‘Aprobecha’

I would like to commend Mr. Jay Jones for refusing to accept a position in the board of the Northern Marianas College due to a conflict of interest, his wife being an instructor at the college. I hope that in the future—hopefully starting now—we can expect that same kind of ethical approach from our local government employees and public officials.

The term ”conflict of interest” is very clear when you define it. The Encarta Dictionary defines conflict of interest as conflict between the public and private interests of somebody in an official position or conflicts between a number of public positions.

We have seen the MPLA fiasco, with allegations of fiscal mismanagement of public funds and reports of conflict of interest and inflated salaries and contracts being paid out. Governor Fitial, please give MPLA another chance so I can submit my application in. I’m only asking for $200,000 and it’s not a conflict of interest.

Another example is the Public School System personnel rules and regulations.

Section E Subsection 2501. PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT: B. Private Employment is prohibited when:

1. it may reasonably be constructed by the public that the work done is performed for PSS.

2. the work required is the same task or tasks closely related to those performed for PSS.

3. the work in any way involves the facilities, equipment or supplies of PSS

Subsection 2502. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: No employee shall engage in any activity or have a direct or indirect financial interest in any activity that creates an interest or constitutes an interest that conflicts with the employee’s duties under his or her contract of employment or these regulations. Nor shall any activity or financial interest be permitted if it could reasonably raise a question whether there would be a conflict of interest with the employee’s contract duties or duties established by regulation.

These individuals at PSS know who this section is referring to.

Mr. Jay Jones and more individuals such as him need to be commended for understanding or foreseeing a potential conflict on interest.

This, however, left me curious and pondering why there are so many conflicts of interest in our government if the term “conflict of interest” is clear. So I went to Professor Hu Dagi Hao who has a Ph.D. in “Conflicto de Interesto” and he explained why they were abuses and conflict of interest in our island.

Professor Hu Dagi Hao explained that in the Chamorro language, conflict of interest means “aprobecha!” Aprobecha means to take advantage of the opportunity.

So remember there’s no conflict of interest at MPLA or even at the Public School System, it’s only “aprobecha!”

Stealing! Hey what are you talking about, it’s “aprobecha!”

Need a new tailgate or rim for your car, hey there’s a new government vehicle…“Aprobecha!”

Hey there’s a conference coming up, what a great time to go shopping. Take a picture of the outside of the building where the conference is and go shopping…“Aprobecha!”

Encountered a person with many hats, hey, why have one when you can wear seven…“Aprobecha!”

Thank you, Mr. Jay Jones for making me believe that there are true, straight shooters such as yourself who understand the meaning of what conflict of interest is. You should be given a medal or a holiday in honor of your actions.

Danny Aquino Jr.
Susupe