Apathy Dampens GERS Rally
"Coach" vows to continue the fight despite low turnout at King Day rally.
Betty Wilson expresses her concerns to Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr., at Monday's GERS rally.
To the organizer’s disappointment, the public did not turn out to protest what he feels is a critical issue for Government employees, but the low turnout has not dampened his sprit or commitment to the issue.
“I’m ain’t givin’ up on it you know,” “Coach” Fahie said today.
Approximately 50 people attended a march Monday that organizer Fahie had hoped would send a strong message to the administration about the public’s response to changes in the Government Employees Retirement System (GERS).
The march began at Basin Triangle and ended at Government House on St. Croix. Governor John P. deJongh, Jr., was at Government House when the group arrived and while he did not address the group, he did speak with some of the marchers about their concerns.
CIF President Michael Springer attended the march and said the apathy that was demonstrated by those who would not attend is a critical flaw in the ability of the community to affect real change.
“Actions speak louder than words,” Springer said. “People want to go yap, yap, yap on the radio but won’t come out and show what they feel.”
Fahie, a long time vocal activist concerning the system, organized the march and rally to protest the provisions and impact of Act 6794, a piece of legislation that has significantly changed the benefits of the government’s retirement system. 
Two recent events – the late notification to retirees that they must make “catch-up” contributions to the system before being able to qualify for benefits and the government’s decision this week to loan $3.3 millions to Seaborne Airlines and $15 million to the Carombola Hotel and Resort on St. Croix, have heightened the tension around the use of the GERS funds.
Mary Moorhead, who also attended the GERS rally, speaks with the Governor and later said that community apathy must end if conditions are going to improve.
Mary Moorhead said the community must take responsibility for the conditions that exist and that she’s tired of the execuses she hears for why people do not participate.
“They don’t care, they’re ignorant or they’re just plain cowards,” she said on the Jimmie O’Bryan radio program Monday night.
And to those who make excuses about all the outside forces and fear of job loss that are responsible for their condition, she had a strong message.
“As a people we need to do a little soul searching and stop playing the game,” she said.
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It was not apathy;it was sensibility. Rational minds know that this event was a waste of time. It is not about courage. People are not cowards. They speak their minds but realize that not all battles are won by shouting unintelligible rhetoric in front of Government House.The WAPA protesters were there mostly for the party atmosphere. There were free food, drinks and music. Did it result in lower electric bills? Here now comes Alpine, is there going to be a march to stop this project?
^^^^Well said by Anonymous. I agree.
Congratulations to the 50 people that came out. Do not lose heart. Know that you have made a difference, because only one person could have shown up, that would have been okay too. As time goes on, people will become more angry and pissed off at the situation we find ourselves in.
The people that demonstrated used their right to protest unfair policies that affect the membership negatively. They are committed people of like minds.
I hope you exchanged contact info so you can plan your next strategy as it relates to your membership & its benefits to the members of the GERS. When more people realize “we” have been duped yet again, a plan of action is needed (which should be in progress as we speak). 50 people is a good foundation, now you have to use the info you know and share it with your members. There are more of you than they can lock up, threaten or fire. You are not alone.
Why don’t these 50 brave souls meet with GERS and resolve their issues? What situation will make people angry and how how have we been duped? Your next strategy should be to have a letter-writing campaign and a media blitz explaining your issues.What do you want GERS to do? Good Luck!
I agree with the 50 who showed up If you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything. To new GVI employees, you are too new to understand the reprecussion of the actions of the GERS board later on when you decide to retire. I am out of the territory, but it seems as if Carambola and the Seaplane are more important than persons who have served the GVI for thirty years or more and then have to fight to collect their annunities. What is the next action step? What is planned for St. Thomas/St. John?
Thank You A Wells. Exactly. The priorities are confusing. If any one person who was instrumental in deciding that the Carambole Beach Resort was a “good investment” had spent one night there incognito would have experienced exactly why the Carambola if failing.
I used to work there.
The laziness of the employees to give any spontaneous and good service to the guests blew me away. The Carambola is another sinking ship, and the government, I foresee, will own that mess too. Then, when owned by the gov’t, nobody who works there will have to adhere to any customer service standards, because those lazy employees will scream “discrimination” and “harassment” if they are given the new standards expected.
Carambola is going to prove to be a big mistake, just you watch.
Take a look at that she-monster in the picture above.Did she scare away some people?
shame on you anonymous. Is that all you have? To toss idiotic statements regarding appearance? ughhh
Again, Act 6905 is the reason why GERS is in the MESS it is today. Giving (loaning???) money to Carambola and Seaplane added to the mess. “PO AH WE”.