Talk revealsharsh truth behind gold

Fairtrade jeweller Greg Valerio gave a talk at St Peter’s Church hall, in West Street, Shoreham, last Tuesday, as part of Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs until Sunday.

Committee member Alan Pymer said it had been enlightening and informative, revealing the human rights issues in the gold industry.

“He made us aware of the harsh reality of the lives of millions of miners and their families on the excavation of precious metals,” he added.

“The human rights issues and the problem of the environmental damage done by the extraction industries were compared to the luxury of the jewellery we purchase.

“This disconnection and the lack of traceability is being redressed by the Fairtrade movement.”

Mr Pymer said Fairtrade gold helped miners and their communities to work their way out of poverty. It also gave them health and safety standards and environmental protection.

Mr Pymer added: “He urged us to make a difference by asking our local jewellers to stock Fairtrade gold. All gold is stamped with the Fairtrade logo by the essay office. If we take this simple step as consumers and jewellers, we will become the best gold story in the world.”

Visit fairtrade.org.uk.gold to find out more.