Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Owen DeLong]

During both the election process and the public policy meeting, there were 
multiple
instances of the same individuals refusing to cede the microphone after the 
chair
repeatedly called them out of order. I will leave searching the video archives 
as
an exercise for the reader as I have better things to do with my time. However, 
if you
doubt this occurred, I’m willing to bet there are plenty of others who were 
present
in the room that can vouch for my statement here.

Owen

> On Jul 13, 2017, at 01:00 , Jackson Muthili  wrote:
> 
> On Thu, Jul 13, 2017 at 8:08 AM, Owen DeLong  wrote:
>> I think a more accurate description of the events is that certain portions
>> of the community with no sense of decorum or fairness spoke very loudly and
>> refused to give up the floor even after being declared out of order
>> repeatedly by the chair of the meeting.
>> 
>> However, I am certain you are unlikely to share my perspective as you are
>> almost certainly allied with this group of ill-behaved malcontents.
> 
> Owen please point out that ill-behaved malcontent group you refer to
> in your e-mail, and what actions (with reference to video or other
> verifiable sources) were done by that group for you to qualify it as
> ill-behaved and malcontent.
> 
> J


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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[David Hilario]

Hi Andrew,

I believe a lot can be learned from statistics and trend.
The end results might be that there are no patterns, trend and no
"factions" as a conclusion.

But anyone who knows me knows I love digging in archives, there is so
much things to learn from past documents and historical conversations
archived forever.
So from a personal point of view, count me in.

I really can only justify participating in my free time, but I surely
can contribute a few hours here and there.

PM me the details for any further info on this.

Cheers,
David Hilario



On 14 July 2017 at 12:08, Andrew Alston <andrew.als...@liquidtelecom.com> wrote:
> This is a personal project, that's others may or may not choose to
> contribute to.  It is my belief that understanding the factionalism is key
> to solving it - and I feel this is beneficial, so I shall proceed.
>
> I hope to have others join with me in the effort, but barring that I will
> still proceed in a solo effort, it will just take longer
>
> Andrew
>
> Get Outlook for iOS
> 
> From: Badru Ntege <badru.nt...@nftconsult.com>
> Sent: Friday, July 14, 2017 11:25:41 AM
> To: Andrew Alston
> Cc: Owen DeLong; community-discuss@afrinic.net
>
> Subject: Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency
>
> So I'm curious how this will contribute to the achievement of AfriNICs
> mission statement. Or even the internet community in general.
>
> I would rather prefer to see your energys directed in an additive activity
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On 14 Jul 2017, at 10:22, Andrew Alston <andrew.als...@liquidtelecom.com>
> wrote:
>
> Having read all of this,
>
>
>
> I would like to start a bit of a research project in my spare (albeit
> limited) time – so here is what I plan to do.
>
>
>
> I want to analyse every single email across the various lists going back 6
> years – in an attempt to identify the factions that exists (as has been
> stated at all 3 of the last 3 meetings, there is a definite sense of
> factionalism within the AfriNIC community, and that observation has been
> made at the microphone by multiple people)
>
> Then, let us identify
>
>
>
> When these factions arose and why
> Who are the people who are leading these factions
>
>
>
> Then – once that information has been gathered in as objective fashion as
> possible, through looking at the emails and the responses, the
> substantiation behind those responses, looking at the videos of the PDP
> meeting and the questions at the microphone and the responses to follow-ups
> etc, we can then look at potentially finding a way to resolve the divides,
> potentially even by putting the leaders of said factions in the same room
> and getting them to work out the issues, so that we can get back to a point
> where we are discussing based on policy, based on content, and based on
> issues that are substantive, rather than from a geographic, linguistic or
> other perspective.
>
>
>
> Now – such a complete research project if it is to be done properly, is
> immensely time consuming due to the volume of material to go through, and
> so, I’d like to invite volunteers who would like to assist in this project.
> This also helps to mitigate the risk that the report that comes out of this
> will be in any way biased, since those working on it are volunteers from
> across the continent.
>
>
>
> Please email me off list if you’d be willing to assist.
>
>
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> Andrew
>
>
>
>
>
> From: Badru Ntege [mailto:badru.nt...@nftconsult.com]
> Sent: 14 July 2017 10:15
> To: Owen DeLong <o...@delong.com>
> Cc: community-discuss@afrinic.net
> Subject: Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>
> On 13 Jul 2017, at 08:10, Owen DeLong <o...@delong.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> However, I am certain you are unlikely to share my perspective as you are
> almost certainly allied with this group of ill-behaved malcontents.
>
>
>
> ???
>
> I'm allied with the Afrinic community whichever name one might choose to
> give the community and membership works well with me.
>
>
>
>
>
> Owen
>
>
>
> On Jun 5, 2017, at 19:13 , Badru Ntege <badru.nt...@nftconsult.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> Ali
>
>
>
> Thanks for highlighting the issues bellow.  Some board members have claimed
> championing transparency but I think we all need to have the same definition
> of the word.
>
>
>
> The issue of publishing the minutes was a community mandate to the board not
> a board initiative.  I also like the issue on declaring interest.
>
>

Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Andrew Alston]

This is a personal project, that's others may or may not choose to contribute 
to.  It is my belief that understanding the factionalism is key to solving it - 
and I feel this is beneficial, so I shall proceed.

I hope to have others join with me in the effort, but barring that I will still 
proceed in a solo effort, it will just take longer

Andrew

Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef>

From: Badru Ntege <badru.nt...@nftconsult.com>
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2017 11:25:41 AM
To: Andrew Alston
Cc: Owen DeLong; community-discuss@afrinic.net
Subject: Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

So I'm curious how this will contribute to the achievement of AfriNICs mission 
statement. Or even the internet community in general.

I would rather prefer to see your energys directed in an additive activity

Sent from my iPhone

On 14 Jul 2017, at 10:22, Andrew Alston 
<andrew.als...@liquidtelecom.com<mailto:andrew.als...@liquidtelecom.com>> wrote:

Having read all of this,

I would like to start a bit of a research project in my spare (albeit limited) 
time – so here is what I plan to do.

I want to analyse every single email across the various lists going back 6 
years – in an attempt to identify the factions that exists (as has been stated 
at all 3 of the last 3 meetings, there is a definite sense of factionalism 
within the AfriNIC community, and that observation has been made at the 
microphone by multiple people)
Then, let us identify


  1.  When these factions arose and why
  2.  Who are the people who are leading these factions

Then – once that information has been gathered in as objective fashion as 
possible, through looking at the emails and the responses, the substantiation 
behind those responses, looking at the videos of the PDP meeting and the 
questions at the microphone and the responses to follow-ups etc, we can then 
look at potentially finding a way to resolve the divides, potentially even by 
putting the leaders of said factions in the same room and getting them to work 
out the issues, so that we can get back to a point where we are discussing 
based on policy, based on content, and based on issues that are substantive, 
rather than from a geographic, linguistic or other perspective.

Now – such a complete research project if it is to be done properly, is 
immensely time consuming due to the volume of material to go through, and so, 
I’d like to invite volunteers who would like to assist in this project.  This 
also helps to mitigate the risk that the report that comes out of this will be 
in any way biased, since those working on it are volunteers from across the 
continent.

Please email me off list if you’d be willing to assist.

Thanks

Andrew


From: Badru Ntege [mailto:badru.nt...@nftconsult.com]
Sent: 14 July 2017 10:15
To: Owen DeLong <o...@delong.com<mailto:o...@delong.com>>
Cc: community-discuss@afrinic.net<mailto:community-discuss@afrinic.net>
Subject: Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency



Sent from my iPhone

On 13 Jul 2017, at 08:10, Owen DeLong <o...@delong.com<mailto:o...@delong.com>> 
wrote:

However, I am certain you are unlikely to share my perspective as you are 
almost certainly allied with this group of ill-behaved malcontents.

???
I'm allied with the Afrinic community whichever name one might choose to give 
the community and membership works well with me.



Owen

On Jun 5, 2017, at 19:13 , Badru Ntege 
<badru.nt...@nftconsult.com<mailto:badru.nt...@nftconsult.com>> wrote:

Ali

Thanks for highlighting the issues bellow.  Some board members have claimed 
championing transparency but I think we all need to have the same definition of 
the word.

The issue of publishing the minutes was a community mandate to the board not a 
board initiative.  I also like the issue on declaring interest.

