February 2017 | Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the St. Croix Government Retirees Government Inc. (SGR) held on Tuesday, February 17th 2017 at the Cast Iron Pot Restaurant. The meeting begun at 1.25 pm and it was chaired by Debbie Christopher.

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

Minutes…The minutes were read by Abdul R. Ali and following the reading Rhea Hodge made a motion that they be accepted with corrections and that motion was seconded by Betty Wilson. The vote was taken and it was unanimous.

Matters Arising… There were no matters arising.

Reports… (Treasurer Rhea Hodge) – Hodge reported that the bank balance as of January 31st 2017 was $5094.49. She also indicated that the bank statements were now being sent to her on post office address (instead of Mary Moorhead’s own) on account of the fact that Mary Moorhead had indicated that she was going to resign from the presidency.

SGR Court Action Bid… Abdul Ali provided an update re the much-discussed court action. He said that he had not found any lawyers who were willing to move the process forward. Mary Moorhead then said that the matter should be rescinded. Phyllis Nehlsen then made a motion that the hiring of an attorney to help determine if legal action should be taken against the VI Government, and or the GERS, re possible cuts in benefits of retirees should be rescinded. The motion was seconded by Mary Moorhead. A vote was taken and it was unanimous.

Legislative Testimony… Phyllis Nehlsen (Advocacy Chair) read out the testimony that she had planned to give to the Legislature on behalf of the SGR. She also asked that retirees make a good showing at the hearing. At this point Mary Moorhead thanked Ms. Nehlsen for her efforts to get the word out re the ‘Sin Tax’ and the likely impact of that on business people and the consumers at large. It was noted that Senator O’Reilly has the bill that related to the property tax issue and that contact should be made with her to discuss the matter in detail.

Food Distribution…An issue was raised by one of retirees regarding the shortage of food at the last food distribution exercise. Betty Wilson said that meetings had been held between Roy Rodgers, Personnel and United Healthcare Officials and herself to make an assessment of the distribution plan and the best ways to spend the resources available. She ended by saying that given the confusion surrounding the Food

Distribution program at present, she was going to back out of it.

Trustee Edgar Ross’ Retirement… Mary Moorhead asked SGR members to look for a replacement.

Any Other Business… There was no other business discussed at the meeting?

Adjournment… There was a motion to adjourn the meeting and the meeting was adjourned at 3.30 pm.