-Minister Prashad warns of implication on budding tourism industry
AMIDST complaints of low quality Guyana gold being sold on the local and international markets, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Manniram Prashad met several gold jewellers and manufacturers last Friday to discuss ways to regularise the sector. The meeting, which was held in the boardroom of the Ministry of Tourism, South Road, was also attended by representatives from Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the Guyana Gold Board.
Prashad noted with concern that the presence of poor quality gold on the market can have a negative impact on the country as a whole.
He explained: “Guyana is becoming a known tourist destination and the poor quality of gold can have a negative impact on the manufacturers of gold jewellery and the image of the country.”
In light of this, Prashad pointed out that this problem must be addressed immediately and stressed the importance of adopting a National Standard Mark.
This, he said, will ensure that customers, including tourists, get value for their money and will help to maintain the exceptional quality of the “Guyana brand of gold.”
Prashad conceded that presently the standard is not mandatory and that quality is often determined by the use “moral suasion” by jewellers.
“Only two jewellers to date have has adopted the Standard Mark, I think that everyone should be given a chance to adopt this strategy,” he said.
In addition, Prashad explained that while the GNBS and GGMC have equipment to test the quality of gold sold with those registered; such businesses are not always monitored to ensure the standards are maintained.
As such, Prashad is advocating that all parties should work with the GNBS to achieve certification. This, he contended will ensure that they achieve the National Standard Mark in recognition of the fact that they all have a stake in protecting the industry.
The GNBS operates a Product Certification Scheme to provide confidence in the quality and purity of gold jewellery manufactured in Guyana and has conducted several workshops in various regions to sensitize manufacturers of gold jewellery on the requirements of the National Standard used to monitor the marking and manufacturing of gold jewellery.
He urged them to disregard the fact that they are competitors and urged them to work together to ensure that quality product is offered.
Prashad stated: “We have to ensure  that everyone  is on board with what we are doing, I see no reason why legitimate operations will not want to adhere to the standard as it is in everyone’s’ interest to ensure that those “unscrupulous dealers” are not given the chance to tarnish the reputation of the genuine operations.”

Consumer Affairs Bill
Prashad also highlighted the importance of the Consumer Affairs Bill in protecting the rights of the consumers as well as businesses.
He explained that the Consumers Affairs Bill 2011, which provides for the promotion and protection of consumers in Guyana, was tabled recently in the National Assembly, and reminded that once this legislation is passed, it will equip his ministry to better serve and protect the rights of consumers.
As to the impact of this legislation, he said, “When the Consumer Bill becomes law, strict penalties will be enforced.”
In light of this, he announced that education and information exercise would be held to spread awareness to consumers as well as business owners about their rights and responsibilities.

Product Certification Scheme
Meanwhile GNBS Technical Officer, Abidin Mohammed explained the process of product certification through a brief presentation.
The Bureau offers a product Certification Scheme which allows businesses to conform to the National Standards Mark thereby ensuring the quality of gold jewellery manufactured and sold.
He explained that there are three requirements which must be met these include;
1)    Granting of Permit:
This procedure is suitable for clients applying for permits to use the Standards Mark and comprises application, preliminary inspection, audit and approval. At the application stage, the client completes an application form and submits it to the Bureau. If the application is successful, a preliminary inspection is conducted to determine the client’s capabilities of meeting the requirements of the scheme. The client is notified about deficiencies and upon correction, a final audit is conducted. The audit report is taken to the Certification Committee and then to National Standards Council for approval of permit.
(2) Surveillance
After granting the permit, surveillance inspections are conducted on a quarterly basis to ensure ongoing conformity. In this procedure, the inspection is planned, conducted and reported. Follow-up inspections are done if major non-conformances are highlighted.
(3) Renewal of Permit
Usually, an expiry date is affixed to permits granted depending on the safety and health hazards associated with the product. This procedure is similar to the granting of Permits with the omission of the preliminary inspection stage.
As to the many benefits of conformity, he noted that the use of the Standards Mark on products is a marketing advantage; as such, local companies are encouraged to certify their products to national and international standards by accessing the product certification scheme offered by the GNBS, which would increase consumer confidence and satisfaction in their products.
In closing, Minister Prashad reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the problem and encouraged those present to foster closer relationships.