InTouch #241 – August 2026

Protecting What We Have Built

By Fernando Quevedo, President of the IDB Retirees Association

Dear Colleagues,

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for the confidence and support you showed in the recent elections, both for the members of the Board of Directors and for me. We are committed to safeguarding our benefits while providing guidance and assistance to members whenever needed.

What prompted me to write this message were the good-natured jokes from several close friends and former IDB colleagues. When they called to congratulate me, they jokingly described the Association as an organization that mainly sends announcements of members' passing and invitations to social outings. Fair enough. According to our Bylaws, the Association's mission is to foster connections among its members around the world and organize activities that "promote their physical, economic, cultural, moral, and intellectual well-being."

Their comments, however, led me to reflect on another fundamental aspect of our mission—one that is essential to protecting the rights and interests of our retirees:

"To monitor the activities and policies of the Bank to promote the rights and interests of the Association's members and other retirees

of the IDB Group as a whole."

This responsibility requires us to remain actively engaged in Bank activities and policies that may affect our pensions, cost-of-living adjustments, the investment of pension funds, and the evolution of our health insurance plan. It also includes oversight of the selection, contracting, and auditing of the plan's administrator, as well as ensuring that benefits are delivered as promised and that costs are allocated fairly.

Through the work of the Board of Directors and several committees, the Association continuously monitors these issues. We make responsible and efficient use of the resources entrusted to us—another of our core responsibilities—to commission technical studies and obtain specialized legal advice whenever necessary.

At the same time, the true strength of our Association lies in the knowledge, commitment, and experience of its members. That is why we encourage you to become involved and contribute your expertise to this shared effort to protect and strengthen our collective interests.

I would like to close by expressing my gratitude and paying tribute to our colleague Pepe Santaballa, who passed away in early July. Throughout his career, he dedicated himself tirelessly to the well-being of his colleagues, both during his years in the Bank's administration and later as President of the Staff Association and, subsequently, of the Retirees Association. His commitment, generosity, and unwavering dedication to serving others leave a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire us.

Special Note: Congratulations to Spain! 🇪🇸

The Association extends its congratulations to our Spanish members on their national team's victory in the FIFA World Cup on July 19. We share in their joy as Spain celebrates its second World Cup title. We would also like to recognize Argentina for reaching its second consecutive World Cup final, as well as the 48 countries that participated in this historic edition.

How did some of our members experience the final match?

Patricia Sawyer, who was born in Costa Rica and later became a Spanish citizen, chose to follow the match on the radio because, as she put it, it was far more exciting than watching it on television. “I'm old school,” she told us. Patricia also shared that she and her son were thrilled by Spain's victory, though she admitted that she would have cheered for the South American side had it faced any team other than Spain, “because Lionel Messi is such an extraordinary figure.”

Meanwhile, Alicia Pinotti wrote to us that she was deeply moved by the determination and commitment of Argentina's players. She summed up her admiration in one sentence: “When their legs gave out, they played with their hearts.”

But perhaps no one captured the emotions surrounding the final better than Rafael Millán. Rafael is Spanish, while his wife, Graciela, is Argentine. Laughing, he told us that rooting too enthusiastically for either side could have been grounds for divorce—a remark that says a great deal about the atmosphere in their home. “As both teams progressed through the tournament, I started to feel that nervous flutter in my stomach,” he confessed.

Before kickoff, the couple made a pact: no matter who lifted the trophy, they had already won as a family simply by seeing their two countries face each other in a World Cup final. Still, the moment the referee blew the opening whistle, Rafael and Graciela settled at opposite ends of the couch, each wrapped in their national flag. “It was as if an invisible barrier had divided the room into rival fan sections, and for the next three hours we didn't say a single word. We kept all our emotions inside,” he recalled.

When the match was over, they shook hands and went to bed, as Rafael described it, “quietly processing the whirlwind of emotions each of us was carrying inside.”

This memorable tournament wouldn’t have been possible without the outstanding efforts of its three host countries—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—whose national teams also delivered remarkable performances. Until the next World Cup!

Now Available: Digital Certificate of Eligibility App

As previously announced, the SRP Executive Secretariat launched the IDB Digital Certificate of Eligibility, a new mobile application that allows you to complete your Pension Eligibility Certification through a simple and secure online process.

The app is available for both iPhone and Android smartphones and offers an additional way to complete your certification. Using the app is entirely voluntary. If you prefer, you may continue to use any of the traditional methods to do so: by email (vpf/srp@iadb.org), by mail or in person at the SRP offices, after scheduling an appointment by calling 202-623-3560.

