Taking a break from WRN boardI'm taking a break from this board. My primary objective has always been to emphasize the importance of WRN management accountability and the Board of Directors' (BofD) fiduciary responsibility to us, the shareholders. Unfortunately, issues such as underpriced options in compensation and persistent schemes with unwarranted benefits have lingered for too long without yielding tangible rewards for shareholders.
For clarity, I want to emphasize that my remarks were never intended to be personal attacks on any individual within the BofD or management. However, I recognize and have pointed out their shortcomings within the corporate structure that we, ironically, collectively allow to persist.
There's still an opportunity for shareholders to voice their concerns by voting before June 25th, and I strongly encourage everyone to participate. Your voice counts. Personally, I will be advocating strongly against options and grants.
It's been a pleasure interacting with this group. I've witnessed firsthand the dedication of long-term WRN investors who prioritize integrity above all else and generally hold a positive outlook. They are involved and even frequently contact management. If the BofD and management can commit to upholding this same level of integrity and fairness towards shareholders, I am confident we will be in good hands. I sincerely hope that your loyalty will be duly rewarded in the future.
One last observation: please understand that expressing diverse opinions here doesn't impact the stock price, but being open to different perspectives can make you better informed. Sometimes we are too committed to our views and only seek out news that confirms our biases. I've done this myself, and it only ended in disaster. Respecting other viewpoints, even if you disagree, encourages critical thinking.
The same applies to management—they aren't magicians, and there are limits to what they can do. Timing and luck are everything. If Paul were fortunate and a deal came through during his tenure, he would now be a candidate for the Hall of Fame, standing proud alongside his mentor. If an 'Interest Group' decides to make a bid for WRN now or in the future, it will not be entirely because of Sandeep, but he will luckily take the credit and become a superstar, possibly joining the ranks of Dr. Thomas Kaplan, Ross Beaty, Rob McEwen, the Lundins, or Robert Friedland.
This group of gentlemen holds a special place in my heart as they have always made me money in the past and will in the future, you know why, becase they share a common trait: good character, gratitude, integrity, and fairness towards shareholders.
While I plan to return in a few months, it's possible that by then, our community board might operate under a different name—Rio/Mitsubishi, BMW/Mercedes/Volkswagen Group, Agnico/GOLD INC, or even BHP. This would be the best outcome for all, I wish you that and I'll keep my fingers crossed.