However the community is not blind and eventually the truth comes out as we saw 
in Nairobi where the community spoke resoundingly in both ASO and board 
elections.

Regards

Sent from my iPhone

On 5 Jun 2017, at 12:39, Ali Hussein 
<a...@hussein.me.ke<mailto:a...@hussein.me.ke>> wrote:
Mark and all

Let's raise the bar on transparency and proper reporting is super critical.

For example a quick perusal of the Afrinic Website tells me that:-

1. The last minutes posted were in February this year. I see there was another 
Board meeting in April which has no minutes posted yet. Can we try and ensure 
that board minutes are available for circulation online within 2 weeks of the 
meeting being held?

2. It is common best practice for Board members to declare their interests (if 
any) before any board meeting and these to be duly recorded in the minutes. 
This will go a long way in enhancing the transparency conversation.

3.  I also note that in the February Board minutes that agenda Item No. 5 on 
Committees there are no committee reports for Audi

Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Badru Ntege]

So I'm curious how this will contribute to the achievement of AfriNICs mission 
statement. Or even the internet community in general.

I would rather prefer to see your energys directed in an additive activity

Sent from my iPhone

On 14 Jul 2017, at 10:22, Andrew Alston 
<andrew.als...@liquidtelecom.com<mailto:andrew.als...@liquidtelecom.com>> wrote:

Having read all of this,

I would like to start a bit of a research project in my spare (albeit limited) 
time – so here is what I plan to do.

I want to analyse every single email across the various lists going back 6 
years – in an attempt to identify the factions that exists (as has been stated 
at all 3 of the last 3 meetings, there is a definite sense of factionalism 
within the AfriNIC community, and that observation has been made at the 
microphone by multiple people)
Then, let us identify


  1.  When these factions arose and why
  2.  Who are the people who are leading these factions

Then – once that information has been gathered in as objective fashion as 
possible, through looking at the emails and the responses, the substantiation 
behind those responses, looking at the videos of the PDP meeting and the 
questions at the microphone and the responses to follow-ups etc, we can then 
look at potentially finding a way to resolve the divides, potentially even by 
putting the leaders of said factions in the same room and getting them to work 
out the issues, so that we can get back to a point where we are discussing 
based on policy, based on content, and based on issues that are substantive, 
rather than from a geographic, linguistic or other perspective.

Now – such a complete research project if it is to be done properly, is 
immensely time consuming due to the volume of material to go through, and so, 
I’d like to invite volunteers who would like to assist in this project.  This 
also helps to mitigate the risk that the report that comes out of this will be 
in any way biased, since those working on it are volunteers from across the 
continent.

Please email me off list if you’d be willing to assist.

Thanks

Andrew


From: Badru Ntege [mailto:badru.nt...@nftconsult.com]
Sent: 14 July 2017 10:15
To: Owen DeLong <o...@delong.com<mailto:o...@delong.com>>
Cc: community-discuss@afrinic.net<mailto:community-discuss@afrinic.net>
Subject: Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency



Sent from my iPhone

On 13 Jul 2017, at 08:10, Owen DeLong <o...@delong.com<mailto:o...@delong.com>> 
wrote:

However, I am certain you are unlikely to share my perspective as you are 
almost certainly allied with this group of ill-behaved malcontents.

???
I'm allied with the Afrinic community whichever name one might choose to give 
the community and membership works well with me.



Owen

On Jun 5, 2017, at 19:13 , Badru Ntege 
<badru.nt...@nftconsult.com<mailto:badru.nt...@nftconsult.com>> wrote:

Ali

Thanks for highlighting the issues bellow.  Some board members have claimed 
championing transparency but I think we all need to have the same definition of 
the word.

The issue of publishing the minutes was a community mandate to the board not a 
board initiative.  I also like the issue on declaring interest.

However the community is not blind and eventually the truth comes out as we saw 
in Nairobi where the community spoke resoundingly in both ASO and board 
elections.

Regards

Sent from my iPhone

On 5 Jun 2017, at 12:39, Ali Hussein 
<a...@hussein.me.ke<mailto:a...@hussein.me.ke>> wrote:
Mark and all

Let's raise the bar on transparency and proper reporting is super critical.

For example a quick perusal of the Afrinic Website tells me that:-

1. The last minutes posted were in February this year. I see there was another 
Board meeting in April which has no minutes posted yet. Can we try and ensure 
that board minutes are available for circulation online within 2 weeks of the 
meeting being held?

2. It is common best practice for Board members to declare their interests (if 
any) before any board meeting and these to be duly recorded in the minutes. 
This will go a long way in enhancing the transparency conversation.

3.  I also note that in the February Board minutes that agenda Item No. 5 on 
Committees there are no committee reports for Audit and Remuneration. Also no 
other board committee reports have been presented.
Question:- why are there no reports on the Audit and Remuneration reports 
committees? Is this an oversight or were they simply not ready? Can the Board 
consider making the other committee reports available to the community?

4. It is now also standard for organizations to publish a Sustainability 
Report. Most public for profit companies in Kenya now publish a sustainability 
report. This is even more critical in an Organisation like Afrinic. To give us 
a sample of what this may look like please see Safaricom's 2016 Sustainability 
Report below:-

Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Andrew Alston]

Having read all of this,

I would like to start a bit of a research project in my spare (albeit limited) 
time – so here is what I plan to do.

I want to analyse every single email across the various lists going back 6 
years – in an attempt to identify the factions that exists (as has been stated 
at all 3 of the last 3 meetings, there is a definite sense of factionalism 
within the AfriNIC community, and that observation has been made at the 
microphone by multiple people)
Then, let us identify


  1.  When these factions arose and why
  2.  Who are the people who are leading these factions

Then – once that information has been gathered in as objective fashion as 
possible, through looking at the emails and the responses, the substantiation 
behind those responses, looking at the videos of the PDP meeting and the 
questions at the microphone and the responses to follow-ups etc, we can then 
look at potentially finding a way to resolve the divides, potentially even by 
putting the leaders of said factions in the same room and getting them to work 
out the issues, so that we can get back to a point where we are discussing 
based on policy, based on content, and based on issues that are substantive, 
rather than from a geographic, linguistic or other perspective.

Now – such a complete research project if it is to be done properly, is 
immensely time consuming due to the volume of material to go through, and so, 
I’d like to invite volunteers who would like to assist in this project.  This 
also helps to mitigate the risk that the report that comes out of this will be 
in any way biased, since those working on it are volunteers from across the 
continent.

Please email me off list if you’d be willing to assist.

Thanks

Andrew


From: Badru Ntege [mailto:badru.nt...@nftconsult.com]
Sent: 14 July 2017 10:15
To: Owen DeLong <o...@delong.com>
Cc: community-discuss@afrinic.net
Subject: Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency



Sent from my iPhone

On 13 Jul 2017, at 08:10, Owen DeLong <o...@delong.com<mailto:o...@delong.com>> 
wrote:

However, I am certain you are unlikely to share my perspective as you are 
almost certainly allied with this group of ill-behaved malcontents.

???
I'm allied with the Afrinic community whichever name one might choose to give 
the community and membership works well with me.



Owen

On Jun 5, 2017, at 19:13 , Badru Ntege 
<badru.nt...@nftconsult.com<mailto:badru.nt...@nftconsult.com>> wrote:

Ali

Thanks for highlighting the issues bellow.  Some board members have claimed 
championing transparency but I think we all need to have the same definition of 
the word.

The issue of publishing the minutes was a community mandate to the board not a 
board initiative.  I also like the issue on declaring interest.

However the community is not blind and eventually the truth comes out as we saw 
in Nairobi where the community spoke resoundingly in both ASO and board 
elections.

Regards

Sent from my iPhone

On 5 Jun 2017, at 12:39, Ali Hussein 
<a...@hussein.me.ke<mailto:a...@hussein.me.ke>> wrote:
Mark and all

Let's raise the bar on transparency and proper reporting is super critical.

For example a quick perusal of the Afrinic Website tells me that:-

1. The last minutes posted were in February this year. I see there was another 
Board meeting in April which has no minutes posted yet. Can we try and ensure 
that board minutes are available for circulation online within 2 weeks of the 
meeting being held?

2. It is common best practice for Board members to declare their interests (if 
any) before any board meeting and these to be duly recorded in the minutes. 
This will go a long way in enhancing the transparency conversation.

