Business Side of Environmental

Money is a word that for most people in the environmental world is not always good.  The thought that we get into this field more for altruistic reasons and less for personal gain.  The personal gain or reward is primarily knowing that we made a difference.  But on the other hand we know we still have a car payment, groceries to be bought, and a mortgage payment.

So in the international world of Environmental Compliance how does money and how you will pay your grocery bill correlate?  Well, let us say you do some type of environmental work for some middle eastern firm, for example a company from the UAE.  And this work is based on a contract between your USA or EU based company and this UAE firm.  By the way I am using the UAE as an example, this is in no way a reflection only on the UAE.

Now they pay you using a check, which is not unusual.  Or even before that they give you a check as a security deposit, but you are told not to deposit it unless they say it is okay--which already should send a cold chill up your spine.

But because you are part of their family, as they will most certainly want to tell you, and they are very wealthy people you are awed into believing this is a great opportunity you do as they have directed you to do.  Accept a check as a security deposit, and agree not to deposit it.  Now you go about and do your work.  Great time in the middle east, etc.  But now it is time to be paid.  You go to your new found family leader and turn in your deliverable.  This is where the fun begins.

Your friend, and family, suddenly becomes less satisfied with your job performance.  They may even cite cultural issues related to how you work, or your life style while living in the country.  They want to discuss the terms of the contract.  This is not a good sign for you.  If you do not have a good in country lawyer, which most likely you will not, this will mean that he lawyer will be all over you.

What do you do?  You could always cash the security 'deposit'...I said this was going to be fun, not logical.  Why not logical?  Well, because our brothers/sisters in the Middle East do not have the same feeling about contracts as others.

What is a check?

Well our friends at Wikipedia say, "A negotiable instrument is a document guaranteeing the payment of a specific amount of money, either on demand, or at a set time, without conditions in addition to payment imposed on the payer. Chequesor promissory notes are common examples. Negotiable instruments are often defined in legislation.^[1] Although often discussed as foundational in commercial law, their modern relevance is sometimes questioned."

Contracts are viewed as memorandums of understanding rather than binding, fixed agreements.

So let us review.  Contracts are not viewed are seriously binding documents, more as a gentleman's agreement, that is based on the honor of the persons involved.  This sets you up for the next point.

People are people all around the globe.  Just because the one you are dealing with is wrapped in white garb, prays 3 times a day, and says you are part of his family, does not mean you are dealing with a honest and honorable person.  In fact, my experience, which maybe dumb luck, is that when the person is saying that you are family, speaking about God, calling you brother, then you better check your pockets.

So back to the check.  Go ahead and deposit that check, and then cross your fingers.  My bet, you are going home empty handed.

Advice--do not accept checks as a form of payment or security deposit.

When in Djibouti, or the UAE---Avoid INMAA Group, LOOTAH General Trading Company like the plague.