Constitution

The Northern Star Burial Society

No: 1
North Mastic Point,
Andros, BAHAMAS

Established 9th November, 1940

By Gertrude Simms
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Brief History of the Northern Star Burial Society

Introduction, Philosophy, Vision & Mission Statements

Executive Committee

Rules of Membership

Membership Meetings

Amendments to the Constitution

Membership Application & Fees

Dues, Taxes, Fees,& Benefits

Society Governance

References
 BRIEFT HISTORY

The Northern Star Burial Society was founded on the 9th, of November, 1940 on

the principles of dignity and love. The Northern Star Burial Society was formed by

a group of community minded women led by Mrs. Gertrude “Cuz” Simms, namely

Amelia Rolle, Mildred Munnings, Aramina Bain, Irene Wilson, Emerald Bowleg Cox,

Juanita Oliver, Enid Storr and Iris Munnings.

‘Cuz’ realized that for the burial society to grow it would have to recruit some

young blood. In 1967 Mr. Carlton Bowleg gladly accepted the appointment to carry

the Burial Society to the next level. Under his tenure with Mr. Joseph Oliver as his

Vice President the organization has grown to become one of the fastest growing

organization in North Andros area. In addition, the mean item that was created

was a constitution for the Northern Star Burial Society. Other things that were

formed were various Committees like Building, Ways-and Means and Sick. Further

the death benefit was increased, a chapel was built.

The organization grew by leaps and bounds with the amalgamation of the Union

Burial Society which was led by Mr. Gabriel Rolle. Mr. Carlton Bowleg served as

President of this great organization for 50 years and Mr. Joseph Oliver served as

Vice President. Mr. Bowleg and Mr. Oliver have been commended for the wonderful

job, they had done with the organization.

In December 2016, Ms. Donnamae Pickstock became the third President of The

Northern Star Burial Society. Ms. Pickstock and her Executive pledged to propel

the society to an even higher standard.

 Northern Star Burial Society
North Mastic Point
Andros, Bahamas

INTRODUCTION

The constitution contains the rules, regulations and agreements to which this
organization will be governed by. Sworn to be a non-secret institution which shall
be as an open mind defender of its members, to protect their interests and deal
justly with all its members.

PHILOSOPHY

Northern Star Burial Society (NSBS) believes that all financial members should be
provided with an opportunity for a decent burial through a single lump sum
payment.

MISSION STATEMENT

To safeguard a burial for all financial members through access of a onetime lump
sum death benefit.

VISION STATEMENT

To become a leading non-profit organization that offers its financial members a

sanctuary (safe place) during their time of grief.
 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

An election of an Executive Committee shall be held in December every three

years.

The term in office to be served by an officer once elected shall be three years,
with no officer serving no more than 3 consecutive terms.

President
Vice President
Treasurer
Assistant Treasurer
Recording Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Financial secretary
Clerk
Chaplin
Assistant Chaplin

After an election the elected officers shall carry out their roles and other
responsibilities assumed by them from time to time.

THE PRESIDENT AND TREASURER SHALL AT ALL TIMES BE SOMEONE

FROM NORTH MASTIC POINT.

The Executive Committee shall from time to time elect and empower various
committees and determine through the membership whenever the Executive
Committee deems it necessary for the affairs of the society.

The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the overall good m anagement
and maintenance of the society. They shall adhere to such regulation as ascribed in
the constitution of the society.

The Executive Committee, if deemed necessary only to exempt members from dues
only.
The Executive Committee shall produce a financial report at the end of society
year.

The Executive Committee shall meet prior to a Membership Meeting in each month.
A quorum requirement shall be 2/3 of the Executive Committee members.
Decisions of the Executive Committee shall be made by majority vote of all
members present.

The Executive Committee may from time to time invite others to attend any of its
meeting in an advisory and non-voting capacity

A member of the Executive Committee shall cease to hold office if he he/she:

in involved in criminal activity or has been convicted of an offense
becomes incapable by reason of severe mental impairment, illness, injury
is absent for no good reason for a prolonged period if there is negligence of
duty.
Resign from the committee
Failure to keep the financial account record of the society

The society shall fund the travel arrangement of 2 of its Executive Committee
Members to attend the funeral of a deceased member of the island
 RULES OF MEMBERSHIP

Members are requested to attend all monthly meetings, funeral of deceased

members and the Annual Thanksgiving Service fully regaled.

