…seek to increase quality in construction and manufacturing
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) in collaboration with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) on Thursday hosted a lecture at the Pegasus hotel to inform stakeholders on the importance of codes and standards as it relates to the construction industry.
The discussion, which was held under the theme ‘Sustainable Construction’ saw students from eight tertiary institutions across Guyana, who participated in the discussion which was aimed at promoting the use and importance of standards.
Executive Director of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards GNBS, Candelle Walcott-Botswick shared her remarks among the gathering of stakeholders and encouraged all to promote the use of standards in society while respecting its value.
“We believe that in order for the transition of our culture in Guyana, from one where price takes precedence over quality. We’d like to move Guyana to a
Jim Olshefsky
standard driven society,” she noted.
Further she stated that “As students, you must be sensitised on the benefits of standards and conformity assessment which is required for us to build a sustainable and resilient construction sector in Guyana.”
Meanwhile, a representative of ASTM International, Jim Olshefsky, also highlighted the importance of standards as it relates to safety and construction.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to highlight the longstanding relationship with our partners and focus on standards and codes for a sustainable construction or the foundation for quality, safety and sustainability in construction projects,” Olshefsky related.
In the past few days, the lectures were conducted in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
Thursday’s lecture completes one of four activities for the promotion of codes and standards in Guyana.
Consumers are also urged to purchase products that are recognised by the GNBS since it is established that those products are of good quality. Currently in Guyana, there are only two manufacturers whose products are conformed to the ASTM standards. These are Gafsons and the Guyana Thermaplastics Limited.
ASTM is a body which is responsible for the harmonisation of standards across the length and breadth of the Caribbean Community.
