Retirees' Day 2009
July 1, 2009
The first of July once again became a memorable day for the more than 200 old-age and medical retirees, survivors, MISSA employees and Board members, and guests who trooped to the RRE Shoreline in Uliga to celebrate Retirees’ Day 2009.
Six years ago, then 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 sector.
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.
This year’s event also marked the commemoration of MISSA’s 41st year anniversary and was attended by more than 200 retirees, guests (that included Cabinet Ministers and Members of the Nitijela), MISSA employees and the general public and was held at the RRE Stage area in Uliga.
A short program was opened with a prayer by Reverend Enja Enos. It was followed by brief but inspiring messages from David Paul - MISSA Board Vice-Chairman, Minister Ruben Zackhras who spoke on behalf of President Litokwa Tomeing, Health Minister Amenta Matthew, MalGov Mayor Titus Langrine, Senator Gerald Zackios, Luckner Abner - President of the Retirees’ Association, and MISSA Administrator Saane K. Aho.
A certificate of recognition and cash reward was given to Neimon Lani, a 90 year-old retiree, for being the longest living beneficiary of MISSA. As she is living in the outer island, the certificate was received by Mathilda Lanwi on her behalf.
Another award was given to Jorbi Anitok who coined the Marshallese word "JakliK" as his entry to the theme writing contest sponsored by MISSA. In English, Jaklik means “preparing for a better tomorrow.”
As in the past celebrations, highlighting the event were several outdoor games that were participated by the retirees and MISSA employees. It included musical chair, coconut grinding, basket weaving, balloon bursting, "ro-ro" chanting, and egg tossing. Cash prizes ranging from $10 to $30 were handed out to the winners.
Live musical entertainment and dance numbers were provided by Lokonmok Band.
This year’s event would not have been a success without the support of Mr. Patrick Chen of Bank of the Marshall Islands, who donated cash for the 300 anniversary shirts distributed to the retirees. A cash donation was also received from the embassy of ROC-Taiwan.
MISSA also thanked the support and assistance provided by RRE, Majuro Stevedore, Lokonmok Band, Roxy’s Lunch plate, Limaro Circle (Rairok DRD), Canvassback Mission, Mr. Arlington Tibon and Councilwoman Betty Imaikta.
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Retirees' Day 2009 in Ebeye
By: Bernie Lojkar, Ebeye Branch Manager
Ilo kar July 3 ran eo, ro rej bed ilo program eo an Social Security ilo Ebeye, aelon in Kwajalein im rej kobjor title ne rej ba "Retiree" rar kemem e ak kojeraman e ran in ba kake.
Rainin ear juon ran eo ekar kanuj in lemonono. Ear wor group ko im rar bar bok konair im jiban kamnono ritto rein ilo ejelok wonen. Group eo an St. Rose, iumin boke dron eo an Randall im Ford rar ikkure kin ikkure ko ejelok uaer im elap aer eman. Group eo juon ear itok im bar letok monono eo an rainin rej na etair Youth to Youth iumin boke dron eo an Maure Arikitau, rar al im lelok molo ko remman nan ritto rein kobalok ibben ikkure ko jet. Jonan lap in monono eo an ritto rein rar jutak im tuj ak ikkure ibben group kein ruo. Koba lok ibben group in kojanjan eo an Anrohasa Band im rar komman ice block ko elap aer kar letok monono eo an jotenin ran an aolep retiree.
Office eo an MISSA ekonan lelok kamolol nan Irojlaplap Imata Kabua, Iroj im Sen. Mike Kabua, Sen. Jeban Riklon, Sen. Jerry Bejang, KALGOV, businesses ko rar jiban donate, Youth to Youth, St. Rose Group, Anrohasa Band, Kora im Man ro rar komat im koboji mona ko, im aolep ro rar itok im komman bwe ran in en juon ran eo ebed ilo bwebwenato.
Mene elon ro rar jab bed im witness e ran in ak jej bed wot ilo jabon konan ne "BED BED IJIN BED BED IJON."