Whiteflash on Africa: “DiCaprio acted it…I lived it.”

Posted in News, Dreams of Africa 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.”