De Beers' proposed takeover of Winspear Diamonds' Snap Lake project is a ringing endorsement of the proven and future diamond potential in the NWT.

De Beers already markets 35 per cent of the diamonds from BHP's Ekati mine but it seems the global diamond giant is determined to maintain its position as the world's leading diamond miner.

Sales figures tell the story. Last year, De Beers, which controls two-thirds of the world's diamonds, sold $2.5 billion US worth of diamonds. Halfway through 2000, they have sold $3.5 billion US, 54 per cent higher than this time last year.

This is all sparkling news for Yellowknife, confirming us as the diamond capital of North America.

One of the strengths of the Internet is the ease of access to information.

You can literally click and scroll your way through Yellow Pages listings, scholarly journals and all sorts of information.

Until recently, a visit to the City of Yellowknife Web site could also mean access to the city voters' list, complete with names and addresses.

It was posted there as another way for people to update their personal information in preparation for the October election. The city had decided to not go to the expense of enumerating voters in advance of the coming election and saw the Internet as a great way to get some of the information they need.

During the time the list was posted on the Worldwide Web, more than 200 people took advantage of the service to correct their personal data so that when they go to cast a ballot for the next mayor and members of city council, there will fewer chances of a mixup.

Unfortunately, the city also created a whole new batch of problems -- all centering around privacy.

Concerns ranged from the chance telemarketing companies would grab the list to unwelcome visitors obtaining personal addresses.

National media attention and complaints resulted in the city taking the list down. That doesn't mean the list isn't accessible to the public; printed copies are posted at a number of locations around town.

Some may question the city's sensibilities in posting such information for everyone in the world with Internet access to see, but it's one more example of how computers are changing our lives.

If the privacy bug can be worked out, some way to limit access to information to everyone but the individual, posting the list on the city Web site could prove a valuable means of increasing public interest in city elections. People would be able to register to vote from the comfort of their home.

And, who knows, perhaps one day we'll even be able to use the Internet to cast a ballot from our living rooms.

Once again the Abe Miller Centre has enjoyed a successful season operating its lunchtime cafe.

Open from June to the end of August, the restaurant has not only become a popular eatery -- offering up everything from mushroom crepes to seafood chowder -- but is also proving to be an excellent training ground for its kitchen and wait staff.

With the majority of workers intellectually challenged, the pre-vocational skills these people are acquiring are serving as an important stepping stone.

All in all, this experience can benefit them for years to come. So, if you haven't headed over for lunch better hurry up. You won't be disappointed.

The one thing every worthwhile project has in common is that they all suffer growing pains.

Although some growing pains hurt more than others, hopefully the Arviat alternative justice camp program won't suffer because of the actions of one man.

The camp has the potential to help individuals find a better path in life, and put people back in touch with their heritage, culture and tradition.

But there are bound to be a few problems initially with such an ambitious project.

So, the Nunavut Department of Justice should work diligently to improve its screening process and greatly reduce the odds of an individual finding himself in such an "incompatible" environment again.

There are far too many examples today of a few people ruining a good situation for those trying to improve their quality of life.

We can only hope the Arviat alternative justice camp won't be added to that list.

Saying no in our community

A thumbs up to the combined efforts of the Arviat and Churchill RCMP in keeping more than $300,000 worth of drugs out of the Kivalliq. Medicinal properties aside, which is a completely different topic of discussion, it is good to see local police forces continuing their efforts to stamp out the drug trade.

Although naysayers are quick to point out that busts only represent a fraction of the drugs getting through, every "joint" kept out of the hands of youth is a victory.

Combined with DARE programs, early intervention and education, major busts like this and last year's seizure in Rankin Inlet may lead to a drug-free Kivalliq region.

Prevention through education

Kivalliq News fully supports regional fire Marshal Tim Hinds' assertion that education is our most useful tool in preventing fires like the one that caused $40,000 worth of damage to the Chesterfield warehouse earlier this month.

Programs in schools and youth organizations warning of the dangerous combination of children and fire are needed, but we also want to stress that education begins at home. We must stop children from playing with fire to prevent future tragedies, including loss of life.

Parents must take the time to speak to their children and educate them about the dangers of fire.

After all, the life you save may be your own or your child's.