3.  I also note that in the February Board minutes that agenda Item No. 5 on 
Committees there are no committee reports for Audit and Remuneration. Also no 
other board committee reports have been presented.
Question:- why are there no reports on the Audit and Remuneration reports 
committees? Is this an oversight or were they simply not ready? Can the Board 
consider making the other committee reports available to the community?

4. It is now also standard for organizations to publish a Sustainability 
Report. Most public for profit companies in Kenya now publish a sustainability 
report. This is even more critical in an Organisation like Afrinic. To give us 
a sample of what this may look like please see Safaricom's 2016 Sustainability 
Report below:-

https://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Resources_Downloads/sustainabilityreport_2016.pdf<https://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Resources_Downloads/sustainabilityreport_2016.pdf>

Ali Hussein
Principal
Hussein & Associates
+254 0713 601113

Twitter: @AliHKassim
Skype: abu-jomo
LinkedIn: 
http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim<http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim>

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not a

Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Badru Ntege]

Sent from my iPhone

On 13 Jul 2017, at 08:10, Owen DeLong > 
wrote:


However, I am certain you are unlikely to share my perspective as you are 
almost certainly allied with this group of ill-behaved malcontents.

???
I'm allied with the Afrinic community whichever name one might choose to give 
the community and membership works well with me.


Owen

On Jun 5, 2017, at 19:13 , Badru Ntege 
> wrote:

Ali

Thanks for highlighting the issues bellow.  Some board members have claimed 
championing transparency but I think we all need to have the same definition of 
the word.

The issue of publishing the minutes was a community mandate to the board not a 
board initiative.  I also like the issue on declaring interest.

However the community is not blind and eventually the truth comes out as we saw 
in Nairobi where the community spoke resoundingly in both ASO and board 
elections.

Regards

Sent from my iPhone

On 5 Jun 2017, at 12:39, Ali Hussein 
> wrote:

Mark and all

Let's raise the bar on transparency and proper reporting is super critical.

For example a quick perusal of the Afrinic Website tells me that:-

1. The last minutes posted were in February this year. I see there was another 
Board meeting in April which has no minutes posted yet. Can we try and ensure 
that board minutes are available for circulation online within 2 weeks of the 
meeting being held?

2. It is common best practice for Board members to declare their interests (if 
any) before any board meeting and these to be duly recorded in the minutes. 
This will go a long way in enhancing the transparency conversation.

3.  I also note that in the February Board minutes that agenda Item No. 5 on 
Committees there are no committee reports for Audit and Remuneration. Also no 
other board committee reports have been presented.
Question:- why are there no reports on the Audit and Remuneration reports 
committees? Is this an oversight or were they simply not ready? Can the Board 
consider making the other committee reports available to the community?

4. It is now also standard for organizations to publish a Sustainability 
Report. Most public for profit companies in Kenya now publish a sustainability 
report. This is even more critical in an Organisation like Afrinic. To give us 
a sample of what this may look like please see Safaricom's 2016 Sustainability 
Report below:-

https://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Resources_Downloads/sustainabilityreport_2016.pdf

Ali Hussein
Principal
Hussein & Associates
+254 0713 601113

Twitter: @AliHKassim
Skype: abu-jomo
LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a 
habit."  ~ Aristotle


Sent from my iPad

On 5 Jun 2017, at 11:37 AM, Mark Elkins 
> wrote:


I agree with you Ali. When Andrew first campaigned to be a Board member, one of 
his goals was increased transparency. I believe that he has helped, with the 
rest of the Board, achieve this. Transparency though is an ongoing process and 
its a pity that Andrew was not re-elected to continue assisting in that process.

Regarding Andrews points:

a) Travel in Africa is not cheap. Rather than just a single line for travel, 
I'd like to see it a bit more broken up though, categorised something like;
 i) Training sessions 10, people 20, cost $10,000
 ii) Meetings 2, people 40, cost $20,000
 iii) Board Travel 8, trips 32, cost $20,000

(or something like that)

b - d) Again, I'd like to see a bit more break down, especially in the case of 
unaudited organisations. On d), the ASO/NRO fees are proportionally paid by 
RIRs. AfriNIC does pay the lowest proportion.

e) I think the moratorium on Business class travel should be maintained, but 
have the option to upgrade their flights at their expense. When flying for 
AfriNIC, I was given a Priority Pass card. That privilege should stay to give 
people access to lounges.  I'm happy the CEO flies business (at his 
discretion). If it was a long flight (ARIN, USA) and overnight and that Board 
member is the only AfriNIC representative and was presenting the "AfriNIC" 
slides, let them fly business. I did that once (but travelled economy).

On 05/06/2017 08:21, Ali Hussein wrote:
Andrew

You raise pertinent and important issues.

The rule of thumb for any public organization is that Transparency trumps (no 
pun intended) everything else.

If I were asked and was a member of the Board, I'd advocate for FULL disclosure 
on financial and operational matters. How money was spent, how much, what was 
the impact, who received it etc. That in my humble opinion is the best policy. 
Let us err on the side of too much information as opposed to too little 
information.

Ali Hussein
Principal
Hussein & Associates
+254 0713 601113

Twitter: 

Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Noah]

On 13 Jul 2017 12:29 p.m., "Ali Hussein"  wrote:

Hi all

Without addressing anyone in particular I honestly and humbly wish we can
exercise some decorum, good will and a sense of community. There's is too
much personalization and hurling of insults and insinuations on this list.

May I submit that we can disagree, discourse and add value to each other in
the interest of the community without slipping into insults and abuses?


Safi sana Ali



Let's engage, agree, disagree, agree to disagree while at the same time
maintaining some decorum?



+1

Cheers,
Noah
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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Jackson Muthili]

On Thu, Jul 13, 2017 at 8:08 AM, Owen DeLong  wrote:
> I think a more accurate description of the events is that certain portions
> of the community with no sense of decorum or fairness spoke very loudly and
> refused to give up the floor even after being declared out of order
> repeatedly by the chair of the meeting.
>
> However, I am certain you are unlikely to share my perspective as you are
> almost certainly allied with this group of ill-behaved malcontents.

Owen please point out that ill-behaved malcontent group you refer to
in your e-mail, and what actions (with reference to video or other
verifiable sources) were done by that group for you to qualify it as
ill-behaved and malcontent.

J

___
Community-Discuss mailing list
Community-Discuss@afrinic.net
https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo/community-discuss

Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Owen DeLong]

I think a more accurate description of the events is that certain portions of 
the community with no sense of decorum or fairness spoke very loudly and 
refused to give up the floor even after being declared out of order repeatedly 
by the chair of the meeting.

However, I am certain you are unlikely to share my perspective as you are 
almost certainly allied with this group of ill-behaved malcontents.

