Caribbean Internet Forum 2008: An Implicit Criticism in Registration

Update: This article has been updated; there was an article on the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum website which mislead me. However, the meat of this article remains true.

When I got an email invitation to attend the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum 2008, I happily clicked the link. After all, I'm in the Caribbean. I use the Internet more than most in the Caribbean, and until recently probably even globally. It might be nice to participate - don't you think?

Trailing down the page, I found that one has to register. Fair enough - there are practicalities such as space and other things which must be dealt with in organizing something of worthwhile magnitude - so I decided I would register.

Foolish me.

Registering requires the following:

Registration Fee

The 6th Annual Caribbean Internet Forum registration fee is US$50.00.
Payment Process

Registration fees must be paid via a bank draft issued to "Caribbean Internet Forum 2008 T&T". Local participants may pay by bank draft drawn from a Trinidad and Tobago bank.

The CIFtt logistics Coordinator must receive either your bank draft or a scanned copy of the bank draft by Friday September 12, 2008 in order to confirm your registration. Completed registration forms must accompany the draft. Mailed bank drafts with signed registration forms in hard copy should be sent to:

A bank draft? Why do I need a bank draft to register? I would have happily provided a credit card number, or even paid cash at the door (which, apparently, I cannot do). I have no problems with paying, but I have a problem with the method of payment and/or proving payment. Have past forums been so bad about people RSVPing and paying that a bank draft - requiring people to stand in line at banks to attend a conference about... the Internet?

Something smells awry in Denmark - or better, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Port of Spain. With about 5 working days - less if one considers that a national shutdown of unmeasured proportions happened yesterday, that makes it 4 working days. And I am to run off to a bank, stand in line for a silly bank draft so that I can attend a forum about... the Internet?

How does that make sense?

There is an implicit criticism in there which should be obvious to anyone who thinks of attending and does attend the forum. Many people throughout the region remain silent about these white elephants of time and energy standing in the middle of the table - these same white elephants that no one discusses and that are automatically assumed to be invited. No more, at least from me.

This is a criticism of the banking industry in the Caribbean; it is a criticism of the people who would think of attending a Caribbean Internet Forum. And this criticism, implied in the very means required to register for the Caribbean Internet Forum demonstrates a topic which should be discussed - but it probably won't be.

I suppose people have grown accustomed to these white elephants, treating them as pets, perhaps even giving them names and assuring regular trips to veterinarians.

Personally, I prefer pets that require less space.