It replaces the now defunct Commonwealth Association of Retired Persons. The main goal of the CRA, as I understand it, is to protect the income for 6,000+ retirees and future retirees that are eligible for the benefits from the DBP of the Northern Marianas Retirement Fund. It is open to membership for all enrollees and retirees. In fact, I’m told that if you are a retiree or a contributor to the CNMI government retirement system, you have automatic membership without paying dues, but maybe you should check with the CRA board of directors on this point.
The board members are: Ron Barrineau, chairman; Juan M. Sablan, vice chairman; Sapuro Rayphand, secretary; and Oscar C. Camacho, treasurer.
The other four members of the board are Juan I Tenorio, Joseph M. Palacios, Agnes M. McPhetres and Donna J. Cruz.
The CRA by-laws require the election or re-election of the board of directors at a general membership meeting to be held annually in September.
As a non-profit organization, the CRA will not be involved with partisan politics, but will examine the platforms and actions of past and current elected officials and those who wish to be elected. If finances allow, the CRA intends to report to the 6,000+ enrollees and retirees concerning the activities of elected officials and those of the Retirement Fund board of trustees as they relate to our retirement benefits, especially if they are viewed as possibly having an adverse effect on the retirees’ quality of life. It is my understanding that the CRA will be the retirees’ watchdog.
In a recent letter to the editor by Gregorio Cruz Jr. entitled, “Responsible Leaders of Our Homeland,” Greg’ pointed out the elected officials who voted in favor of P.L. 15-15, which suspended payments to the retirement fund. In his letter, Mr. Cruz identifies the following officials as responsible for this fiasco: Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, Speaker Oscar M. Babauta, Vice Speaker Justo S. Quitugua, Reps. Ray N. Yumul, Martin Ada, Edwin P. Aldan, Francisco S. Dela Cruz, Cinta M. Kaipat, Jesus SN. Lizama, Crispin M. Ogo, Absalom Waki. Senate President Joseph M. Mendiola, Senate Vice President Pete Reyes, Sens. Felix T. Mendiola, Henry H. San Nicolas, Paterno S. Hocog, Jude U. Hofschneider, Maria T. Pangelinan, and Paul A Manglona.
Who voted against P.L. 15-15? I don’t know. Eight members of the 15th House of Representatives, either voted against it, were absent, or abstained. Who was the one member of the Senate that did not vote yes for P.L. 15-15? Bill Stewart pointed out that legislators who voted for P.L. 15-15 were not only lawmakers, but lawbreakers, as per Judge Govendo’s ruling.
Every elected official swears an oath upon taking office. The official swears to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of the CNMI. It appears that the above politicos were either constitutionally illiterate or they purposely broke their oath of office. In this November election, let’s make sure the candidates we vote for are fully cognizant of the two Constitutions and that they will honor their oath of office. Legislators are supposed to protect the interests of the members of our community. Retirees are members of this community and are voters and I suspect that in November, they will remember those who betrayed them.
The Commonwealth Retirees Association is newly established and needs financial assistance in order to function and keep retirees informed. A monthly check to the following: Commonwealth Retirement Association, P.O. Box 500365, Saipan, MP, 96950 would be money well spent. And it is tax deductible. The CRA board of directors may decide that this donation can be used for dues in the future. However, I am not privy to the inner workings of the CRA. I calculate that 20 people sending $50 a month will give CRA the operational budget it needs to keep all members properly informed. Other queries about CRA can be addressed to the same address.
If every penny of your semi-monthly retirement benefits is already committed, as I’m sure is the case for many, and if you support what the CRA is doing, write a letter to the editor and say so. The more letters that are sent, the greater number of candidates for election will get the message. The message being, YOU CANDIDATES ARE RESPONSIBLE TO US! Also contact any retirees that are not aware of the Commonwealth Retirees Association and pass the above information to them.
ROGER N. LUDWICK
Sadog Tasi, Saipan