Owen

> On Jun 5, 2017, at 19:13 , Badru Ntege  wrote:
> 
> Ali
> 
> Thanks for highlighting the issues bellow.  Some board members have claimed 
> championing transparency but I think we all need to have the same definition 
> of the word. 
> 
> The issue of publishing the minutes was a community mandate to the board not 
> a board initiative.  I also like the issue on declaring interest. 
> 
> However the community is not blind and eventually the truth comes out as we 
> saw in Nairobi where the community spoke resoundingly in both ASO and board 
> elections. 
> 
> Regards 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
> On 5 Jun 2017, at 12:39, Ali Hussein  > wrote:
> 
>> Mark and all
>> 
>> Let's raise the bar on transparency and proper reporting is super critical.
>> 
>> For example a quick perusal of the Afrinic Website tells me that:-
>> 
>> 1. The last minutes posted were in February this year. I see there was 
>> another Board meeting in April which has no minutes posted yet. Can we try 
>> and ensure that board minutes are available for circulation online within 2 
>> weeks of the meeting being held?
>> 
>> 2. It is common best practice for Board members to declare their interests 
>> (if any) before any board meeting and these to be duly recorded in the 
>> minutes. This will go a long way in enhancing the transparency conversation. 
>> 
>> 3.  I also note that in the February Board minutes that agenda Item No. 5 on 
>> Committees there are no committee reports for Audit and Remuneration. Also 
>> no other board committee reports have been presented. 
>> Question:- why are there no reports on the Audit and Remuneration reports 
>> committees? Is this an oversight or were they simply not ready? Can the 
>> Board consider making the other committee reports available to the community?
>> 
>> 4. It is now also standard for organizations to publish a Sustainability 
>> Report. Most public for profit companies in Kenya now publish a 
>> sustainability report. This is even more critical in an Organisation like 
>> Afrinic. To give us a sample of what this may look like please see 
>> Safaricom's 2016 Sustainability Report below:-
>> 
>> https://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Resources_Downloads/sustainabilityreport_2016.pdf
>>  
>> 
>> 
>> Ali Hussein
>> Principal
>> Hussein & Associates
>> +254 0713 601113 
>> 
>> Twitter: @AliHKassim
>> Skype: abu-jomo
>> LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim 
>> 
>> "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a 
>> habit."  ~ Aristotle
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
>> 
>> On 5 Jun 2017, at 11:37 AM, Mark Elkins > > wrote:
>> 
>>> I agree with you Ali. When Andrew first campaigned to be a Board member, 
>>> one of his goals was increased transparency. I believe that he has helped, 
>>> with the rest of the Board, achieve this. Transparency though is an ongoing 
>>> process and its a pity that Andrew was not re-elected to continue assisting 
>>> in that process.
>>> 
>>> Regarding Andrews points:
>>> 
>>> a) Travel in Africa is not cheap. Rather than just a single line for 
>>> travel, I'd like to see it a bit more broken up though, categorised 
>>> something like;
>>>  i) Training sessions 10, people 20, cost $10,000
>>>  ii) Meetings 2, people 40, cost $20,000
>>>  iii) Board Travel 8, trips 32, cost $20,000
>>> 
>>> (or something like that)
>>> 
>>> b - d) Again, I'd like to see a bit more break down, especially in the case 
>>> of unaudited organisations. On d), the ASO/NRO fees are proportionally paid 
>>> by RIRs. AfriNIC does pay the lowest proportion. 
>>> 
>>> e) I think the moratorium on Business class travel should be maintained, 
>>> but have the option to upgrade their flights at their expense. When flying 
>>> for AfriNIC, I was given a Priority Pass card. That privilege should stay 
>>> to give people access to lounges.  I'm happy the CEO flies business (at his 
>>> discretion). If it was a long flight (ARIN, USA) and overnight and that 
>>> Board member is the only AfriNIC representative and was presenting the 
>>> "AfriNIC" slides, let them fly business. I did that once (but travelled 
>>> economy).
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On 05/06/2017 08:21, Ali Hussein wrote:
 Andrew
 
 You raise pertinent and important issues. 
 
 The rule of thumb for any public 

Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Chevalier du Borg]

2017-06-27 10:00 GMT+04:00 :

> I'll consider providing some information if I attend a meeting.  I am open
> to representatives of member organizations asking me why Afrinic Ltd is
> covering my travel expenses.



You just prove you donnot even understand the matter at hand about Trust
and Transparency. These might be surprise to you: These is not about you.


-- 
Borg le Chevalier
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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Tutu Ngcaba]

Dear Brother SM.Afrinic,

Are you the same as Moonesamy?

Where are you located now.?

I am heading back to Durban CBD, so you can tell me where i shall meet but
i shall go back to the township tomorrow for community work as we empower
our youths about the technology.

Best Regards,
Tutu Ngcaba



On 27 Jun 2017 4:50 p.m.,  wrote:

Hello,

At 06:13 AM 6/27/2017, Tutu Ngcaba wrote:

> Where are you based as i am today in township in Empangeni with the team
> we finish community work.
>

It is unfortunately too far from where I am currently located.

Regards,
S. Moonesamy
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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[sm+afrinic]

Hello,
At 06:13 AM 6/27/2017, Tutu Ngcaba wrote:
Where are you based as i am today in township in Empangeni with the 
team we finish community work.


It is unfortunately too far from where I am currently located.

Regards,
S. Moonesamy 



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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Tutu Ngcaba]

Dear Brother S Moonesamy

Where are you based as i am today in township in Empangeni with the team we
finish community work.

Best Regards,
Tutu Ngcaba



On 27 Jun 2017 3:46 p.m., "S Moonesamy"  wrote:

> Hi Tutu,
>
> I would appreciate if we could meet each other.  If you are okay with
> that, please let me know when you will be available.
>
> Regards,
> S. Moonesamy
>
>
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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Tutu Ngcaba]

My brother SM.Afrinic

Why you will go to hotel to sleep in hotel which the Afrinic paid fees from
this members money they collect.

You must give reports so the money afrinic paid shall not be wasted.

This idea of brother Andrew is correct. The board members mustn't just be
in the Nairobi meetings then they are in the Icann meetings in Egoli and
the afrinic is paying and they did not do anythig very important to the
Afrinic.

Best Regards,
Tutu Ngcaba


On 27 Jun 2017 9:06 a.m.,  wrote:

> Hello,
> At 07:45 PM 6/26/2017, Chevalier du Borg wrote:
>
>> So IF board member attending a non-AfriNIC meeting is not a perk/benefit
>> of being a board member, THEN surely the board member should give us a
>> short report on why the company is spend money on them to travel no?
>>
>
> I'll consider providing some information if I attend a meeting.  I am open
> to representatives of member organizations asking me why Afrinic Ltd is
> covering my travel expenses.
>
> Regards,
> S. Moonesamy
>
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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[sm+afrinic]

Hello,
At 07:45 PM 6/26/2017, Chevalier du Borg wrote:
So IF board member attending a non-AfriNIC meeting is not a 
perk/benefit of being a board member, THEN surely the board member 
should give us a short report on why the company is spend money on 
them to travel no?


I'll consider providing some information if I attend a meeting.  I am 
open to representatives of member organizations asking me why Afrinic 
Ltd is covering my travel expenses.


Regards,
S. Moonesamy 



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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[sm+afrinic]

Hello,
At 04:02 AM 6/26/2017, Chevalier du Borg wrote:
But there must be reason for which AfriNIC pay air flight, hotel and 
allowance for you (or any board member) to travel to a not-AfriNIC 
meeting right? It ok, if community agree that it's a benefit of 
being board member. Let just declare that and so long as it not a 
huge financial burden on company, fine. Let focus on important thing.


I suggest looking it this way: there would be some reason for me to 
choose to attend a meeting.  I don't think that "it's a benefit of 
being" is a good reason.


Regards,
S. Moonesamy 



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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Chevalier du Borg]

2017-06-26 12:23 GMT+04:00 :

> I met several persons from Africa over the last few days.  I appreciate
> that they took some time to have a conversation with me.  I would not list
> that as an accomplishment as it is not something which has visible results.



But there must be reason for which AfriNIC pay air flight, hotel and
allowance for you (or any board member) to travel to a not-AfriNIC meeting
right? It ok, if community agree that it's a benefit of being board member.
Let just declare that and so long as it not a huge financial burden on
company, fine. Let focus on important thing.


-- 
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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[sm+afrinic]

Hi Ish,
At 12:36 AM 6/26/2017, Ish Sookun wrote:

I understand that Andrew is asking about transparency and not the
usefulness of the meetings beforehand. The community will be in a better
position to understand the usefulness of board members presence in the
meetings if there are reports about the accomplishments.


I met several persons from Africa over the last few days.  I 
appreciate that they took some time to have a conversation with 
me.  I would not list that as an accomplishment as it is not 
something which has visible results.


Regards,
S. Moonesamy 



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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Ali Hussein]

Both are equally important.

1. Transparency for Corporate Governance :-)

2. Usefulness for Operational Efficiency or best use of always scarce 
organizational funds.

I'm sure however that there's already a system in place to do this. If so 
question then is how these reports are presented to the community. 

It goes back to the issue on Corporate Governance. Ideally such issues should 
be addressed by a Board Charter. Which is simply a written policy document that 
clearly defines the respective roles, responsibilities and authorities of the 
Board of Directors  (both individually and collectively) and management in 
setting the direction, the management and the control of the organisation.

May I suggest that we look at this document if there is one (which I couldn't 
find on the AfriNIC Website) and the respective body within AfriNIC (NomComm?) 
looks at updating it to reflect current realities and if there isn't one maybe 
it's time to have one? 

