rhea Hodge reported that the balance as of May 19-2015 was $ 4,123.65. Monies collected since then, she said included $355.00 in dues on May 20th and $166.00 in dues on June 9^th. This, Hodge said, left a balance of $4644.65. (Forum at UVI) Betty Wilson reported that the forum was not well attended by retirees and that this didn’t speak well of them. She said that a video of the forum was being shown on channel 6 and she urged meeting participants to view the video. (Outstanding Debts to GERS) Miguel Nico provided an update regarding monies owed to the GERS and those included $28 million – Rum Cover Over, $40 million – the administration and $5 million – Juan Luis Hospital. In addition to that Nico highlighted the fact that the GERS faces a $1.5 billion-dollar unfunded liability and is currently paying out more monies than it is taking in. Nico urged the SGR to develop a plan to target those outstanding debts. Nico also had some concerns re the ownership of Carambola and the role the GERS is currently playing in that regard. He suggested that the ownership of Carambola and questions relating to shares and liabilities etc. be placed on the agenda of the next meeting.

GESC Representatives Presentation… This did not take place on account of the fact that the representatives were unable to attend the meeting.

National Senior Day… It was reported that Friday August 21^st 2015 was set aside as National Senior Day, and further, that plans were being made to hold a march from Bassin Triangle to Government House at 3 pm on that day. It was also stated that a demand would be made during the march for the PFA to execute the sections of Act 6905 that call for issuance of the Pension Obligation Bond. Although there was support for the march no decision was made as to whether it would be carried out.

Elections of Officers… This matter was postponed on account of the small number of persons who had attended the meeting. It was suggested that the elections should take place on July 21^st. 2015.

Any Other Business… (Shingles) Betty Wilson urged members at the meeting to get vaccinations to ward off shingles, which she said, were very painful. (GERS Discount Card) Debbie Ann Christopher said that these were now available at a cost of $5.00 each.

Adjournment… Carmen Moorehead-Mills made a motion that the meeting be adjourned and the motion was seconded by Dr. Yvonne Henry.