Gem-A members ‘could force’ EGM

The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has released an statement acknowledging disquiet amongst some of its members, but previously told Jewellery Focus it is could not release a statement containing a direct response to the concerns raised in a recent petition.

In its statement, the organisation said: “The Council of Gem-A is well aware of concerns expressed by some members about a lack of transparency at Gem-A, following the decision of the board not to proceed with an AGM on 24 June.  There have been calls for an EGM.

“The decision not to proceed with an AGM on 24 June was taken on legal advice. Proper notice will be given shortly for an AGM to be held in July, well before any EGM could properly be called and held. Members with concerns are urged to raise them direct with the board at chair@gem-a.com rather than in public forums, so that the board can respond to them at the AGM.”

A spokesman for Gem-A said legal advice is being sought and that no further comment could be given. He also said comments published elsewhere in the jewellery trade press did not constitute an official statement, and that he was not prepared to sanction an official press release.

Clamour to find out more about why the AGM was cancelled has grown in recent days after the petition exceeded the 100 signatures needed to force an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) where members can directly pose questions to the board.

One of those seeking the EGM, renowned fair trade campaigner Greg Valerio, said: “We will give them three working days and if they don’t call the EGM in that time, then we can call it ourselves. We will have observed due process. Gem-A have verified the count of the petition as being from members, so we are not just using our own numbers.”

Valerio stressed that there was no allegation of financial corruption, but that he and others had “evidence” surrounding other matters which they wished to put to the board.