IMO, responding to us here is another opportunity that the IBT is choosing to squander. But I doubt that they see it as such. Why? I think it's because they are afraid: Afraid of communicating directly to its members. Afraid of communicating with potential members.
Where are the leaders in the IBT?
Where is that indomitable, venturesome spirit this club was founded on?
Rob is right on. They should "FIND A WAY" to get this done. No more excuses.
Last edited by mistral blue; 04-05-2007 at 11:08 AM.
Here is the reason which was given to the orgainzers:
The decision has been difficult for the EC and many pros and cons have
been internally discussed. A sincere effort was made to make it
possible, however, unknown liability and provisions for obtaining
adequate insurance were the primary causes for disapproval. The EC
believes strongly that provisions of the OHIO law governing our
corporation (WBCCI) do not allow us the option of placing the Club in
potential jeopardy from unknown litigation from participants
and heirs of the caravan. Waivers and releases are not sufficiently
sound to fully protect the organization and this must be our primary
consideration
Bill
There's not a lot of detail in there. I hope they're going back to ask for more specific reasons so that they can work at addressing whatever the real problems/issues are. That note could have been written for any caravan, for any reason.
How about a rider to the insurance? Lloyds of London is very good for things of the off-beat nature and I'm sure there are other companies that do the same or more. [high-risk ventures happen on a daily basis around the planet].
There's not a lot of detail in there. I hope they're going back to ask for more specific reasons so that they can work at addressing whatever the real problems/issues are. That note could have been written for any caravan, for any reason.
-J
I think that the organizers are moving in another direction since they received this answer. They were waiting for a long time for a reply from the IBT. Unfortunately WBCCI has also lost some members in the caravan who would have been required to join in order to participate in an WBCCI sponsored caravan. In addition, the leadership (small "l" intentionally) has upset many more members who are disappointed with this short sighted decision.
Bill
__________________
Bill Kerfoot, WBCCI/VAC/CAC/El Camino Real Unit #5223
Just my personal opinion
1973 Dodge W200 PowerWagon, 1977 Lincoln Continental
1979 23' Safari, and 1954 29' Double Door Liner Orange, CA
Here is the reason which was given to the orgainzers:
unknown liability and provisions for obtaining
adequate insurance were the primary causes for disapproval. The EC
believes strongly that provisions of the OHIO law governing our
corporation (WBCCI) do not allow us the option of placing the Club in
potential jeopardy from unknown litigation from participants
and heirs of the caravan. Waivers and releases are not sufficiently
sound to fully protect the organization and this must be our primary
considerationBill
My guess, and it's only my own personal guess, is that the IBT is afraid that if the WBCCI gets sued they won't have enough resources to defend itself. The party(s) suing would then try to "pierce the corporate shield" which, in theory, protects its officers personally, Airstream and Thor from liability.
Apparently, the IBT is trying to protect whatever "deep pockets" there are from potential liability.
I pardon your frustrations and one better, and your evaluation. I, myself, apologize for intruding upon the thread for the caravanners. I had no idea this thread was in a special place. Feel free to delete my posts. I thought there was a relationship between them and the subject, obviously not a thought you share. Excuse me.
Sorry everyone. Please delete my posts here too. You guys are like rock stars to me. From now on I'll just stay in the audience and cheer you on with my zippo lit and mouth shut.
When I think about it I can't see why the liability is an issue really and why the liability concerns would be any different for this ot any caravan. When it comes down to it, you face risk just walking out the door. Imagine the international and a freak hail storm that damages every single unit out there...How is WBCCI protected from that?
I am sorry but I see this as a little bit of a copout.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wkerfoot
Here is the reason which was given to the orgainzers:
The decision has been difficult for the EC and many pros and cons have
been internally discussed. A sincere effort was made to make it
possible, however, unknown liability and provisions for obtaining
adequate insurance were the primary causes for disapproval. The EC
believes strongly that provisions of the OHIO law governing our
corporation (WBCCI) do not allow us the option of placing the Club in
potential jeopardy from unknown litigation from participants
and heirs of the caravan. Waivers and releases are not sufficiently
sound to fully protect the organization and this must be our primary
consideration
Admin note:
This thread is for the discussion of the WBCCI's decision to not allow an official caravan. These posts have been moved from the Capetown to Cairo thread
That is why we are BoyCotting this year - and if they do not allow the non Airstreams in, we'll stay and I'll continue to try to make a change by moving up in the organization. If they do allow the MHs in, then sorry, we'll be leaving as they honestly do not listen or care.
When I think about it I can't see why the liability is an issue really and why the liability concerns would be any different for this ot any caravan. When it comes down to it, you face risk just walking out the door. Imagine the international and a freak hail storm that damages every single unit out there...How is WBCCI protected from that?
I am sorry but I see this as a little bit of a copout.
OPEN FLOOD GATES NOW PLEASE
Strange, I don't see it as a copout but a fact of life in todays world of legal action gone mad. Hot coffee ring a bell to anyone. If a lawyer can win a multi-million dollar award for his client over spilled coffee from a drive in window in small town USA, just imagine what a lawyer can do to a company or organization over a person injured, stranded, kidnaped or worse - KILLED in Africa. OK, here are some questions for all the participants - "What is your current Africa travel experience?" - answer that please. Do you currently hold a valid US passport? Do the current medications you are on allow the ingestion of malaria medications - required for travel to some of these areas? (Required is a strong word and you are free to do as you wish - having been exposed to it in the past, trust me you don't want it) Has the route been traveled by an advance team? (most adventure bound travel groups can at least prove that their trips have the possibility of success including climbing Mt Everest) Are you aware that if you seek medical attention in lots of these countries MOST if not all require payment PRIOR to service for foreign nationals? Blood supplies (where available) in Africa have the highest rates of contamination with common diseases such as Hepatitus, malaria, and my personal favorite (NOT) HIV (no cure for the last one).
I realize that one or more of you are doctors or medical professionals, would you treat a person without insurance - well the same is true for the WBCCI, in todays world....... would you have a caravan without proper coverage? sad but true we are in a legal mess.
Rob, I have the greatest respect for your actions and beliefs. I would probably feel the same way but I am only a novice at this and still in the learning stage (ohhh that's an opening there). I am opposed to any changes to the bylaws that allow outside or NON-AS units into an organization with so rich a history and any modification to the name. BUT - support by the WBCCI for a caravan with such far reaching consequences as this one has is dangers. Let a private enterprise handle this or face the fact that a major failure could spell the end to an organization you so feverishly defend.
I don't have alot of WBCCI Caravan experience - but trust me on this - I have been there - done that - seen things you don't want to see in Africa, I will read the book on this one.
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Wear it! 
Rah, rah, go Team! Go to Africa! 
-J
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