We are frankly very sorry to be learning, and writing about,
what appears to be an unfortunate situation at the Cayman Islands Humane
Society.
The public has long known that the building complex on North
Sound Way in George Town is inadequate for its current purposes.
However, the chances of the nonprofit organisation finding
itself a new place to operate, particularly in the high-rent district of George
Town is slim to none.
Now we learn of the Humane Society’s troubles in finding an
insurer and that the group actually had its insurance cancelled by one
provider.
In order to get another insurance provider, the society has
been forced to require its volunteers to sign waivers. This is not an uncommon
practice with nonprofit organisations, but we can see where it might rub some
of those volunteers the wrong way to have to sign such a legal agreement.
In particular, those volunteers who are just pitching in
after hours when they can do so might feel their efforts are unappreciated or
that they are somehow putting themselves at some risk by signing these
documents.
However, we would ask these volunteers to consider what is
the viable alternative? If the dog and cat shelter is forced to close its
doors, what will happen? No more volunteers at all then; not to mention another
100–odd dogs and more feral cats, let loose to wander the streets.
It’s a tough situation any way you slice it. We understand
that the Humane Society board is doing its best with limited, indeed very
limited, resources. At last check, we believe the society’s full yearly support
from government was less than $10,000.
If the continuation of the good work of the Humane Society
is in any way a matter of importance for the Cayman Islands, we would urge
those charged with its management and support to find common ground and a
viable solution. We can’t imagine what would happen in these islands without
this organisation and others like it.
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It seems to me that there is a fundamental misunderstanding by the volunteers about the terms of the disputed waiver form. If you just want to be a volunteer then I don’t see that you are compromising your situation by signing the waiver as it stands. All the waiver is trying to say is that you, as a volunteer have no authority to commit the Humane Society to pay for medical (vet) or any other bills without proper approval. Also, if you get run over by some idiot driver whilst walking an animal, you can’t sue the Humane Society. The wording of the disputed Clause 3 seems to have been poorly drafted though and should be corrected though so it makes sense. If a volunteer subsequently wants to be a director or paid employee of the Human Society it doesn’t seem impossible that they cannot cancel tho waiver and apply for whatever post they are seeking. How many volunteers want or expect to become directors or employees though? In summary, this situation seems to be a storm in a teacup which can have only one effect and that is to cause suffering to the very animals that everyone is trying to help. If the current board of directors is incompetent and needs to be removed that is something that should be easily achieved but let’s not forget the well being of the animals when dealing with the squabbling between their supposed friends.
As a volunteer at CIHS, I never felt unappreciated precisely because the volunteer that recruited me was always there to thank and appreciate me. Yes, the budget is ridiculously restrictive…that is why I also support CIHS fund-raisers and quiz nights also organized by volunteers – the same ones that are now being crucified by this Board. This is not only about badly written waivers – it is also about a Board that is incapable of realizing that this situation should call for a meeting NOT to crucify volunteers but to look in the mirror and brainstorm a solution that respects ALL the folks that care about the animals and the mission.