October 2016 | Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the St. Croix Government Retirees Inc. (SGR) held on October 18th 2016
The meeting began at 1.08 pm and it was held at the American Red Cross Office in Castle Coakley. It was chaired by SGR vice president, Debbie Christopher.

Attendance - In attendance were forty-five persons, retirees, active workers and other stakeholders. Apologies — There was one - Rhea Hodge, the Treasurer, was not able to attend the meeting.

Minutes — Madam chair, Debbie Christopher, approved a provision that the minutes would not be read at the meeting on account of a lengthy agenda.

Matters Arising — There were no matters arising from the minutes. Correspondence —There was no correspondence.

Reports- (President) The president's report focused on a meeting that was held at UVI recently that examined the challenges that the GERS faces and some of the solutions to them.(Treasurer) There was no treasurer's report available as the treasurer, Rhea Hodge was not in attendance at the meeting.

UHC Wellness Program Rodgers' Farm Products Distribution — Anita Nibbs who represented the Farm provided an update re the distribution of produce to eligible retirees and the contents within the produce bags. She also provided details of a survey designed to establish the need for the products and she provided flyers with nutritional guidelines, along with the mission of the Rodgers' Farm. During the Q & A session Bodil Ramona Mason Simmonds said that she had been refused a distribution bag even though she was a retiree, and one who had worked for WAPA for over thirty years. Ms. Simmonds was asked to discuss her complaint with CIGNA.

340 B Prescription Service — Betty Wilson reported on the value of the program, which in essence, is to ensure that prescription information is available and that those obtaining prescriptions can have the full benefit from them. Wilson also said that meetings regarding prescriptions are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Port Authority at the airport on St. Croix. She said that individuals can call 772­0260 Ext 2138 for further information.

SGR/AARP Session at UVI — Abdul R. Ali reported on the meeting that was held on October 10th 2016 at UVI re the future of the GERS. He said that a number of issues came up to include the possibility of a 30% cut of the benefits being paid to retirees, the possibility that the GERS might take the planned sponsor (The VI Government) to court over unpaid obligations and a call for the firing of Mr. Austin Nibbs and also the firing of the GERS Board. At this point meeting chair Debbie Christopher objected to Abdul All's comments by referring to them as inappropriate, and she went on to say that the 30% cut was not a firm GERS plan. Christopher also threatened to adjourn the meeting at which point her planned action was challenged by the participants in the meeting and so a decision was made to continue the meeting. Abdul All then read from a report of the 10-10-2016 work session at UVI that was prepared by Mary Moorhead, president of the SGR. The report called for a number of things to include a complete assessment of Government personnel, the establishment of a Taskforce that would run from November 2016 to June 2017, to consider the sale of GERS and its assets, & to create Sports Tourism and Agricultural Programs to provide new funding areas.

Addressing the GERS Issues — There were several suggestions from the floor and these included taking the VI Government (The planned Sponsor) to court, joining up with the GERS in its efforts to take the government to court, developing marijuana proposals and earmarking funds from these to the GERS & raising funds to address the GERS shortfalls. Miguel Nico referred to Act 6905 and its impact on the GERS & he called for the payment of Rum Cover Over monies owed to the government. Following the discussions and statements Sandra Samuel made a motion that the SGR hires a lawyer to defend the SGR & retirees should the 30% cut take effect. The motion was seconded by Mary Richardson. An amendment was made to the motion by Mary Roebuck and seconded by Phyllis Nehlsen that the SGR hires an attorney to force the hand of the Government to pay contributions owed. There was a further amendment made, this time by Phyllis Nehlsen, to hire an attorney as soon as possible to begin the process of moving forward. The motion was seconded by Charlotte Morgan. Thereafter the vote was as follows:- Motion (a) 11 in favor — 2 abstentions - Motion (b) 22 in favor 1 against and Motion (c) 15 in favor & 3 abstentions.

Any Other Business — (Thank You) Debbie Christopher offered her thanks to Marla Matthew and to Lily Alvarez for agreeing to the use of the American Red Cross for the SGR Inc. meeting.

Adjournment- Carmen Moorehead-Mills made a motion that the meeting be adjourned and this was seconded by Joyce Rohlsen. The meeting ended at 3 pm.