Regards 

Ali Hussein
Principal
Hussein & Associates
+254 0713 601113 

Twitter: @AliHKassim
Skype: abu-jomo
LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a 
habit."  ~ Aristotle


Sent from my iPad

> On 26 Jun 2017, at 9:36 AM, Ish Sookun  wrote:
> 
> Hi SM,
> 
>> On 06/26/2017 10:34 AM, sm+afri...@elandsys.com wrote:
>> 
>> Afrinic is also a Regional Internet Registry (RIR).  Is it useful for it
>> to have a presence at RIR-related conferences?  If so, at what level
>> should the presence be?
> 
> I understand that Andrew is asking about transparency and not the
> usefulness of the meetings beforehand. The community will be in a better
> position to understand the usefulness of board members presence in the
> meetings if there are reports about the accomplishments.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Ish Sookun
> 
> 
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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Ish Sookun]

Hi SM,

On 06/26/2017 10:34 AM, sm+afri...@elandsys.com wrote:
> 
> Afrinic is also a Regional Internet Registry (RIR).  Is it useful for it
> to have a presence at RIR-related conferences?  If so, at what level
> should the presence be?

I understand that Andrew is asking about transparency and not the
usefulness of the meetings beforehand. The community will be in a better
position to understand the usefulness of board members presence in the
meetings if there are reports about the accomplishments.

Regards,

Ish Sookun


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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Jackson Muthili]

On Mon, Jun 26, 2017 at 9:34 AM,   wrote:
> Hi Andrew,
> At 10:42 PM 6/4/2017, Andrew Alston wrote:
>>
>> e.)When AFRINIC is funding board travel to meetings around the world –
>> should board members be able to attend these conferences without ever
>> supplying reports about what was accomplished at said meetings and what the
>> purpose of the expenditure was, or are we prepared to accept that these
>> meetings must be useful without further questions.
>
>
> Afrinic is also a Regional Internet Registry (RIR).  Is it useful for it to
> have a presence at RIR-related conferences?  If so, at what level should the
> presence be?

Why are you bothered?

There is a CEO for these kind of matters.


>
> Regards,
> S. Moonesamy
>
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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[sm+afrinic]

Hi Andrew,
At 10:42 PM 6/4/2017, Andrew Alston wrote:
e.)When AFRINIC is funding board travel to 
meetings around the world – should board members 
be able to attend these conferences without ever 
supplying reports about what was accomplished at 
said meetings and what the purpose of the 
expenditure was, or are we prepared to accept 
that these meetings must be useful without further questions.


Afrinic is also a Regional Internet Registry 
(RIR).  Is it useful for it to have a presence at 
RIR-related conferences?  If so, at what level should the presence be?


Regards,
S. Moonesamy 



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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Seun Ojedeji]

It's same with what is presented at AIS see here:

https://internetsummitafrica.org/agenda#day-2017-06-01

Regards


On 9 Jun 2017 8:20 AM,  wrote:

> Hi Andrew,
> At 05:23 06-06-2017, Andrew Alston wrote:
>
>> I believe that the NRO actually already publishes a report - I don't know
>> how detailed it is - but what I personally would like to see from AFRINIC
>> is to say "We funded our
>>
>
> I found the following: https://conference.apnic.net/4
> 3/program/schedule/#/day/10/apnic-global-reports
>
> Regards,
> S. Moonesamy
>
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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[sm+afrinic]

Hi Andrew,
At 05:23 06-06-2017, Andrew Alston wrote:
I believe that the NRO actually already publishes a report - I don't 
know how detailed it is - but what I personally would like to see 
from AFRINIC is to say "We funded our


I found the following: 
https://conference.apnic.net/43/program/schedule/#/day/10/apnic-global-reports


Regards,
S. Moonesamy 



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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[sm+afrinic]

Hi Andrew,
At 05:23 06-06-2017, Andrew Alston wrote:
I believe that the NRO actually already publishes a report - I don't 
know how detailed it is - but what I personally would like to see 
from AFRINIC is to say "We funded our ASO/NRO representatives to the 
tune of X, of which Y was travel based, Z was whatever based 
etc."  This way the community can also look at the numbers and tell 
if they are happy with them.  I point out that at one point, ARIN 
asked their members about half a million dollars being spent on 
something (can't remember what), and the members were fine with it - 
but the members were given the choice.


Basically - I just want to know how the money is being spent.


Thank you for explaining the above as it helps me to understand what 
you would like to know.


In this regard - I refer specifically to AFRINIC board members 
travelling to and attending meetings like RIPE conferences, ARIN 
conferences, APNIC conferences, ICANN meetings, IGF meetings etc.  I 
would like to see that if board members are travelling there on 
AFRINIC dime, that they produce a report as to what happened at the 
meeting, how they contributed, what they learnt etc.  This helps to 
justify the amount of money it costs to have board members at these 
meetings and at the same time enhances the communities understanding 
of what is happening in the wider scope of things globally.  AFRINIC 
and its community is part of a much larger system, and I personally 
welcome any information I can get about everything going on in the 
rest of the world, and I just feel that if board members are going 
to be travelling there using member fees to pay for it - there is no 
harm in requesting that said board members produce a report to the 
community at large that we can all benefit from.  There is nothing 
confidential that needs to be reported - just information that may 
be useful in enhancing the members knowledge of what is going on out 
there in the world.


There is a public part to those conferences and that is already 
available only.  Are you arguing for more information about that part?


Regards,
S. Moonesamy 



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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[sm+afrinic]

Hi Andrew,
At 22:42 04-06-2017, Andrew Alston wrote:
So – I want to open a bit of a discussion about 
transparency, specifically, financial transparency.


In order to get this started – let me ask a few questions of all of you –


[snip]

d.)When AFRINIC is funding organizations 
such as the ASO/NRO – how much transparency 
should be supplied back to the members about how 
that money is being spent and what that funding is actually being used for.
e.)When AFRINIC is funding board travel to 
meetings around the world – should board members 
be able to attend these conferences without ever 
supplying reports about what was accomplished at 
said meetings and what the purpose of the 
expenditure was, or are we prepared to accept 
that these meetings must be useful without further questions.


Remember, every cent spent by AfriNIC can have 
an impact on our fees, and impacts the bottom 
line of the company.  Over the last 3 years, we have come a long way to


I disclose that I will be a Board member of 
Afrinic Ltd.  I also provided information about 
who I work for as part of this message.  I am not 
speaking on behalf of the Board.  I am aware that 
the revenue for Afrinic Ltd is derived from fees 
received from member organizations.  I'll try and 
provide an explanation about Questions (d) and (e).


Afrinic Ltd is one of five Regional Internet 
Registries (RIRs).  It is useful for Afrinic Ltd 
to coordinate with the other four RIRs.  It is 
also useful to support the coordinating body 
(Number Resource Organization) through 
funding.  The issue which you raised is about 
what is being done with that funding.  I'll look 
into the issue with my colleagues.  I might not 
be able to say much about (d) as I am subject to some constraints.


You will likely see me at the next Afrinic 
meeting.  I will have to ask Afrinic Ltd to cover the travel expenses as:


  (a) It will be for an Afrinic Ltd activity.

  (b) I would like to meet the representatives of the organizations
  which are members of Afrinic Ltd to discuss about RIR-related issues
  which they encounter.

  (c) I would also like to meet the persons who are not included
  in (b) and listen to their feedback.

It is not in my plans to travel to non-Afrinic 
Ltd meetings.  Should I participate in a 
non-Afrinic Ltd meeting?  I don't know the answer 
to that as I write this email.  Assuming that I 
do, there may be some confidential information 
which I am not be able to share in a report to the members of Afrinic Ltd.


Regards,
S. Moonesamy 



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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Jackson Muthili]

On Mon, Jun 5, 2017 at 11:53 PM, Mark Elkins  wrote:
>
>> On 05/06/2017 19:55, Mirriam wrote:
>>>
>>> On Monday, June 5, 2017, 11:38:59 AM GMT+3, Mark Elkins 
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> I agree with you Ali. When Andrew first campaigned to be a Board member,
>>> one of his goals was increased transparency.
>>> I believe that he has helped, with the rest of the Board, achieve this.
>>
>> Dear Mark,
>>
>> Well, the transparency we all see today was from the board minutes which
>> were a result of the resolutions taken during the 2015 AGMM in Tunis and a
>> demand from the entire community on the floor during that meeting. This is
>> public knowledge and video archives are available on youtube Afrinic media
>> channel when the entire community called for more transparency.  The call
>> for transparency has been ongoing since 2015 up until today and its a call
>> by the entire community and not an individual.
>
> Hi Mirriam, you are almost correct. The resolution was obviously written
> before that meeting and has, from even before Tunisia, continued to be acted
> upon.
> Andrew still used it as a champaign issue a year before Tunisia.

