Tony Barros wrote: J.C. - Thanks for the correction on the wrong application of the term/phrase-"conflict of interest" used for the recent elections of office bearers of the Goan Association of New Jersey (GOANJ). However, J.C., I was expecting you to inform us what term or phrase we should have used . I look forward to it.
RESPONSE: Dear Tony, First of all, Congratulations to you good folks for yet another successful year and picnic - which, I understand was a fun occasion. Keep up the good work. I was not present at the elections, do not know the sequence in which the individuals were elected and am quite unaware of your Constitution. I am assuming here that, at the end of each term, ALL officers resign and then, either offer for re-election or step aside. [A] If she stepped aside voluntarily: "The outgoing Secretary, Olinda Gomes did not offer herself for reelection as her husband, Godfrey was elected President." [B] If she did not step aside voluntarily: "The outgoing Secretary, Olinda Gomes was deemed ineligible to offer herself for reelection, as her husband, Godfrey was elected President." In either scenario, if the term "conflict of interest" was used, it would be more appropriate to qualify it thus: " to avoid the perception or potential for any conflict of interest". ps: I am sure your Association has a copy of "Robert's Rules of Order" and/or a Constitution to guide you on such matters. good wishes jc