The app has three main steps:

1. Create your account and verify your identity using a valid form of identification.
2. An SRP representative will validate your identity through a one-time video call.
3. Once validated, you can complete your annual certification in just a few minutes.

Remember: You must complete your certification no later than September 30, 2026, to avoid the temporary suspension of your pension payments.

DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID

DOWNLOAD FOR iPHONE

Introducing the External Coordination Committee!

To strengthen institutional ties with other associations within the IDB and with organizations outside the Bank, the IDB Retirees Association (AJBID) formally established its External Coordination Committee on July 15.

The new committee will serve as the Association's primary liaison with the IDB Staff and Family Association, the IDB Global Credit Union, and the retiree associations affiliated with international organizations in the Washington, D.C., area, including those of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Organization of American States, the Pan American Health Organization, and the United Nations.

Its mission is to promote activities and initiatives that benefit retirees and their families through collaboration with these organizations. As Committee Coordinator, César Falconi explains, "This creates a new avenue for identifying opportunities and benefits for our members, particularly by looking beyond the IDB."

The other members of the Committee are Carolina Aclan, Claudia H. Engle, Jean-Michel Houde, José I. Larios, and David Rogers, who serves as Alternate Coordinator.

Division Chief of Compensation, Benefits,

and HR Services

On July 17, the IDB Office of the President shared the appointment of Alberto Javier Cid Moll as Division Chief of the Compensation, Benefits, and HR Services (HRS/COB), effective September 1, 2026.

Alberto brings more than 30 years of professional experience, including 17 years at the IDB Group, where he serves as Accounting Principal Specialist in the Finance Department. According to the official memo, he “leads financial and sustainability reporting for the main funds, as well as bank reconciliations, general ledger administration, payroll, and administrative services accounts.” Alberto holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, a Juris Doctor, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico.   

UPCOMING

From your Sofa: “The Art of Thinking: Philosophy for the 21st Century” 🪔 – Part I

We invite our members to join us for the first part of this thought-provoking video presentation by philosopher and professor José Carlos Ruiz, who reflects on identity, critical thinking, and the pursuit of happiness in today’s world. We will watch the first 40 minutes of the video, followed by 20 minutes of discussion and an exchange of perspectives among participants.

📅 Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 12:30 p.m. ET

🗣️ Language: Spanish

⏱️ Duration: 60 minutes

Via Zoom

Movie Outing: SIX: The Musical Live! 🎼

Join fellow members for an in-person movie outing to see SIX: The Musical Live! Six Queens. One Unforgettable Performance. Filmed live at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, this energetic musical brings the six wives of Henry VIII into the 21st century through pop-inspired songs, humor, and unforgettable performances by the original West End cast.

📅 Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 12:00 p.m.

Please arrive 15 min early.

📍 Location: Angelika Film Center & Café at Mosaic 2911 District Avenue, Fairfax, VA 22031

🎟️ Ticket price: $14 per person

🎬 Running time: 1 hour and 31 minutes

🗣️ Language: English

Health Insurance Questions? Here's the Best Way to Get Help

The IDB Human Resources Department has updated the recommended process for retirees seeking assistance with health insurance matters. Retirees should first contact their health plan administrator directly and ask questions or try to resolve any issues. If additional assistance is needed, they should then contact the HR Service Center to ensure that questions are handled promptly and tracked appropriately. The HR Service Center will open a ServiceNow ticket and either resolve the issue or refer it to the Health Benefits Team. You can call them at (202) 623-3500 or email them at HRSC@iadb.org.

The HR Department has also prepared a Program Resource Map and a "Who to

Contact" guide to help retirees quickly identify the appropriate contact for each question type. Additional information, including administrator contacts, the Benefits

Handbook, Medicare and P&A Group information, and claims instructions, is available on the IDB Medical Program website. Readers are encouraged to bookmark these resources for future reference.

Together for Venezuela Campaign: How Far Have We Come?

$360,000

That’s how much the campaign has raised so far to help Venezuela recover from the devastating earthquakes that struck on June 24, claiming thousands of lives and causing billions of dollars in damage. This total includes the IDB administration’s matching contribution of $150,000. The funds will be donated to Cáritas Venezuela, one of the country’s most trusted organizations providing assistance to countless survivors.

According to the latest report from Cáritas Venezuela, the organization has distributed 17,934 metric tons of food and relief supplies and has assisted 13,140 families. Read the full report here.