We are discussing transparency at institutional level. Do not derail
us with individual and personal agendas of the past.

> He didn't achieve this alone though, it was the combined will of the Board.

This is the kind of thinking that will move the community forward.

-J

> --
> Mark James ELKINS  -  Posix Systems - (South) Africa
> m...@posix.co.za   Tel: +27.128070590  Cell: +27.826010496
> For fast, reliable, low cost Internet in ZA: https://ftth.posix.co.za
>
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Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Badru Ntege]

Ali

Thanks for highlighting the issues bellow.  Some board members have claimed 
championing transparency but I think we all need to have the same definition of 
the word.

The issue of publishing the minutes was a community mandate to the board not a 
board initiative.  I also like the issue on declaring interest.

However the community is not blind and eventually the truth comes out as we saw 
in Nairobi where the community spoke resoundingly in both ASO and board 
elections.

Regards

Sent from my iPhone

On 5 Jun 2017, at 12:39, Ali Hussein 
> wrote:

Mark and all

Let's raise the bar on transparency and proper reporting is super critical.

For example a quick perusal of the Afrinic Website tells me that:-

1. The last minutes posted were in February this year. I see there was another 
Board meeting in April which has no minutes posted yet. Can we try and ensure 
that board minutes are available for circulation online within 2 weeks of the 
meeting being held?

2. It is common best practice for Board members to declare their interests (if 
any) before any board meeting and these to be duly recorded in the minutes. 
This will go a long way in enhancing the transparency conversation.

3.  I also note that in the February Board minutes that agenda Item No. 5 on 
Committees there are no committee reports for Audit and Remuneration. Also no 
other board committee reports have been presented.
Question:- why are there no reports on the Audit and Remuneration reports 
committees? Is this an oversight or were they simply not ready? Can the Board 
consider making the other committee reports available to the community?

4. It is now also standard for organizations to publish a Sustainability 
Report. Most public for profit companies in Kenya now publish a sustainability 
report. This is even more critical in an Organisation like Afrinic. To give us 
a sample of what this may look like please see Safaricom's 2016 Sustainability 
Report below:-

https://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Resources_Downloads/sustainabilityreport_2016.pdf

Ali Hussein
Principal
Hussein & Associates
+254 0713 601113


Twitter: @AliHKassim

Skype: abu-jomo

LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a 
habit."  ~ Aristotle


Sent from my iPad

On 5 Jun 2017, at 11:37 AM, Mark Elkins 
> wrote:


I agree with you Ali. When Andrew first campaigned to be a Board member, one of 
his goals was increased transparency. I believe that he has helped, with the 
rest of the Board, achieve this. Transparency though is an ongoing process and 
its a pity that Andrew was not re-elected to continue assisting in that process.

Regarding Andrews points:

a) Travel in Africa is not cheap. Rather than just a single line for travel, 
I'd like to see it a bit more broken up though, categorised something like;
 i) Training sessions 10, people 20, cost $10,000
 ii) Meetings 2, people 40, cost $20,000
 iii) Board Travel 8, trips 32, cost $20,000

(or something like that)

b - d) Again, I'd like to see a bit more break down, especially in the case of 
unaudited organisations. On d), the ASO/NRO fees are proportionally paid by 
RIRs. AfriNIC does pay the lowest proportion.

e) I think the moratorium on Business class travel should be maintained, but 
have the option to upgrade their flights at their expense. When flying for 
AfriNIC, I was given a Priority Pass card. That privilege should stay to give 
people access to lounges.  I'm happy the CEO flies business (at his 
discretion). If it was a long flight (ARIN, USA) and overnight and that Board 
member is the only AfriNIC representative and was presenting the "AfriNIC" 
slides, let them fly business. I did that once (but travelled economy).

On 05/06/2017 08:21, Ali Hussein wrote:
Andrew

You raise pertinent and important issues.

The rule of thumb for any public organization is that Transparency trumps (no 
pun intended) everything else.

If I were asked and was a member of the Board, I'd advocate for FULL disclosure 
on financial and operational matters. How money was spent, how much, what was 
the impact, who received it etc. That in my humble opinion is the best policy. 
Let us err on the side of too much information as opposed to too little 
information.

Ali Hussein
Principal
Hussein & Associates
+254 0713 601113


Twitter: @AliHKassim

Skype: abu-jomo

LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim

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habit."  ~ Aristotle


Sent from my iPad

On 5 Jun 2017, at 8:42 AM, Andrew Alston 
> wrote:

Hi All,

So – I want to open a bit of a discussion about transparency, specifically, 
financial transparency.

In order to get this started – let me ask a few questions of all of you –

While we 

Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Ali Hussein]

Andrew

This is noted. However, I stand by my assertions that transparency requires a 
public Organisation like Afrinic to publish said reports - redacted or not. 
It's imperative that the community understands the goings on in such 
interactions. Unless of course Afrinic claims 'National Security' status? :-)

Ali Hussein
Principal
Hussein & Associates
+254 0713 601113 

Twitter: @AliHKassim
Skype: abu-jomo
LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a 
habit."  ~ Aristotle


Sent from my iPad

> On 5 Jun 2017, at 12:54 PM, Andrew Alston <andrew.als...@liquidtelecom.com> 
> wrote:
> 
> Hi Ali,
>  
> Unfortunately due to constraints on the NDA – I cannot divulge the contents 
> of the audit-co report – but I would also like these reports published, or at 
> least, a redacted version of said reports.  I could understand why an 
> internal board report on audit may not be published in its full totality 
> because sometimes those reports can contain some pretty sensitive 
> information, but I would like to see the board publishing at the very least a 
> redacted version of the same.
>  
> I would say similar applies to the other committee reports – where the board 
> is publishing the reports produced by the committees – and where necessary 
> really sensitive information can be redacted and be cleared indicated that 
> there were redactions made.
>  
> Thanks
>  
> Andrew
>  
>  
> From: Ali Hussein [mailto:a...@hussein.me.ke] 
> Sent: 05 June 2017 12:29
> To: m...@posix.co.za
> Cc: community-discuss@afrinic.net
> Subject: Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency
>  
> Mark and all
>  
> Let's raise the bar on transparency and proper reporting is super critical.
>  
> For example a quick perusal of the Afrinic Website tells me that:-
>  
> 1. The last minutes posted were in February this year. I see there was 
> another Board meeting in April which has no minutes posted yet. Can we try 
> and ensure that board minutes are available for circulation online within 2 
> weeks of the meeting being held?
>  
> 2. It is common best practice for Board members to declare their interests 
> (if any) before any board meeting and these to be duly recorded in the 
> minutes. This will go a long way in enhancing the transparency conversation. 
>  
> 3.  I also note that in the February Board minutes that agenda Item No. 5 on 
> Committees there are no committee reports for Audit and Remuneration. Also no 
> other board committee reports have been presented. 
> Question:- why are there no reports on the Audit and Remuneration reports 
> committees? Is this an oversight or were they simply not ready? Can the Board 
> consider making the other committee reports available to the community?
>  
> 4. It is now also standard for organizations to publish a Sustainability 
> Report. Most public for profit companies in Kenya now publish a 
> sustainability report. This is even more critical in an Organisation like 
> Afrinic. To give us a sample of what this may look like please see 
> Safaricom's 2016 Sustainability Report below:-
>  
> https://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Resources_Downloads/sustainabilityreport_2016.pdf
>  
> Ali Hussein
> Principal
> Hussein & Associates
> +254 0713 601113 
>  
> Twitter: @AliHKassim
> Skype: abu-jomo
> LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim
>  
> "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a 
> habit."  ~ Aristotle
>  
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
> On 5 Jun 2017, at 11:37 AM, Mark Elkins <m...@posix.co.za> wrote:
> 
> I agree with you Ali. When Andrew first campaigned to be a Board member, one 
> of his goals was increased transparency. I believe that he has helped, with 
> the rest of the Board, achieve this. Transparency though is an ongoing 
> process and its a pity that Andrew was not re-elected to continue assisting 
> in that process.
> 
> Regarding Andrews points:
> 
> a) Travel in Africa is not cheap. Rather than just a single line for travel, 
> I'd like to see it a bit more broken up though, categorised something like;
>  i) Training sessions 10, people 20, cost $10,000
>  ii) Meetings 2, people 40, cost $20,000
>  iii) Board Travel 8, trips 32, cost $20,000
> 
> (or something like that)
> 
> b - d) Again, I'd like to see a bit more break down, especially in the case 
> of unaudited organisations. On d), the ASO/NRO fees are proportionally paid 
> by RIRs. AfriNIC does pay the lowest proportion.
> 
> e) I think the moratorium on Business class travel should be maintained, but 
> have the option

Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Andrew Alston]

Hi Ali,

Unfortunately due to constraints on the NDA – I cannot divulge the contents of 
the audit-co report – but I would also like these reports published, or at 
least, a redacted version of said reports.  I could understand why an internal 
board report on audit may not be published in its full totality because 
sometimes those reports can contain some pretty sensitive information, but I 
would like to see the board publishing at the very least a redacted version of 
the same.

