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Schoolchildren, jewellers and businesses will learn about Fairtrade gold during Fairtrade Fortnight, which got underway this week. During a three-day visit to Guernsey, Greg Valerio from Fairtrade International will speak to children at La Mare De Carteret School, jewellers and a breakfast briefing hosted by KPMG.
A pioneer of Fairtrade gold, Mr Valerio believes that local supporters will be key in some of the things he is trying to do, such as getting a fifth of the 250,000 weddings that take place each year in the UK to use Fairtrade gold wedding rings.
Martyn Henley-Roussel, chairman of the Fairtrade Guernsey Steering Group, said they wanted to highlight that Fairtrade is about much more than bananas.
In terms of gold, he pointed out that 90% of the labour involved in its production is represented by small scale producers who often receive lower than market price – perhaps 70% of the going rate.
"They often have poor housing, little or no access to education and healthcare, and are financially unstable. We hope that Greg will open our eyes to this and show how we can make a difference by buying Fairtrade gold. Some of this might make for uncomfortable listening but it’s important to know what’s happening behind the scenes," he said.
"We are asking islanders to look out for and choose Fairtrade products because it makes a real difference to the lives of producers. Every purchase pays not only a sustainable price to the farmer or manufacturer but also a premium. Fairtrade doesn’t dictate how the premium is spent: that’s up to the growers and producers. Typically this might mean help with a school, better roads or even bicycles to help people on their journey to and from work."
Ray & Scott Jewellers on The Bridge is a Fairtrade supporter and is the first in the island to register as a Fairtrade goldsmith.
The jeweller promoted wedding rings made from Fairtrade gold at a recent wedding fayre at St Pierre Park.
"When you see the injustice of prices paid to these producers it seemed like an obvious cause to support. The jewellery produced at the end of the day is no different and if we can do our bit to help ensure that fair prices are paid then we are very happy to do that," said Jeff Fox of Ray & Scott.
"There was a great deal of interest in our Fairtrade gold wedding rings at the recent wedding fayre we exhibited at over here and we very much hope that brides and grooms to be will give their full support to Fairtrade gold in the future."
During his visit, Greg Valerio will speak to pupils at La Mare de Carteret School about Fairtrade gold.
The Fairtrade Guernsey steering Group will also hold its annual quiz at St Martin’s Community Centre on Saturday 28 February.
There are spaces available for Greg Valerio’s presentation at KPMG at 8.30am on Tuesday 3 March. These must be booked in advance by calling Martine Marshall on 01481 741890 or martinemarshall@kpmg.com for further details.