Whether you donated—no matter the amount—purchased raffle tickets or lunch, volunteered your time to help organize events, or simply helped spread the word, we thank you! We encourage you to continue exploring other ways to support this effort.

Chapters: Costa Rica

The Costa Rica Chapter held a meeting on July 22, 2026, with the participation of 16 members, including the Bank's Country Office Representative, Francisco Javier Urra, who provided an update on the IDB Group's operations in Costa Rica and the growth of IDB Invest as a regional operations hub.

The meeting was also attended by AJBID President Fernando Quevedo, who presented several topics of particular interest to retirees, including the Association's ties with various headquarters offices and future opportunities for cooperation. Iveta Ganev, President of the Costa Rica Chapter, shared an update on the Chapter's collaborative initiatives with senior care centers in the country.

HOME & GARDEN

The Luck of Having a Garden—and a Photographer Next Door

Last year around this time, David Rogers shared an article about his “Pandemic Garden,” describing both the pleasures and challenges of cultivating a small backyard oasis in Falls Church.

Despite a long and harsh winter, the garden has rebounded beautifully and is now bursting with color. David’s next-door neighbor, David E. McKittrick, an accomplished amateur photographer and avid admirer of the lilies, recently captured the garden at its peak and shared these photos on Facebook.

One of David’s annual gardening goals is to harvest fresh, homegrown tomatoes by the Fourth of July. This year’s crop is right on schedule, with the first tomatoes beginning to ripen. Although the spring was unusually dry, plenty of watering—and a bit of a gardener’s persistence—have kept everything thriving, including the tropical elephant ears that have become one of the garden’s signature features in late summer. This garden is proof that with patience, care, and a little help from Mother Nature, even a compact garden can deliver a spectacular summer display.

Admire the beautiful photographs here. Do you have a garden, balcony, or patio in bloom? We would love to share your story in a future issue. Just send us an email at retirees@iadb.org.

The Coming Stock Market Crash and How to Invest for the Long Term

By Luis Fierro

How dangerous is the artificial intelligence investment bubble? Is the stock market overvalued? And if so, are my investments safe?

These and other timely questions are explored by economist and Association member Luis Fierro in his new book, The Coming Stock Market Crash and How to Invest for the Long Term.

Rather than encouraging panic, Luis offers a clear and accessible guide for readers focused on their long-term financial security and retirement. Drawing on market history and the timeless principles of legendary investors such as Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham, he provides practical insights for navigating today’s uncertain financial landscape.

The book is a valuable read for anyone seeking to better understand today’s economic environment and its implications for long-term investment decisions.

Access the Book Here!

We are delighted to welcome the following new members who joined the Association in July:

• Santiago Alejandro Castillo Victoria, Panamá
• Elizabeth Chávez, United States

Honoring José "Pepe" Santaballa

By Isabel Larson

On July 2, we lost our dear colleague José Santaballa. Pepe, as we all affectionately called him, was an invaluable source of professional wisdom and a cherished friend to so many of us.

We all have memories and stories from his years at the IDB. His greatest passion was always for the well-being of the Bank’s employees and retirees. Pepe devoted himself wholeheartedly to defending our rights, serving first as a director and then as President of the Staff Association, and later as President of the Retirees Association and of the Florida Chapter.

We were neighbors and colleagues. Although we did not always see eye to eye, we were united by our shared commitment to defending the interests of employees and retirees. We also remember, with a smile, his remarkable knack for bringing people together, such as when he would set up a television in his office during the World Cup so that we could take turns watching the matches together, regardless of rank or position.

I know that many of us will miss him deeply. I will especially miss our conversations, the ideas we exchanged, and his thoughtful advice throughout our many years of friendship. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Elena, and to their children during this difficult time.

You can also read here the heartfelt tribute written in memory of José Santaballa by Association member Mauricio Beltrán.

Click here to read the obituary of our dear colleague José Santaballa and find information about the Mass to be held on August 15 in Miami, FL.

Our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the following deceased member and spouses:



• Dolly Álvarez 
• Janet Glasse, widow of Luis Francisco Baquero
• Stella Norma Trentin-Castillo, wife of Alberto Castillo
• María Velasco, widow of Luis Velasco

Association of Retirees of the Inter-American Development Bank

1300 New York Avenue, N.W. Stop SW-0424 Washington, D.C. 20577.

Phone number (202) 623-3035 and WhatsApp number (202) 674-7599.

Ricardo Quiroga, Editor (erwquiroga@gmail.com)

Aníbal Pedrique, Communications Specialist (anpedrique@gmail.com)

A publication of the Communications Committee, IDB Retirees Association