Zim Diamond Mining Company To Be Slapped With US Sanctions

DMC was recently certified to sell gemstones under the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), bringing to four the number of compliant companies in Marange.50 percent of the shares are owned by a foreign investor in the company.

Speaking to journalists in side interviews after the Signing Ceremony for 2012 Self-Help projects, Ray said the move was consistent with their policies and they are going to place DMC on the list of sanctions.

He said the DMC was “going to be (put) on our list of companies that are already” on the United States’ sanctions list.

The US and European Union have already hinted on extending the sanctions targeted at President Robert Mugabe, his close allies and companies perceived to be behind Zanu (PF)’s continued grip on power.

Ambassador Ray also added his voice on the on-going debate to increase of teacher’s salaries saying that it is unfortunate that around the world, teachers are among the least paid professionals yet they need to be given more money.

“Anywhere in the world even in the US teachers are among the least paid. Education is important hence it is supposed to be prioritised,” he said.

Addressing the audience Ray said the projects were selected because they have what it takes-“strong leadership, dedication, hardworking and contributing community members…to bring projects to a successful conclusion.”

The small grants have a total cost of US$62,000 to five Zimbabwean community-based groups.  The grants are part of the 32-year-old U.S. Ambassador’s Self Help Fund, a U.S. government grass-roots assistance program for small, community-based development projects.

The recipient organisations are involved in various community income and service projects, including a dormitory for girls, two classroom blocks, a borehole, a grinding mill and a garden project.

The combined projects will assist over 3,000 children, their families and communities to improve their lives and economic opportunities.

The four Self Help grants were given to four schools. Manjolo Secondary School in Binga, received $15,000,Dombodzuku School in Murehwa, received $8,000,Vungu Secondary School in Gweru, received $10,000,Maranyika Primary School in Bindura received $9,000.

Zimkids, a Bulawayo based organisation working with 170 HIV/AIDS orphaned and vulnerable children, youth and their caretakers also received $20,000.