DEF Reveals Diamonds Do Good Honorees

RAPAPORT... The Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF) will honor De Beers CEOBruce Cleaver, as well as Rolex and a Canadian regional government, at itsDiamonds Do Good awards event in Las Vegas in May. Cleaver, who has headed De Beers since July 2016, will pickup the Professional Advancement Award for his role in promoting the role ofwomen in the industry, the DEF said Tuesday. During Cleaver's tenure, the minerhas partnered with UN Women to help achieve gender parity in leadership positions,and to enhance women's roles in society in other ways. Rolex will receive the Global Corporate Spirit Award inrecognition of the watch company's support for projects aimed at improving people'slives around the world, the DEF said. The Responsible Government Award will goto the government of the Northwest Territories - home to the Ekati, Diavik andGahcho Ku?(C) mines - for its mineral-development strategy that protects theenvironment and keeps indigenous people involved, the DEF explained. "The recipients of this year's Diamonds Do Good awardsreflect the ongoing positive impact being fostered by the diamond industryaround the world," said DEF president Anna Martin, who is also senior vicepresident of the Gemological Institute of America. "Sharing these stories withour customers is not only good for business, it is a responsibility for theentire industry." The presentations will take place at the annual DEF gala onMay 31, just ahead of the JCK Las Vegas show.