Lawrence,

I am not in agreement with your perspective, Lawrence. 

Like others, I want to focus on how to reach multiple businesses in Africa, as this is 

not simple to do.  Jimson has been gracious enough to contribute relationships that he has with the key ICT 

association in S.Africa, whom the BC could not tap otherwise. He has also contributed a written plan

for consideration.  

I have worked with the ICT associations in Africa for many years now to get their 

members engaged in various fora that are outside of their own country. Travel and purpose issues are major

barriers.  In fact, our dear colleague, Waudo Siganga is probably the longest relationship that I have in working 

with African business, except for Adrien Scofield, from S.Africa ICT association. 

I think that the proposal DRAFT that Jimson submitted offers an  approach that is proposed is building on a recognized and agreed to strategy to draw upon ICT leaders so that we can quickly grow the BC diversity but still give 

African business leaders a reason to leave their "day jobs" and attend ICANN and ... then decide to consider joining the BC. 

It is too bad that this is a short meeting, as most new to ICANN find the policy meeting a little "dense" and hard to penetrate, I have learned from talking to some attending the earlier 4 day meeting and talking to some of the Governments. 

I like the proposed program which provides a rich background and information that draws on some existing business speakers from Africa -- always an attraction to others from a region to see colleagues on the agenda, and some ICANN related speakers, such as Chris Wilson as a moderator of a session and Steve Delbianco, a real expert [and one of the BC V.Chairs]. It is also helpful to have Jimson have a visible role as a V.Chair of the BC, which will give further confidence to African businesses that the BC is welcoming to Africans as leaders. 

Let me offer to help out as a member of the Outreach Committee.

Let's also remember that the BC members will have other obligations ,just as you and I do on the Mentoring program on Saturday and that will take up and consume much more of your time, and mine and Omar's as we have a lot of work to do on that. 

So, let me endorse the concept paper and offer to collaborate, recognizing that getting attendance is the challenge. 

Marilyn Cade