…at King’s Jewellery airport branch opening
“We need to think big to transform the country”, said President Bharrat Jagdeo as he attended the opening ceremony of a spanking new King’s Jewellery World (KJW) Duty Free branch at the  Cheddi Jagan Internal Airport (CJIA) last Saturday.
The event got off to a somewhat late start due to a Presidential outreach program in Linden earlier, but the atmosphere was a festive one as the guests happily mingled and discussed the splendid pieces of jewellery
In brief remarks, the President  congratulated KJW owner Looknauth Persaud and family on the occasion, stating that due to the proclivity of the business   for excellence, he was not disappointed. The President said that until KJW transformed the sector, the public was accustomed to jewellery quality of the “bottom – house” kind.
Expressing the hope that the new store would be emulated by other businesses, Jagdeo said that small initiatives are good, but big ones are much needed. He pointed out that initiatives by entrepreneurs would give the impetus to move forward. Concluding, he said the drive of any country was reflected in our entrepreneurship.
Mr. Persaud said, “A dream has been realized”. Persaud, who started out in the industry as an apprentice goldsmith, described the journey of the business to what it is today. He said that the first branch of KJW opened on Middle Street in Georgetown in 1994, with branches being opened in Berbice and on Quamina Street in the city in 1996. The business later went to Trinidad, but was discontinued due to unfortunate circumstances. Openings in Bahamas and the United States followed. Overflowing with gratitude, Persaud expressed thanks to persons who helped to make KJW a success.
Persaud said that KJW, which is one of only five Guyana Bureau of Standard certified jewellery businesses in the whole country, has contributed to the enhancement of jewellery in Guyana. Illustrating his point, he cited elegant stores, display boxes and unique pieces that are not replicated.

Continuing, he said that the business only offered pieces that are 14 karat or higher, and employees include four United States trained gemologists.  He confidently said that the outlet will be an asset to the tourism industry.
CEO of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, was generous in his praise. Voicing his support, he said that KJW has established themselves as a place of choice for Guyanese jewellery. Also generous with his praise was South American Manager of Caribbean Airlines, Carl Stuart.
The highlight of the evening came when Ms. Yvonne Hinds, wife of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, cut the red ribbon, declaring the outlet open.