USKPA; WDC and NGOs Unite to Produce KP Poster
February 28, 06 by IDEX Online Staff Reporter
An educational poster that explains the Kimberley Process and the Voluntary System of Warranties has been produced by the U.S. Kimberley Process Authority (USKPA), in cooperation with the World Diamond Council (WDC) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The poster, aimed at retail stores, sales associates, and manufacturers, is available on line.
The poster was first introduced to the international diamond industry last December at the Kimberley Process Annual Plenary meeting in Moscow. “It was very well received by all international delegations and the attending NGOs,” said Cecilia Gardner, general counsel of the WDC.
Gardner also presented the poster at the February WDC 4th Annual Meeting in Catania, Sicily. “It was clear at the WDC meeting that new mechanisms to promote education of the trade about the Kimberley Process are beneficial,” she said. “The poster is another tool to support that important effort.”
The USKPA, along with the federal government, is responsible for oversight of trade compliance with the Kimberley Process regarding the export of diamond rough from the U.S. The organization is comprised of three industry volunteers: USKPA chair Dr. Martin Hochbaum of the Diamond Dealers Club; director and general counsel Cecilia Gardner, JVC; and the director and Secretary of Gemological Science International - Mark Gershburg.
A copy of the poster can be downloaded from the following websites: WDC (www.worlddiamondcouncil.org), the Jewelers Vigilance Committee (www.jvclegal.org) and Gemological Science International (http://www.gemscience.net/).