2006-11-29: RUSSELL SIMMONS MEETS WITH LOCAL BOTSWANIAN MEDIA THIS MORNING TO SPEAK OUT ON OBSERVATIONS FROM TRIP THUSFAR
BOTSWANA, AFRICA – NOVEMBER 29, 2006 – Russell Simmons, on a 9-day fact-finding mission in South Africa and Botswana with the Simmons Jewelry Company delegation, met with local Botswanian media this morning to discuss his observations from the trip thus far. The delegation, which has already toured the largest and richest diamond mine for value in the world in Jwaneng, Botswana yesterday, as well as the mine hospital and a primary school in town, where they spent time with the local students, is eagerly looking forward to the rest of the exploratory trip.
Commented Simmons at the press meeting, “We are encouraged to see, firsthand, how the diamond industry in Botswana empowers the people of this nation. It makes a dramatic difference in the quality of life of the people of Botswana. After meeting with President Festus Mogae, I am even more encouraged by his vision for the future of Botswana. The partnership between the government of Botswana and DeBeers can serve as a model for other extractive industries in Africa.”
Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons will hold a press conference at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York on December 5, immediately following the delegation's return from Africa, to report the facts uncovered on this mission and to announce groundbreaking initiatives.