Guyana Jewellers Association launched to raise standards, strengthen branding, boost gold sector

Guyana’s jewellery industry is poised for a major transformation following the official launch of the Guyana Jewellers Association (GJA), a move the Government says will raise professional standards, strengthen national branding, and boost the country’s value-added gold sector.

The Association was launched on Wednesday by the Ministry of Natural Resources in collaboration with the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) during a stakeholder meeting at Duke Lodge, Georgetown. The initiative forms a key component of the Government’s broader Guyana Gold and Jewellery Development Strategy Programme (GG&JDSP), which aims to build a modern, competitive and export-ready jewellery industry.
According to the Ministry, the establishment of the GJA represents a critical step toward unifying jewellers, goldsmiths, gemstone suppliers, retailers, and other sector operators under one umbrella body. This new institutional structure is expected to improve industry oversight, strengthen regulatory compliance, and support the development of high-quality Guyanese jewellery capable of competing on international markets.
Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat lauded the move, reaffirming the Government’s unwavering commitment to building out the gold value chain and supporting the businesses that depend on it. He emphasised that greater organisation, enhanced standards, and stronger collaboration across the industry are essential if Guyana is to fully realise its potential in the value-added gold marketplace. “The Ministry stands ready to work alongside the Association as a strategic partner,” the Minister said, noting that the GJA will play a pivotal role in sector development and expansion.
Technical Consultant Dominic Gaskin presented the proposed framework for the Association, detailing its governance structure, membership categories, and operational objectives. Stakeholders were encouraged to provide feedback and identify areas requiring additional support as the organisation begins its establishment phase.
One of the highlights of the event was the election of the inaugural nine-member Board of Directors, who will lead the Association through its initial development. The elected officers are Chairman Gowkaran Persaud, Vice Chairman Vade Persaud, Secretary Deborah Phillipe, Treasurer Rampersaud Gopaul, and Directors Raj Persaud and Stephen Naraine. In addition, three ex-officio members representing key Government agencies will sit on the Board to ensure continued alignment between the Association and national development priorities.
The launch drew strong participation from across the jewellery value chain, including jewellers, workshop owners, goldsmiths, retailers, equipment suppliers, and representatives from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ministry of Tourism, and the Guyana Gold & Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA).
According to the Ministry, this broad engagement reflects the sector’s readiness to adopt modern standards and move toward improved professionalism, better market access, and greater consumer confidence in locally manufactured jewellery.
The Ministry of Natural Resources welcomed the formation of the GJA and reaffirmed its intention to work closely with stakeholders as Guyana continues its push to develop a robust and competitive value-added gold and jewellery sector.