Managing Director of Citizens Bank Eton Chester is the new Chairman of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, replacing retired Major General Joe Singh who resigned at the weekend.

His appointment was announced by Natural Resources and  the Environment Minister Robert Persaud at a press event Monday.

“He’s been on the Board for the past two years and is someone who has had considerable experience in terms of the operation of the GGMC and someone who has served on the Board and certainly worked with the team there and is quite familiar,” the minister said.

He added that Chester brings “tremendous qualifications” to the post.

Singh announced his resignation from the post and as a member of the Board with immediate effect on Saturday in the wake of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association’s objection to his appointment in that capacity while being on the national protected areas body.