The Ministry of Natural Resources on Wednesday officially launched the Guyana Jewellers Association (GJA), marking a major milestone in the development, coordination and global positioning of Guyana’s jewellery industry.
The announcement was made during a stakeholder meeting at Duke Lodge, Georgetown, held as part of the Guyana Gold and Jewellery Development Strategy Programme.
According to the ministry, the creation of the GJA represents a significant step toward strengthening the value-added gold sector. The new body will function as the unified representative organisation for jewellers, goldsmiths, gemstone suppliers, retailers and other stakeholders across the industry.
Officials highlighted that the Association will be instrumental in elevating production standards, enhancing consumer confidence, improving export readiness and supporting Guyana’s international branding in premium, locally crafted jewellery.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Industry Growth
Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, in his address, reiterated the government’s support for expanding the gold value chain and assisting businesses to scale through improved organisation, stronger standards and deeper industry-wide collaboration. He emphasised that the Ministry stands ready to work closely with the new Association as a key partner in sector development.
Technical Consultant Dominic Gaskin provided an overview of the GJA’s proposed governance structure, membership model and operational framework. Stakeholders were encouraged to identify gaps and areas requiring technical assistance as the Association transitions from launch into full implementation.
Inaugural Board Elected
During the meeting, stakeholders elected a nine-member inaugural Board to lead the Association’s establishment phase:
- Chairman: Gowkaran Persaud
- Vice Chairman: Vade Persaud
- Secretary: Deborah Phillipe
- Treasurer: Rampersaud Gopaul
- Directors: Raj Persaud, Stephen Naraine
- Ex-Officio Members: Representatives from key government agencies to support regulatory alignment and national standards
Strong Sector Participation
The launch event drew wide participation from across the jewellery ecosystem, including workshop operators, retailers, equipment suppliers and officials from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Gold & Diamond Miners Association.
In a statement issued after the event, the Ministry of Natural Resources welcomed the establishment of the Guyana Jewellers Association and expressed optimism about a new era of structured collaboration as Guyana accelerates growth in its value-added gold and jewellery sector.
