28. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
(from "Chairman's Report of the Fifty-Second Annual Meeting")
The only item under any other business was the retirement of
Dr Ray Gambell OBE after 24 years as Secretary to the IWC.
Fer von der Assen, Commissioner for the Netherlands, spoke
on behalf of the other Commissioners, in recognising Ray's
huge contribution to the organisation. He commented that
Ray had the scientific expertise needed in a science-based
organisation, recognised his administrative and financial
ability to run both an efficient Secretariat and month-long
Annual Meetings under very different circumstances and
praised his ability to enunciate clearly the rules and
procedures of the Commission. And regarding personal
characteristics, he drew attention to Ray's sensitivity to the
needs of all participants, and his ability to walk the tight rope
between the often opposing factions within the Commission.
He wished Ray all the best in his retirement.
The Chairman added his own personal thanks to Ray and
on behalf of the Commission presented Ray with a Huggins
South-Sea Whale Fishery print from the 1820s.
Dr Gambell thanked the Commission, spoke of the
changes he had experienced during his 37-year involvement
with the IWC, and the pleasure he has gained in working
with the many Commissioners, delegates and NGOs over the
years. He paid a special tribute to his colleagues in the
Secretariat and thanked them for their support and friendship
and wished Nicky Grandy well in her new endeavour.
As a special tribute to Dr Gambell, full texts of these
speeches are provided in Appendix 6.
Finally, after thanking the Government of Australia for
hosting the meeting and providing tremendous support, the
Chairman closed the meeting.
_