To recognise businesses for their commitment to quality systems and best practices, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Friday launched its third National Quality Awards (NQA) programme. The NQA, which is set for October 2021, as part of National Quality Week, will be another opportunity for businesses to demonstrate that they are meeting quality requirements in the delivery of goods and services to consumers.
(L-R) Head of the Marketing and Communications Department Syeid Ibrahim, Communications Officer Bibi Khatoon and Head of the Certification Department Al Fraser
Head of the Marketing and Communications Department, Syeid Ibrahim in brief remarks explained that “the NQA provides a comprehensive assessment of businesses. It also enhances the quality and competitiveness of the products and services offered [and] fosters greater consumer confidence and satisfaction.”
There are four categories of businesses that can participate in the awards. These are businesses in the manufacturing, services (financial, tourism and hospitality, professional services, etc), small businesses, and those in agro-processing. Small businesses, according to the NQA criteria, are classified as any business with 25 or fewer employees, earning $60 million or less in revenue and is the owner of assets valuing $20 million or less.
In the NQA, agro-processors are differentiated from other small businesses and placed in a separate category to promote and recognise quality in these businesses. Eligible participants are enterprises involved in the small-scale production of agro-processed products including jams and jellies, sauces, fruit mixes, salted fish and seafood, juices, packaged eggs, local sweets, and chips.
All businesses must also possess at least one of the following or have it in place by the close of the application period: Documented Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Manual/Policy Manual, or Best Practices Manual. Participating businesses will be evaluated against the ISO 9001:2015 Standard that was developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation to help businesses and organisations implement an effective quality management system.
Participants will also be graded based on Seven Quality Management Principles and criteria for good environmental and safety practices. This year, under health and safety practices, businesses will also be given points for implementing COVID-19 regulations to protect their customers and staff.
Also, the GNBS has introduced an award to recognise media personnel who have been contributing in the effort to promote standards and quality within Guyana. Application forms are available on the GNBS’ website at www.gnbsgy.org and will be posted on the Bureau’s Facebook page. The application process to participate in the NQA is simple and free of cost.
In addition to a completed application form, applicants are required to submit a copy of a valid business registration from the Deeds Registry, valid tax compliance from the Guyana Revenue Authority, and valid National Insurance compliance from the National Insurance Scheme.
An assessment of each participating business will also be done to arrive at the winners who will be awarded at the ceremony in October. The deadline for application is March 31, 2021.
The GNBS is urging businesses to get on board and take advantage of this opportunity, which will not only provide recognition but promote customer confidence in the future.
For further information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066 or visit the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org.
