The role of NomCom
The function of NomCom members is articulated as having the abilities to: stand-out individually while functioning as a member of a team working towards embodying the collective vision of ICANN; work with external stakeholders to fulfill the vision, needs and expectations of ICANN; be open to novel solutions, even as these subscribe to the past;be objective in all deliberations and abjure all prior affiliations; and actively contemplate new ideas on the role of ICANN in the global Internet governance space.
Indeed my collegial nature, training and experience does predispose me to learn from the past; access and analyse new facts in contemplation of their impact on the present; probe for original options and solutions; and connect all these dots for the cohesive and advantageous future of ICANN. On the balance of these facts, I believe I am qualified to accept the nomination of my peers, as a fit and proper member of the ICANN Nominating Committee.
I provide a different and fresh approach to the induction of ICANN staff, which serves to compliment the effort of other NomCom members. In the practice of law, especially large corporate transactions, collaboration of the best team is the hallmark for success. We are convinced that the synergy which results from each individual, contributing the best of themselves, is the equation that makes the whole unit stronger than the sum of its individual parts. Team work therefore is unambiguously and directly connected to achievement. ICANN is only as strong as the team of people recruited and each individual brings with them a unique set of skills, knowledge, intelligences and attitudes. When people pool their knowledge, skills, imagination, ideas and experience in an advisory role, we increase the resources available for us to draw upon.
Therefore accomplishment of this role is defined, not only by the quality of recruits, but also their positive interaction with each other. It is in this vein that I see interaction and knowledge sharing as the crux of fostering and ensuring ICANN’s success. ICANN’s culture as a multi-stakeholder organisation offers regular opportunities for collegial brainstorming and collective decision-making. It provides an environment for unleashing creative solutions by collaboration within the organisation and with stakeholders. We must ensure that recruits encourage such professional curiosity and must demand professional responsibility; for this to occur, NomCom must play its part in creating an environment where the recruit’s involvement in ICANN is celebrated as part of their developmental journey- even as they give something, values are attained! It behooves NomCom to create a culture which mirrors ICANN's core values; encourages collaboration and multifaceted development; provides regular constructive feedback and encourages recruits to evaluate their own performance and that of the team in terms of the roles and responsibilities needed to deliver short, medium and long term goals.
My background
I am American by birth and have had English schooling, but I remain very much a product of Trinidad and Tobago and the region by my heritage, mindset and culture. Indeed, at a very young age I acquired a passion for technology and the need to encourage indigenous content and innovation. This inspired me not only to enroll for a BSc in Computing and Information Systems and to seek out my first employment in the IT field, but also to become an active member of Trinidad and Tobago Computer Society (TTCS).
It was through TTCS that I realised the need for local technologists and end-user groups to collaborate and speak up in determining policy and structure of our own technological resources. I was dismayed to find that a large number of our technological champions lacked the skill-set to become technocrats. Their inertia was my fuel and it became apparent that in order to fill this role I would need to have a clear grasp of the law and legal policy drafting. As such, upon attaining upper second class honours in the BSc, I spent the following 2 years obtaining a LLB and then went onto training as a solicitor in England and Wales (by a Post Graduate Diploma in the Legal Practice Course). My strength in NOMCOM comes from being versed in the role of a solicitor (which is quite different from that of an advocate); we are trained to listen, to find unspoken queues, to keep order and track of a plethora of documents, to be diplomatic, to have the critical ability to put forward arguments in a collaborative and non-adversarial manner and to be forthright and not self-serving.
I am scheduled to complete a LLM in Legal Practice Management this year. My thesis topic is based on the feasibility of Knowledge Management in local legal practice. This topic was chosen due to my recognition of the importance of a collaborative and collegic effort and firm belief that our region despite the socioeconomic and cultural disparities must become akin to a knowledge-sharing society. I was called to the Trinidad and Tobago Bar in February 2008 and I am an associate with the corporate commercial firm Mair and Company, where I handle the intellectual property portfolio, general practice and a range of other practice areas including telecommunication, media, energy, entertainment and commercial.
I am a Director of TTCS and a member of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago. I have also actively participated in conferences of LACNIC, CTU, CANTO , UPOV and Summit of the Americas Civil Society.
I do hope this write-up has served to alleviate any queries, however I remain happy to answer any further questions, either on or off the discuss list.
Best regards
Cintra Sooknanan
We have a clear statement of the guiding philosophy of this candidate which, I believe, provides a signpost to her likely decision-making approach. I believe she would make an excellent committee member if finally selected and enthusiastically endorse this candidacy.
Carlton Samuels
contributed by carlton.samuels@uwimona.edu.jm on 2009-08-30 16:12:45 GMT
