Workshop hosted to strengthen local jewellery sector

The Guyana Jewellers’ Association (GJA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the World Trade Center Georgetown on Wednesday successfully hosted a Jewellers and Goldsmiths Information Session and Workshop.

The engagement, which was facilitated at the World Trade Center, Georgetown forms part of the association’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the jewellery sector through structured collaboration with government and key regulatory agencies.

It also signals the GJA’s full support for the forthcoming public education campaign by the Ministry of Natural Resources, aimed at improving awareness, compliance and professional standards across the industry.

The session brought together critical stakeholders, including the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, the Guyana Gold Board, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Mining School and Training Centre, Demerara Bank and the Institute of Private Enterprise Development. Participants were engaged in key areas such as taxation compliance, standards and quality assurance, certification pathways and access to financing.

Delivering remarks, Vice Chairman of the GJA, Vead Persaud, underscored the importance of aligning traditional craftsmanship with modern industry requirements. He noted that the theme, “Strengthening the Jewellery Sector Through Access, Standards, and Compliance,” reflects a clear and necessary pathway for the sector’s advancement. Persaud said it emphasises that the association in collaboration with the government remains committed to equipping jewellers and goldsmiths with the tools required to operate competitively and professionally.

Representing the Ministry of Natural Resources, Technical Consultant, Dominic Gaskin reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the continued development of the gold and jewellery sector. He highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors and referenced the country’s ongoing drive under President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s initiative to implement a National Gold and Jewellery Development Strategy.

Participants in the session benefited from an enhanced understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements of the sector, guidance on certification and training pathways, insights into financing opportunities for business expansion and strengthened awareness of standards and quality assurance measures.

Most importantly, it was emphasised that all jewellers and goldsmiths are legally mandated to purchase gold through the Guyana Gold Board, in keeping with national regulations designed to ensure transparency and accountability within the sector. The GJA also reminded all stakeholders that individuals operating as jewellers and goldsmiths are also required by law to be duly licensed.

As the Ministry of Natural Resources prepares to roll out its public education campaign, the GJA will continue to play an active role in supporting outreach efforts, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and promoting compliance across the industry