Establishment of Gold Jewellery Hub in Barbados has Guyanese Jewellers upbeat

A number of local jewellers have expressed optimism about the establishment of a Guyana Gold Jewellery Hub in Barbados. It was disclosed that the jewellers visited Barbados over the weekend to view the proposed locations for the hub and meet with officials of Export Barbados and the Central Bank.

The jewelers while there, also got a first-hand view of several established jewellry outlets in Barbados. It was noted that the establishment of Gold Jewellery Hub is part of the St Barnabas Accord reached between President, Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Mia Mottley.

After the visit, Rampersud Gopaul of Gopaul’s Jewellery, expressed that his establishment is pleased to be a part of the St. Barnabas Accord. Gopaul said that this will rejuvenate Guyana’s rich historic heart of commerce and reignite its reputation as Eldorado, the country rich with gold. “It is our view that the project comprising of a modern mix of jewellers in this hub will connect Guyana with Barbados in the most positive and superior way,” Gopaul stressed.

Gopaul expressed belief that Barbados’ status as a leading tourism destination in the region, makes it an ideal trading hub. “Gopaul’s Jewellery advocates that we should embrace the opportunity to market Guyana as a country rich in gold. This development will transform Guyana into a modern reality, supporting trade, tourism, and growth to secure a golden future,” he declared.

Meanwhile, Stephen Jacobs of Jacobs’ Jewellery, who was also a part of the delegation, extended much gratitude to President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Government of Barbados. Jacobs noted that he is appreciative to both countries for providing the opportunity for Guyanese Jewelers to showcase their skills and Guyana’s gold to Barbados and the rest of the world. “We are highly anticipating being a part of the “Barbados Jewellery Hub,” Jacobs noted.

Karl Gobin of Gobin’s Jewellery was alsohigh in praise of the initiative. “Guyana’s distinctive gold is one of the most recognised minerals in so many countries and I can say with absolute certainty that our gold being displayed in Barbados will bring so many opportunities to those in the gold industry,” Gobin stressed.

Another member of the delegation, Kevin Narine of Steve’s Jewellery described the trip as insightful. He disclosed that the hub presents a great opportunity for jewellers to showcase their merchandise in Barbados.

It is said that the Gold Jewellery Hub will see up to 15 jewellers from Guyana establishing stores at a prominent mall in Bridgetown, which is in the heart of the tourist shopping district. It was revealed that there is a high demand for Gold in Barbados and the quality and creativity of the jewellery produced in Guyana is of particular interest to residents of Barbados and tourists. In an estimated time, frame of nine months the Gold Jewellery hub is expected to become a reality. Additionally, jewellers will also be given an opportunity to showcase their products at the Agrofest slated for May 26-29 in Barbados.