Close to 50 people attended the first general membership meeting of AMA, the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund Members Association, held Saturday morning at the Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School Gymnasium.
Most of those present were retirees and a few active contributors. Lt Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr., turned up and extended his support for the association but had to leave before the meeting started due to a village commitment. Rep Malaeoletalu Melesio Gurr was also present.
There was consensus that members needed to stand united to present their concerns and advocate for retirees and beneficiaries. Among the issues that were brought up during discussion was for members of the association to be on the Board of Trustees, that there should be more regular Cost of Living Allowance increases, that meetings of the Retirement Fund Board and investment advisors should be held here, and for the board to provide reports and information about the fund to members.
It was also stressed that the association should gather factual information in its dealings with the Board of Trustees.
Fuiavailili Keniseli Lafaele, the advisor for the association said the main objective of AMA is to advocate for members in all matters regarding the Retirement Fund. “You are the owners of the Retirement Fund. It’s your money and your voice should be the strongest on how the money is used,” he said. Lafaele also pointed out that there has been no COLA increase for retires since 2019, unlike Social Security which offers a yearly COLA increase.
Acting Chairwoman of the AMA Board, Vaitinasa Dr Salu Hunkin-Finau said those who retired in leadership positions can manage with their monthly checks but her heart goes out to the bus drivers, cooks and cleaners who receive just $300 a month to take care of their families.
Play Audiosalu-meeting
Officers of AMA were elected at the meeting Saturday.
- Vaitinasa Dr Salu Hunkin-Finau – Chairwoman
- Tupuola Phil Langford – Vice Chairman
- Patrick Ti’a Reid – Secretary
- Chester Te’o – Treasurer
- Members at Large: Motusa Tuileama Nua, Teuila Passi and Fale Tauvela.