All members are to abide by the constitution and the rules of the society,

Only member that are (18) eighteen years of age and older, both male and females
are considered voting members.

The society from time to time may change its voting procedures and every member
of the society shall have a vote and can be cast by show of hands or standing.

Each member who neglects to pay his /her dues and taxes for three consecutive
months shall be deemed un-financial and must pay reinstatement fee of $30.00 and
all back dues and taxes to become a financial member again.

The Northern Star Burial Society will NOT be responsible for the financial
obligation of a card if a Member decides to give an Executive Members their cards
to mark NOT in a meeting setting.
 MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

The fiscal year of the society is from December to November of the following
year.

Meeting shall be held the first Sunday in each month except for the month of
August,

The President or any other Executives Committee members shall chair the meeting.

All items and constitution and amendment are decided by majority vote of the
members attending.

In case of a tie the Monthly Membership Meeting are binding.

Each monthly membership meeting shall secured with the services of the Royal

Bahamas Police Force. At the end of each monthly membership meeting funds

collected shall be deposit via night deposit.

Amendments to the Constitution

The constitution may be amended in the monthly membership meetings.

A constitutional amendment shall be amended by 51% of the voting members

present.

All constitution amendments will be recorded in the minutes of that monthly

meeting.

MEMBERSHIP

Persons seeking membership in the Northern Star Burial Society are required to
complete an application form, signed and submit to the society along with the
necessary documentation.

All application for membership are subject to approval by the Society Executive
Committee or Membership Meeting Body.

All application forms must have a Government issued identification and medical
form (unless wise stated).

In signing this application, you commit to abide by any amendment to the provision
of this constitution. The society reserves the right to refuse or approve all
application. Applicants must meet all requirements attained in the constitution that
may be passed at any future meetings.

APPLICATION & MEMBERSHIP FEES

Application Fee- $20.00
Juvenile Membership –5-11 $72.50
Senior Membership– 12-60 $145.00

DUES, TAXES FEES AND BENEFITS

Monthly Dues

Juveniles (5years –11 years) $1.50

Seniors (12 years –60 years $3.00

 Death Taxes

Juveniles (5 years –11 years) $5.00

Senior (12 years –60 years) $10.00

Reinstatement

Juveniles (5 years –11 years) $15.00

Senior (12 years –60 years) $30.00

Death Benefit

Juvenile …………………………………………..$2,750 .00

Senior……………………….………………………. $ 5,500.00

NB. If a financial member overpays dues and other fees the sum will be added to
the death benefit.

If a financial member is in arrears by three months the sum will be deducted

from death benefit or family members can sign an agreement to pay back dues and
taxes owed to the society.

The Executive Committee may set from time to time other taxes and fees that
may arise (Building Tax, etc.), subject to the approval of the monthly membership
meeting when deemed necessary for the society.

DEATH BENEFIT PAYMENT

Each death must be reported to the President and or Treasurer by the family
of the deceased, so that financial support may be given as soon as possible.
Payment of death benefit for a deceased member will be made to the named
beneficiary, if there is NOT a named beneficiary payment of death benefit
will be made to the person who was financially obligated for carrying the card
on the deceased’s behalf.

SICK AID

The society shall assist its members during their time of illness once it receives a
medical report or the approval of the Sick Committee Officers, compensation will
be paid in the sum of $20.00 per week or a lifetime maximum $300.00.

SOCIETY GOVERNANCE

The Northern Star Burial Society shall be govern by Chapter 313 of the Friendly
Society Act from the Statue Law of the Bahamas 2001.

The affairs of the society shall be governed by the membership of The Northern
Star Burial Society or the Executive Committee between membership meetings.

The decision of the Monthly Membership Meeting shall be binding.

Once a Juvenile reaches at the age of 12 they must transfer his/her membership
to the senior membership in order to receive full Death Benefit.
Members to attend the funeral of a deceased member of the island,

REFERENCES

70th Anniversary Booklet

Northern Star Burial Society

Lynden Burial Society

Virgil Mutual Society

The Friendly Society Act, Bahamas 2001