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A disappointing turn at the British Chamber
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October 31st, 2007 issue

Covering last week’s implosion at the British Chamber of Commerce posed an interesting conundrum for The Prague Post.

That’s because we are a member of the British Chamber. And, in reporting on a situation or institution in which your publication has a stake, there is always the possibility of conflict of interest. Not coincidentally, concern over a longstanding conflict of interest is what led to the resignations of three BritCham officers earlier this month, and the ouster of five board members at last week’s meeting.
Because we are very strict in keeping the business and editorial sides of the Post separate, it was not much of an issue internally. We were careful to report on the allegations and events as we would any other story, attending the meeting and interviewing the various parties involved, steering clear of our own representative to the organization and not seeking any inside information. All our work on the story involved sources outside The Prague Post’s offices.
Which made the events at the British Chamber even more mesmerizing, and puzzling, to watch. The issue was clear: Former President Jo Weaver’s company, JWA Prague, has been on retainer to do public relations and event management for the organization during her tenure. On the surface, that would seem to be a clear conflict of interest.
In defending herself, however, Weaver insisted that she always recused herself from decisions involving her company. And everyone agreed there were no concerns about misappropriated funds or fraud, no indications of illegal behavior.
So what was behind the blowup? Many members of the organization will not talk about it, even off the record. But this seems more out of embarrassment than anything else. After all, Weaver had been serving in a dual role as president of, and paid consultant to, BritCham for two years. Surely if that arrangement was untenable, it should have been discussed and resolved long ago.
But some problems take a long time to simmer and come to a boil, and while what finally turned up the burners remains unknown, it came with explosive effect. GE Money Bank has already withdrawn from the organization, and there is now a leadership vacuum at a time critical to holding the membership together.
Clearly, there is some serious image-repair work to be done. In the process, it would be good to keep in mind that, along with everything else it does, the British Chamber should serve as a business model in a former communist country like the Czech Republic.
Every organization has its problems. But dealing with them in a professional manner is where Western groups can have a positive influence. And, in that respect, the British Chamber has fallen short.


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