I would say similar applies to the other committee reports – where the board is 
publishing the reports produced by the committees – and where necessary really 
sensitive information can be redacted and be cleared indicated that there were 
redactions made.

Thanks

Andrew


From: Ali Hussein [mailto:a...@hussein.me.ke]
Sent: 05 June 2017 12:29
To: m...@posix.co.za
Cc: community-discuss@afrinic.net
Subject: Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

Mark and all

Let's raise the bar on transparency and proper reporting is super critical.

For example a quick perusal of the Afrinic Website tells me that:-

1. The last minutes posted were in February this year. I see there was another 
Board meeting in April which has no minutes posted yet. Can we try and ensure 
that board minutes are available for circulation online within 2 weeks of the 
meeting being held?

2. It is common best practice for Board members to declare their interests (if 
any) before any board meeting and these to be duly recorded in the minutes. 
This will go a long way in enhancing the transparency conversation.

3.  I also note that in the February Board minutes that agenda Item No. 5 on 
Committees there are no committee reports for Audit and Remuneration. Also no 
other board committee reports have been presented.
Question:- why are there no reports on the Audit and Remuneration reports 
committees? Is this an oversight or were they simply not ready? Can the Board 
consider making the other committee reports available to the community?

4. It is now also standard for organizations to publish a Sustainability 
Report. Most public for profit companies in Kenya now publish a sustainability 
report. This is even more critical in an Organisation like Afrinic. To give us 
a sample of what this may look like please see Safaricom's 2016 Sustainability 
Report below:-

https://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Resources_Downloads/sustainabilityreport_2016.pdf<https://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Resources_Downloads/sustainabilityreport_2016.pdf>

Ali Hussein
Principal
Hussein & Associates
+254 0713 601113


Twitter: @AliHKassim

Skype: abu-jomo

LinkedIn: 
http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim<http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim>

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a 
habit."  ~ Aristotle



Sent from my iPad

On 5 Jun 2017, at 11:37 AM, Mark Elkins 
<m...@posix.co.za<mailto:m...@posix.co.za>> wrote:

I agree with you Ali. When Andrew first campaigned to be a Board member, one of 
his goals was increased transparency. I believe that he has helped, with the 
rest of the Board, achieve this. Transparency though is an ongoing process and 
its a pity that Andrew was not re-elected to continue assisting in that process.

Regarding Andrews points:

a) Travel in Africa is not cheap. Rather than just a single line for travel, 
I'd like to see it a bit more broken up though, categorised something like;
 i) Training sessions 10, people 20, cost $10,000
 ii) Meetings 2, people 40, cost $20,000
 iii) Board Travel 8, trips 32, cost $20,000

(or something like that)

b - d) Again, I'd like to see a bit more break down, especially in the case of 
unaudited organisations. On d), the ASO/NRO fees are proportionally paid by 
RIRs. AfriNIC does pay the lowest proportion.

e) I think the moratorium on Business class travel should be maintained, but 
have the option to upgrade their flights at their expense. When flying for 
AfriNIC, I was given a Priority Pass card. That privilege should stay to give 
people access to lounges.  I'm happy the CEO flies business (at his 
discretion). If it was a long flight (ARIN, USA) and overnight and that Board 
member is the only AfriNIC representative and was presenting the "AfriNIC" 
slides, let them fly business. I did that once (but travelled economy).

On 05/06/2017 08:21, Ali Hussein wrote:
Andrew

You raise pertinent and important issues.

The rule of thumb for any public organization is that Transparency trumps (no 
pun intended) everything else.

If I were asked and was a member of the Board, I'd advocate for FULL disclosure 
on financial and operational matters. How money was spent, how much, what was 
the impact, who received it etc. That in my humble opinion is the best policy. 
Let us err on the side of too much information as opposed to too little 
information.
Ali Hussein
Principal
Hussein & Associates
+254

Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Ali Hussein]

Mark and all

Let's raise the bar on transparency and proper reporting is super critical.

For example a quick perusal of the Afrinic Website tells me that:-

1. The last minutes posted were in February this year. I see there was another 
Board meeting in April which has no minutes posted yet. Can we try and ensure 
that board minutes are available for circulation online within 2 weeks of the 
meeting being held?

2. It is common best practice for Board members to declare their interests (if 
any) before any board meeting and these to be duly recorded in the minutes. 
This will go a long way in enhancing the transparency conversation. 

3.  I also note that in the February Board minutes that agenda Item No. 5 on 
Committees there are no committee reports for Audit and Remuneration. Also no 
other board committee reports have been presented. 
Question:- why are there no reports on the Audit and Remuneration reports 
committees? Is this an oversight or were they simply not ready? Can the Board 
consider making the other committee reports available to the community?

4. It is now also standard for organizations to publish a Sustainability 
Report. Most public for profit companies in Kenya now publish a sustainability 
report. This is even more critical in an Organisation like Afrinic. To give us 
a sample of what this may look like please see Safaricom's 2016 Sustainability 
Report below:-

https://www.safaricom.co.ke/images/Downloads/Resources_Downloads/sustainabilityreport_2016.pdf

Ali Hussein
Principal
Hussein & Associates
+254 0713 601113 

Twitter: @AliHKassim
Skype: abu-jomo
LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a 
habit."  ~ Aristotle


Sent from my iPad

> On 5 Jun 2017, at 11:37 AM, Mark Elkins  wrote:
> 
> I agree with you Ali. When Andrew first campaigned to be a Board member, one 
> of his goals was increased transparency. I believe that he has helped, with 
> the rest of the Board, achieve this. Transparency though is an ongoing 
> process and its a pity that Andrew was not re-elected to continue assisting 
> in that process.
> 
> Regarding Andrews points:
> 
> a) Travel in Africa is not cheap. Rather than just a single line for travel, 
> I'd like to see it a bit more broken up though, categorised something like;
>  i) Training sessions 10, people 20, cost $10,000
>  ii) Meetings 2, people 40, cost $20,000
>  iii) Board Travel 8, trips 32, cost $20,000
> 
> (or something like that)
> b - d) Again, I'd like to see a bit more break down, especially in the case 
> of unaudited organisations. On d), the ASO/NRO fees are proportionally paid 
> by RIRs. AfriNIC does pay the lowest proportion. 
> e) I think the moratorium on Business class travel should be maintained, but 
> have the option to upgrade their flights at their expense. When flying for 
> AfriNIC, I was given a Priority Pass card. That privilege should stay to give 
> people access to lounges.  I'm happy the CEO flies business (at his 
> discretion). If it was a long flight (ARIN, USA) and overnight and that Board 
> member is the only AfriNIC representative and was presenting the "AfriNIC" 
> slides, let them fly business. I did that once (but travelled economy).
> 
>> On 05/06/2017 08:21, Ali Hussein wrote:
>> Andrew
>> 
>> You raise pertinent and important issues. 
>> 
>> The rule of thumb for any public organization is that Transparency trumps 
>> (no pun intended) everything else. 
>> 
>> If I were asked and was a member of the Board, I'd advocate for FULL 
>> disclosure on financial and operational matters. How money was spent, how 
>> much, what was the impact, who received it etc. That in my humble opinion is 
>> the best policy. Let us err on the side of too much information as opposed 
>> to too little information.
>> 
>> Ali Hussein
>> Principal
>> Hussein & Associates
>> +254 0713 601113 
>> 
>> Twitter: @AliHKassim
>> Skype: abu-jomo
>> LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim
>> 
>> "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a 
>> habit."  ~ Aristotle
>> 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPad
>> 
>> On 5 Jun 2017, at 8:42 AM, Andrew Alston  
>> wrote:
>> 
>>> Hi All,
>>>  
>>> So – I want to open a bit of a discussion about transparency, specifically, 
>>> financial transparency.
>>>  
>>> In order to get this started – let me ask a few questions of all of you –
>>>  
>>> While we talk about transparency and how it is required – can we analyze 
>>> for a moment as to the level of transparency we want.   So, to kick this 
>>> discussion off, let me start by asking some basic questions that we can use 
>>> as the starting point for this discussion.
>>>  
>>> a.) How much detail should the board and AfriNIC be supplying us as 
>>> regards how the money we pay towards IP resources is spent.  Is it 
>>> sufficient to show an aggregated line item that refers to 

Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Mark Elkins]

I agree with you Ali. When Andrew first campaigned to be a Board member,
one of his goals was increased transparency. I believe that he has
helped, with the rest of the Board, achieve this. Transparency though is
an ongoing process and its a pity that Andrew was not re-elected to
continue assisting in that process.

