Govt committed to strengthening GNBS, expanding quality services – PS

The Tourism Ministry has committed to continuing supporting the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) through ongoing budgetary allocations aimed at strengthening its capacity, expanding its services, and further modernising its operations across various subsectors, according to Permanent Secretary in the Tourism Ministry, Roger Rogers.
This was disclosed by Permanent Secretary Roger Rogers on Thursday during the Guyana National Bureau of Standards’ hosting of the SIM (Sistema Interamericano de Metrologia/Inter-American Metrology System) Mid-Term Council and Quality System Task Force (QSTF) meetings in Guyana, held from May 11–15, 2026.
The engagements convene regional and international stakeholders in metrology to strengthen collaboration, enhance quality systems, and advance measurement standards across the Americas.
According to him, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) within the last five years has been a primary beneficiary of these investments, having gained a complete accommodation facility equipped with modern laboratories. This, he said, allows the institution to not only improve but also expand metrology services both nationally and beyond.
“Recognising this, the Government of Guyana will continue, in its budgetary allocation, to support the national standards body in acquiring needed equipment to improve services, enhance quality, and expand the reach of those services across subsectors. This growth in services and quality is equally important to the continued national development and transformation taking place in our country,” Rogers said.
He said that at the policy level, metrics are key to the effectiveness of policy, and for any policy to be effective, it must rely on empirical data. He explained that metrology forms part of that key input framework by providing the empirical foundation needed to assess policy effectiveness.
He further noted that this reinforces the importance of the sector and underscores why the Ministry remains committed to supporting the growth of metrology and its related services.
He also highlighted the importance of the activity being held in observance of World Metrology Day.
“Today’s activity is very important for all stakeholders, whether consumers, producers, or those operating within the regulatory framework. From the consumer end, metrology is key, as it allows for the determination of value in purchase transactions. Consumers are able to ascertain with confidence that they are receiving what they have paid for,” he said.
Addressing the regulatory perspective, he added that a credible infrastructure is necessary to ensure confidence in the entire system.
From the Ministry’s standpoint, he said that as the Ministry with policy oversight for the sector, they welcome all discussions and initiatives that contribute to the improvement of key metrology infrastructure. He noted that strengthened systems make it easier for countries to participate in global trade and commerce by improving predictability and safety in the exchange of goods and services.
In closing, he commended the organisation, stating that they have demonstrated strong custodianship over the years in supervising the country’s national standards infrastructure. He added that the Ministry remains ready to continue its support.
He further noted that, on behalf of the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and the Minister, who was unavoidably absent, as well as the Government of Guyana, he welcomed all participants to the event.