FORMER executive secretary and founding member of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Edward Anthony Shields, passed away in the USA after a period of illness.

Shields, a former Vietnam veteran, was 72 years old. He joined the mining association in 1984 and served it faithfully until his passing, according to a release from the association.
The release also said: “The GGDMA mourns the loss of this mining stalwart. His guidance and tenacity will be missed. He was a friend of the miners and a champion for miners’ rights in Guyana.”

Former President of the GGDMA, Patrick Harding, shared with the Guyana Chronicle that he and Shields practically grew up together as young men. He fondly remembered the contributions of his friend whom he called Tony. “Tony was his own person,” Harding shared. “I think he was the most knowledgeable person in the industry.”

Harding also shared that Shields was instrumental in drafting all the regulations of the association since it was founded and more than that was Shields’ involvement in the negotiations among the industry’s stakeholders. He reflected: “Tony was always at the forefront of the negotiations.”

Another outstanding quality of the man was that he was very impartial to all persons in the industry, Harding said. And according to him, the association was able to move from strength to strength, because of the neutrality exhibited. And until his passing, Shields was an instrumental part of the association. In his final days, he was a consultant to the association, according to current President of the GGDMA, Terrence Adams.

Adams also highlighted that Shields possessed vast amount of institutional knowledge that is fundamental to the GGDMA. Complementing Shields’ institutional knowledge was his fortitude in the sector, according to Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes

Broomes shared that from her many years of working with Shields, she admired his distinguished style of work. He was not a ‘yes man’ and was willing to challenge decisions which were not productive for the miners, the Minister said, adding that that was very critical to the development of the sector. “Mr. Shields has his unique style, I cannot deny,” Broomes said and affirmed, “He always fights for the miners and [he was] actively involved in the sector and its people.” She expressed her sincere condolences to the family and stressed that the mining sector and Guyana has lost a great man. Shields will be cremated in the USA and a memorial service and wake will be held in Guyana at a date to be announced later.