Regarding Andrews points:

a) Travel in Africa is not cheap. Rather than just a single line for
travel, I'd like to see it a bit more broken up though, categorised
something like;
 i) Training sessions 10, people 20, cost $10,000
 ii) Meetings 2, people 40, cost $20,000
 iii) Board Travel 8, trips 32, cost $20,000

(or something like that)

b - d) Again, I'd like to see a bit more break down, especially in the
case of unaudited organisations. On d), the ASO/NRO fees are
proportionally paid by RIRs. AfriNIC does pay the lowest proportion.

e) I think the moratorium on Business class travel should be maintained,
but have the option to upgrade their flights at their expense. When
flying for AfriNIC, I was given a Priority Pass card. That privilege
should stay to give people access to lounges.  I'm happy the CEO flies
business (at his discretion). If it was a long flight (ARIN, USA) and
overnight and that Board member is the only AfriNIC representative and
was presenting the "AfriNIC" slides, let them fly business. I did that
once (but travelled economy).


On 05/06/2017 08:21, Ali Hussein wrote:
> Andrew
>
> You raise pertinent and important issues. 
>
> The rule of thumb for any public organization is that Transparency
> trumps (no pun intended) everything else. 
>
> If I were asked and was a member of the Board, I'd advocate for FULL
> disclosure on financial and operational matters. How money was spent,
> how much, what was the impact, who received it etc. That in my humble
> opinion is the best policy. Let us err on the side of too much
> information as opposed to too little information.
>
> *Ali Hussein*
> *Principal*
> *Hussein & Associates*
> +254 0713 601113 
>
> Twitter: @AliHKassim
>
> Skype: abu-jomo
>
> LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim
>
>
> "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act
> but a habit."  ~ Aristotle
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On 5 Jun 2017, at 8:42 AM, Andrew Alston
>  > wrote:
>
>> Hi All,
>>
>>  
>>
>> So – I want to open a bit of a discussion about transparency,
>> specifically, financial transparency.
>>
>>  
>>
>> In order to get this started – let me ask a few questions of all of you –
>>
>>  
>>
>> While we talk about transparency and how it is required – can we
>> analyze for a moment as to the level of transparency we want.   So,
>> to kick this discussion off, let me start by asking some basic
>> questions that we can use as the starting point for this discussion.
>>
>>  
>>
>> a.) How much detail should the board and AfriNIC be supplying us
>> as regards how the money we pay towards IP resources is spent.  Is it
>> sufficient to show an aggregated line item that refers to travel
>> expenses for example, or do we want to see some kind of a breakdown
>> on what that money is being spent on (considering that travel makes
>> up 10% of the total revenue)
>>
>> b.)How much detail should the board and AfriNIC be supplying us
>> as members as regards other large scale line items – specifically –
>> we spend hundreds of thousands each year on meeting expenses – should
>> we be asking for a breakdown on what those meeting expenses are – or
>> are we happy with the organization spending that kind of money under
>> a single large line item.
>>
>> c.) When AfriNIC is giving money to other organizations for
>> sponsorship – what level of transparency and accountability should be
>> required from those organizations.  Is it acceptable that AFRINIC
>> makes a decision to give money to organizations that have no formal
>> incorporation, no audited financial statements and no board of their
>> own, or should AFRINIC be scrutinizing those that they give money to
>> far more closely, and asking for the same level of transparency from
>> those that they give money to that we require from them.
>>
>> d.)When AFRINIC is funding organizations such as the ASO/NRO –
>> how much transparency should be supplied back to the members about
>> how that money is being spent and what that funding is actually being
>> used for.
>>
>> e.)When AFRINIC is funding board travel to meetings around the
>> world – should board members be able to attend these conferences
>> without ever supplying reports about what was accomplished at said
>> meetings and what the purpose of the expenditure was, or are we
>> prepared to accept that these meetings must be useful without further
>> questions.
>>
>>  
>>
>> Remember, every cent spent by AfriNIC can have an impact on our fees,
>> and impacts the bottom line of the company.  Over the last 3 years,
>> we have come a 

Re: [Community-Discuss] Questions about transparency

[Ali Hussein]

Andrew

You raise pertinent and important issues. 

The rule of thumb for any public organization is that Transparency trumps (no 
pun intended) everything else. 

If I were asked and was a member of the Board, I'd advocate for FULL disclosure 
on financial and operational matters. How money was spent, how much, what was 
the impact, who received it etc. That in my humble opinion is the best policy. 
Let us err on the side of too much information as opposed to too little 
information.

Ali Hussein
Principal
Hussein & Associates
+254 0713 601113 

Twitter: @AliHKassim
Skype: abu-jomo
LinkedIn: http://ke.linkedin.com/in/alihkassim

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a 
habit."  ~ Aristotle


Sent from my iPad

> On 5 Jun 2017, at 8:42 AM, Andrew Alston  
> wrote:
> 
> Hi All,
>  
> So – I want to open a bit of a discussion about transparency, specifically, 
> financial transparency.
>  
> In order to get this started – let me ask a few questions of all of you –
>  
> While we talk about transparency and how it is required – can we analyze for 
> a moment as to the level of transparency we want.   So, to kick this 
> discussion off, let me start by asking some basic questions that we can use 
> as the starting point for this discussion.
>  
> a.) How much detail should the board and AfriNIC be supplying us as 
> regards how the money we pay towards IP resources is spent.  Is it sufficient 
> to show an aggregated line item that refers to travel expenses for example, 
> or do we want to see some kind of a breakdown on what that money is being 
> spent on (considering that travel makes up 10% of the total revenue)
> b.)How much detail should the board and AfriNIC be supplying us as 
> members as regards other large scale line items – specifically – we spend 
> hundreds of thousands each year on meeting expenses – should we be asking for 
> a breakdown on what those meeting expenses are – or are we happy with the 
> organization spending that kind of money under a single large line item.
> c.) When AfriNIC is giving money to other organizations for sponsorship – 
> what level of transparency and accountability should be required from those 
> organizations.  Is it acceptable that AFRINIC makes a decision to give money 
> to organizations that have no formal incorporation, no audited financial 
> statements and no board of their own, or should AFRINIC be scrutinizing those 
> that they give money to far more closely, and asking for the same level of 
> transparency from those that they give money to that we require from them.
> d.)When AFRINIC is funding organizations such as the ASO/NRO – how much 
> transparency should be supplied back to the members about how that money is 
> being spent and what that funding is actually being used for.
> e.)When AFRINIC is funding board travel to meetings around the world – 
> should board members be able to attend these conferences without ever 
> supplying reports about what was accomplished at said meetings and what the 
> purpose of the expenditure was, or are we prepared to accept that these 
> meetings must be useful without further questions.
>  
> Remember, every cent spent by AfriNIC can have an impact on our fees, and 
> impacts the bottom line of the company.  Over the last 3 years, we have come 
> a long way to stabilizing the company and its financial position, but in 
> order to maintain that, we probably need to discuss openly as a community 
> about the level of transparency we want into those finances and then once we 
> as a community come to consensus, we can request the board supply the 
> transparency we agree is necessary.  But let us have an open and cordial 
> discussion so that we get to the right point.
>  
> Thanks
>  
> Andrew
>  
>  
>  
> ___
> Community-Discuss mailing list
> Community-Discuss@afrinic.net
> https://lists.afrinic.net/mailman/listinfo/community-discuss
___
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