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Govt. launches new jewellers association to shake up gold industry
…move aims to boost standards, push Guyanese jewellery onto global markets
(Kaieteur News) – The Ministry of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Guyana Gold Board and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission on Wednesday launched the Guyana Jewellers Association (GJA) at a stakeholder meeting at Duke Lodge, Georgetown. The launch of the association marks a major step in modernising and unifying the country’s rapidly growing jewellery sector.
The new association forms part of the government’s Guyana Gold and Jewellery Development Strategy Programme (GG&JDSP) and is expected to become the main representative body for jewellers, goldsmiths, gemstone suppliers, retailers, equipment operators, and other industry players. Officials say the GJA will strengthen industry standards, sharpen competitiveness, support export readiness, and boost consumer confidence in locally made jewellery.
Some of the members of the board of the association.
According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) press release, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing the country’s gold value chain and supporting businesses across the jewellery sector. The minister emphasised the importance of greater organisation, adherence to improved standards, and deeper collaboration across the industry, noting that the ministry stands ready to work with the new Association as a strategic partner in sector development.
Technical Consultant Mr. Dominic Gaskin delivered a presentation outlining the proposed framework, governance structure, membership categories, and objectives of the GJA. Stakeholders were invited to provide feedback and identify areas where additional support would be required as the association begins its work. During the meeting, members elected the inaugural nine-member Board of the GJA. Positions filled included Mr. Gowkaran Persaud Chairman, Mr. Vade Persaud Vice Chairman, Ms. Deborah Phillipe Secretary, Mr. Rampersaud Gopaul Treasurer, as well as Raj Persaud and Stephen Naraine as Directors, the board will also have three ex officio representatives from key government agencies. The Board will lead the initial establishment phase of the association and coordinate early sector-development activities.
The event saw strong participation from across the jewellery value chain, including jewellers, goldsmiths, retailers, workshop operators, equipment suppliers, and representatives from national agencies such as the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ministry of Tourism, and the Guyana Gold & Diamond Miners Association. The Ministry of Natural Resources welcomes the formation of the Guyana Jewellers Association and looks forward to continued collaboration as Guyana advances its value-added gold and jewellery sector.
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