Godfrey Gomes is the new President of the Goan Association of New Jersey (GOANJ). A former Vice-President, Godfrey replaces Felix Menezes who stepped down after holding the Presidential reins for the past six years.Felix had previously held the posts of Secretary, Vice-President and Treasurer.
At the elections held at the Association's annual members-only picnic at the Princeton Country Club in West Windsor. The Vice-President - Gladys Monteiro and the Treasurer - Allan D'Guerra were re-elected. The new Secretary is Valerie Moniz and the Membership Cordinator is Cleta Lobo. The outgoing Secretary, Olinda- Godfrey's wife- had to resign due to a conflict of interest; while Valerie will continue to edit the quarterly newsletter- "Goan Connection". . All the five officials were returned unopposed after their candidacies were endorsed by the GOANJ executive committee. The Association is celebrating its 20th anniversary and the highlight of the celebrations will be the annual Christmas Gala dance in December when attendees will be enrtertained to a "Double Whammy " with two bands- New Jersey's "PRISM" and Toronto's "GOA AMIGOS". Cheers. Tony Barros. New Jersey, USA.