Retirees' Day 2008
September 19, 2008
The long-awaited Retirees’ Day 2008 finally came with double celebrations - first, with the traditional speeches, games, dances and partying, and then came the main highlight… the grand opening of the new retirees’ building named "Eel En". The new building was a gift from the Japanese Government to all retired and disabled citizens of the Marshall Islands.
In Marshallese, Eel En means "the nest" - a very appropriate name, as the new building will serve as the "nesting" place and headquarters for all retirees.
The name given to the new building was the idea of the incumbent President of the Marshall Islands Association of Retired Persons, Luckner Abner.
About five years ago, former President Kessai Note and his Cabinet approved and declared July 1st of every year as "Retirees’ Day", as a tribute to all retired senior and disabled citizens who have served the Marshall Islands in various employment capacities in the government and private sectors. During that time, the Cabinet also approved that July 1st shall serve as MISSA’s anniversary date, as it was on July 1, 1968 when the Trust Territory Social Security System (TTSSS) was first established.
Traditionally, the last four annual celebrations were held on the first week of July. But as the construction of the new retiree building could only be completed in September, the Marshall Islands Association of Retired Persons requested that it be held on September 19, 2008 instead.
(Photo) Dr. Kazuyuki Ohdaira-Charge d’ Affaires (Embassy of Japan) and Saane K. Aho, MISSA Administrator, formally open the $86,000 “Eel En” building donated by the Government of Japan to the retired senior citizens of the Marshall Islands.
This years’ event also marked the commemoration of MISSA’s 40th year anniversary and was attended by more than 400 retirees, guests (that included Cabinet Ministers and Members of the Nitijela), MISSA employees and the general public and was held at the Alele-Courthouse grounds in Uliga.
A short program was opened with a prayer by Reverend Enja Enos. It was followed by brief but inspiring messages from Administrator Saane K. Aho, Minister Christopher Loeak, MalGov Councilor Isaiah Alee, Luckner Abner - President of the Retirees’ Association, Minister Amenta Matthew, and MISSA Deputy Administrator, Bill Joseph.
A special message was also delivered by Dr. Kazuyuki Ohdaira, Charged’ Affaires of the Japanese Embassy. He represented the Government of Japan which facilitated the financing of the construction of the new retirees’ building at a cost of $86,000. Refreshments were served during lunch. After the short program, the cutting of ribbon ceremonies followed and everyone was able to take a good look at the simply designed but well decorated facility. Then the participants took a short break and returned late in the afternoon for the games and dinner.
Live musical entertainment was provided by the M-Polen band while the Bank of the Marshall Islands donated the anniversary T-shirts.
Majuro Hospital provided a team of medical staff upon the request of the Administration. Although most of the activities require minimum physical exertion, MISSA felt that there was still a small chance for minor incidents. This was also a good opportunity for the participants to have their blood pressure checked and consult about their medical concerns.
The merrymaking continued at night with games and dancing. Participants from Namdrik performed song and dance numbers while a trio of young girls from Wotje danced the hula. Cash prices were also awarded to the winning participants in the games like musical chair, dancing contest and ro-ro.
This year’s event would not have been a success without the cooperation and help provided by the officers and members of the Marshall Islands Association of Retired Persons, and major donors namely, the Bank of the Marshall Islands and Embassies of Japan and ROC-Taiwan.
Dozens of donations and support in cash and in kind were also received from the Marshall Islands Resort, Utrik Local Government, Betry Langijota, Micronitor, Oriental Restaurant, TSL Enterprises, Moylan’s Insurance, NTA, Labojie Restaurant, Momotaro Corporation, MalGov, Pan Pacific Fishing Company, Mayor Lany Lane, MIMRA, Dep’t. of Public Safety, V7AB, DAR, MSTCo., Easy Life Co., Cost Price, AA Wholesale, Fair Price, Laxmi Store,Home Garden, AA Wholesale, Ben Kiluwe Store, Mei Xin Store, Yang Store, D&M Store, Jin Fu Store, Lucy Store, M&L Store, Sunlite Store and dozens of mom & pop stores.
