OIL is not the only thing that has increased Guyana’s popularity. The country’s gold and diamonds are among its most sought-after resources.

Tourists and overseas-based Guyanese love to boast and brag about the piece of Guyanese gold that they own. They wear the unique designs with pride for all to see. If a Guyanese is going to visit a relative abroad, high on the list of Guyanese ‘prags’ is a pair of gold earrings or a gold chain; in some cases, the request would be a ring with a coloured stone. The map of Guyana pendant is also very popular.

The designs tell a story. They also reflect workmanship which, in most instances, wasn’t learnt in a classroom setting but rather from observation and years of practice or it was passed down from generation to generation.

In Guyana’s current economic climate and with the influx of foreigners who no doubt would be very interested in our gold jewellery, whether it’s because of the designs or the reasonable prices, there is an increasing need for the final product to be impeccable.

To achieve this, it is imperative that jewellery is made by qualified and skilled persons who are using the right tools and equipment and are working under the best conditions.
Last year, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley signed the St Barnabas Accord to deepen the bilateral connections between the two countries in a number of areas.

The agreement, in part, paves the way for the establishment of a jewellery hub in Bridgetown, Barbados, that would see up to 15 Guyanese jewellers establishing stores at a prominent mall, which is in the heart of the tourist shopping district.

The plan was formulated out of the high demand for gold on the island, and the high-quality jewellery produced in Guyana, which has piqued the interest of Barbados’ residents and tourists.
Such a development signalled an urgent need for Guyana to tie up all the loose ends which included the proper certification of jewellers and goldsmiths.

In most of the populated regions of Guyana, there are many jewellery stores. There are also many neighbourhood goldsmiths who often get jobs through word of mouth and good reviews from their customers.

The government’s development plans leave no room for error. No effort should be spared in ensuring that jewellery of the highest quality is in as many stores around the world as possible.
As expected, the government had a master plan and through the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, it was set in motion. Steps were taken almost immediately to fill whatever gaps existed in the jewellery-making sector.

Soon after the signing of the agreement, under the watchful eyes of Minister Bharrat, the country’s first jewellery-making course was held. That batch comprised 30 persons who over several weeks were taught essential skills related to jewellery-making processes and techniques.

This type of course not only targeted aspiring and practicing jewellers, but anyone who was interested in learning this craft and creating a revenue stream for themselves.
The second training programme is expected to start on March 20 and will run for 12 weeks. It is being spearheaded by the Guyana Mining School in collaboration with the E. R. Burrowes School of Art.

Minds will be stimulated and participants will get the opportunity to learn the craft while certifying themselves. Other opportunities will come when the jewellery-making school which is an idea formulated by former West Indian cricketer and jeweller, Steven Jacobs, opens.

Jacobs came up with the idea following his recent visit to Indore, India where he was part of a contingent led by President Ali to attend the Global Investors Summit.

The upskilling of youths appears to be the central focus of this school. Once it becomes a reality, young people will have another means to earn an income. This will contribute to the country’s economic growth and ensure the viability and expansion of the jewellery industry.

The free courses and the opening of a jewellery-making school in the near future will create opportunities for all stakeholders. It will allow them to be creative and innovative and hopefully, this will result in many more hubs showcasing Guyana’s gold jewellery being established in other parts of the world.