Consultations held on new standardisation strategy

In planning to form a new strategy aimed at improving quality products and service delivery, consultations were held Thursday by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) with various stakeholders, aimed at attaining essential information for the development of a National Standardization Strategy (NSS).
This publication understands that the efforts are being supported by the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Speaking at the workshop’s opening ceremony at the National Exhibition Centre in Sophia, GNBS’ Executive Director, Trevor Bassoo, who revealed that this will facilitate the implementation of quality products.
“Together, we are paving the way for the delivery of quality products and services through the identification, development, and subsequent implementation of the appropriate standards,” he stated.
He mentioned that the consultations are crucial to building a stronger and more resilient national quality infrastructure.
According to the GNBS, as a national standards body, it has been a key partner in the adoption, development, and implementation of national, regional, and international standards in Guyana.
Bassoo added that over the last year alone, some 33 national standards were approved for agriculture, tourism, petroleum, and other sectors.
However, while he acknowledges that standards are voluntary, he is certain that the growth path of the country’s economy will prompt the use of more of these crucial guidance documents, which are referred to as standards.
Meanwhile it was revealed that some 210 copies of more than 600 available standards were sold for implementation by various industry partners during the year 2024.
He described the initiative as exciting and transformative for Guyana’s future.
In moving forward, the GNBS Director disclosed that the National Standardization Strategy will build upon this foundation, aligning with the country’s economic, social, technological, and environmental objectives while maintaining global competitiveness.
This project provides a roadmap for GNBS to effectively utilize standards to build economic growth and social progress, guided by a framework of safety, quality, and reliability.
Bassoo mentioned too that collaboration between government, industry, academia, consumers, and other stakeholders, will ensure that standards developed over the next year will meet the needs of all parties.
“With that said, your contribution is vital to the success of this project. Therefore, I would like to say thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to join us today and provide your valuable input,”he said.
Meanwhile, CROSQ’s Chief Executive Officer, Sharonmae Smith-Walker, noted that the project is also being implemented in six other CARICOM nations.
Smith-Walker said the standardization strategy will allow Guyana to align its national standards with international best practices.
“This will enable seamless integration of Guyanese products into international value chains creating greater trade opportunities for the country. The standardisation strategy is a critical tool to protect the wellbeing of Guyanese citizens through better quality local products and services, and more importantly to safeguard your constituents from poor quality imports,” she stated.