Ronaldo Alphonso re-elected GGDMA President, calls for immediate end to gold smuggling

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has re-elected Ronaldo Alphonso as its President for the next two years. Alphonso, who faced no opposition, was easily returned to the leadership position at the association’s annual general meeting. In his brief address to members, Alphonso urged miners to immediately stop selling gold to unlicensed buyers and illegal shops. He emphasised that gold is a state resource and stressed the importance of halting payments and trading in gold outside official channels.
“The GGDMA will work even more aggressively with the Government of Guyana to eradicate gold smuggling and the operation of illegal landings and shops,” Alphonso stated. “I also call on all miners to ramp up production to help meet the national target of 500,000 ounces set for 2025. It is crucial that miners declare their production so that the figures are properly recorded for the year.” Several other executive members echoed Alphonso’s call to action, stressing the need to eliminate gold smuggling and the practice of paying in gold. Suggestions were made to consider blacklisting members found engaging in illegal activities, a move supported unanimously by the meeting.

GGDMA Managing Director Avalon Jagnandan highlighted the association’s recent achievements, noting an increase in membership and urging more miners to join. He reported that the association facilitated duty-free concessions for members and assisted several small miners to restart operations through its open day initiative.
The newly elected executive committee will serve a two-year term and is as follows: Ronaldo Alphonso – President; Dabria Marcus – Vice-President; Azeem Baksh – Secretary; Patrick Harding – Treasurer; Geraldo Alphonso – Organising Secretary; Terrence Adams – Committee Member; Terry Singh – Committee Member; Vishanti Balgobin – Committee Member; Shawn King – Committee Member; and Andron Alphonso – Immediate Past President. Additionally, founder members David Bacchus, Charles DaSilva, and Alfro Alphonso will serve on the board as ex-officio members and advisors.