Organisers of the JCK Las Vegas have announced that the President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi will be the Keynote Speaker at the forthcoming show to be held from May 31-June 4, 2019.

The keynote event, titled “A Conversation with the President of the Republic of Botswana”,   will be held on Friday, May 31, 2019  at 7.30 am, in the Palazzo Ballroom, Venetian Level 5.

“Presented by De Beers Group, this historic conversation will focus on the special connection between the Americans and the people of Botswana as His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Botswana provides his unique perspective on how diamonds bring us together,” the organisers of the show said while making the announcement.

“We are extremely honoured to partner with De Beers Group to host His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Botswana, for this meaningful conversation at the opening of JCK Las Vegas,” said Yancy Weinrich, Senior Vice President of Reed Exhibitions and Reed Jewelry Group. “As JCK is bringing the entire industry together under one roof, we are honoured to help connect jewellers with a prominent and influential leader behind the supply system for our precious materials. The inspirational impact of the good the diamond industry does in Botswana is proof of the power of our industry to create a meaningful impact on the world.”

“Having pioneered diamond mining operations in Botswana in partnership with government since the late 1960s, we have seen firsthand the incredibly powerful influence that diamonds have had on this thriving democracy,” says Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group. “We are honoured to welcome His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the President of the Republic of Botswana to JCK Las Vegas, the largest and most influential jewellery trade event in North America. His unique perspective on the special connection between America and Botswana is sure to be thought-provoking, powerful and inspirational. The true story of human advancement in Botswana is uplifting and in large part thanks to the remarkable gift of nature – the diamond.”

HE Masisi is the son of a Former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament. A lifelong, award-winning public servant, he has served in leadership positions in education and curriculum development for UNICEF and for the Botswana government; as well as on the board of various environmental NGOs.

With a passionate commitment to the advancement of all Botswana he joined politics; and after serving in various Cabinet positions and as Vice President, Masisi was sworn in as the fifth President of the Republic of Botswana in April 2018.

“According to the Diamond Producers Association, in 2017 Botswana was the second largest producer of diamonds (by both volume and value) in the world, producing 22,961 carats in valued at $3,329M,” JCK Las Vegas added. “Just last month, the second largest diamond ever found was discovered in the Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana. The unbroken 1,758 carat rough diamond is the size of a tennis ball.”

De Beers will also be hosting a breakfast at the event. As seating is limited for the keynote event, JCK Las Vegas organisers have requested those wanting to attend to RSVP by logging on www.debeersevents.com with username: debeerspublic; and password: publicEvents!2019.

Organisers have stated that RSVP will close once capacity is reached; and that guests who RSVP will be prioritised for seating.

Further, the organisers   cautioned that a strict check-In process will be observed; and JCK, Luxury or JIS Exchange badges will be required for entry.  

Pic Cap: His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the President of the Republic of Botswana