First diamond jewellery exhibition on show

WINDHOEK – The first-ever diamond jewellery exhibition as part of the International Diamond Omugongo was officially launched under the theme ‘Diamond for Development’ here on Tuesday night.

Launching the exhibition, which will run until next Tuesday, First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba said an exhibition such as this one provides a unique opportunity for local jewellery designers and goldsmiths to showcase their talents and their products. She said: “It is my hope that in this manner the fledgling local diamond jewellery will gain broader recognition and exposure that can facilitate further growth and expansion.It is also my hope that our youth will be motivated to explore possibilities of entering the challenging careers as jewellery designers and goldsmiths.”The First Lady said no stone should be left unturned to ensure that the natural resources that Namibia is endowed will benefit her people.It is therefore pleasing, she added, that in the last few years diamond cutting and polishing factories have been established in the country in order to add value to the natural resources.”I have been informed that many young people, particularly girls, are employed at these factories.They have been trained in the art of diamond cutting and polishing, gaining valuable skills and competence in this specialised field,” she said.Pohamba expressed satisfaction that there is no doubt that those young people will become Namibia’s jewellery designers and goldsmiths of the future, saying with hard work and commitment they will be able to contribute to the growth and expansion of this industry in the country.She explained: “We fully support this renewed focus by the diamond industry on the development and upliftment of communities that are affected by poverty and under development.”The improvement of the standard of living of poor communities should indeed be seen as a joint responsibility between government and other social partners,” she added.-NampaShe said: “It is my hope that in this manner the fledgling local diamond jewellery will gain broader recognition and exposure that can facilitate further growth and expansion.It is also my hope that our youth will be motivated to explore possibilities of entering the challenging careers as jewellery designers and goldsmiths.”The First Lady said no stone should be left unturned to ensure that the natural resources that Namibia is endowed will benefit her people.It is therefore pleasing, she added, that in the last few years diamond cutting and polishing factories have been established in the country in order to add value to the natural resources.”I have been informed that many young people, particularly girls, are employed at these factories.They have been trained in the art of diamond cutting and polishing, gaining valuable skills and competence in this specialised field,” she said.Pohamba expressed satisfaction that there is no doubt that those young people will become Namibia’s jewellery designers and goldsmiths of the future, saying with hard work and commitment they will be able to contribute to the growth and expansion of this industry in the country.She explained: “We fully support this renewed focus by the diamond industry on the development and upliftment of communities that are affected by poverty and under development.”The improvement of the standard of living of poor communities should indeed be seen as a joint responsibility between government and other social partners,” she added.-Nampa