Archive for December, 2006
Kimberley Process Participants as of December 15, 2006
by Admin on December 20th, 2006
There are 47 Participants representing 71 countries. From January 1, 2007, this will change to 45 Participants as Romania and Bulgaria will be part of the European Community. More
Leonardo DiCaprio Describes Results of Charitable Work
by Admin on December 15th, 2006
Blood Diamond star Leonardo DiCaprio appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno Nov 14, the same day he received two Golden Globe nominations; for Blood Diamond and The Departed.
DiCaprio described the charitable work occurring and emphasized the importance of relief efforts. More
Reforms: Helping Africa’s diamonds sparkle again
by Admin on December 11th, 2006
The depiction of diamonds and disaster in the new film “Blood Diamond,” is the latest horrific tale about Africa. The cinematic history lesson about the now-ended civil war in Sierra Leone may be compelling - but don’t start boycotting diamonds. Today’s mundane reality is that a worldwide coalition of governments, businesses, and NGOs has built a self-policing regimen that is cutting off the “conflict-diamond” pipeline. More
Whiteflash on Africa: “DiCaprio acted it…I lived it.”
by Admin on December 11th, 2006
Unintended Consequences:
When told that Leonardo DiCaprio would not let any date of his wear diamonds many reacted angrily. “With respect to Mr. DiCaprio; he acted it, many have lived it and that’s the wrong message. These people are among the world’s poorest. Diamonds are vital to their economic stability. We must stop the exploitation by those in charge, not boycott innocent people into further poverty.” DiCaprio later recanted his statement, saying that consumers should verify that diamonds they are purchasing are conflict-free.
Exploitation thru Greed:
Whiteflash points out that illicit trade and related conflict is not limited to diamonds. Ivory, rubber, gold, copper, oil and now coltan are resources in areas where innocent people are paying the price. “Anywhere you have rich resources and poor people the situation can be exploited by those with weapons. Violence and destruction are a quicker path to what greedy people want than the building of infrastructure and stability.” Whiteflash points to Botswana as a shining example of what should be occurring in other African countries. “They have used their resources for development and their people are growing in education and prosperity.”
Conflict-Free is Not Enough…
“But Conflict-free is not enough,” Whiteflash says. That is why Whiteflash initiated the Dreams Of Africa program where 100 percent of all profit from the sale of a designer line of jewelry goes to fund relief for victims of conflict. Whiteflash says “As a company we can’t overcome politics or governments but we can create magnificent jewelry. We can use our conflict-free diamonds not just to avoid conflict, but to heal the wounds.” Whiteflash emphasizes the importance of helping children, which they believe has universal appeal: “A stunning ring, a pendant or earrings become even more attractive when the money you paid for it might save a child’s life. In that sense, this is the most beautiful jewelry in the world.”
Martin Rapaport on the movie Blood Diamond
by Admin on December 9th, 2006
Download “Dreams of Africa” by Cedric Samson
by Admin on December 8th, 2006
The song was written and produced in Cape Town by two time Grammy nominee Cedric Samson. The African children’s choir had never sung in any professional capacity before.
The passion to help their brothers and sisters in Africa resulted in a truly inspirational track, rich with rhythm and the passion of Africa’s youth. More
Consumers Should Demand Conflict-Free Diamonds This Holiday Season
by Admin on December 4th, 2006
Two international rights organizations are urging consumers to take action this holiday season to help prevent “blood diamonds” from entering the legal diamond trade. Amnesty International and Global Witness, with the support of the director and cast members of the movie “Blood Diamond,” have launched blooddiamondaction.org, a website to educate consumers about the role of diamonds in funding conflicts that have a devastating impact on civilians.
Blood diamonds are gems that have been used by rebel groups to fund wars across Africa, leading to more than four million deaths and millions more people displaced from their homes. More
