Local companies urged to up game to match First World countries

…as GNBS awards companies for high quality standards

During the Guyana National Bureau of Standards’ (GNBS’) National Quality Awards (NQA) ceremony on Tuesday evening, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, who is currently performing the duties of the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, challenged local companies to up their game in providing and maintaining goods and services of high standards and quality.
The GNBS-hosted National Quality Awards ceremony saw a number of local companies and businesses copping awards in the various categories. Some 36 Guyanese companies participated in this year’s edition of the Awards under the overall categories of manufacturing, services, small business manufacturing, small business services, and agro-processing. There were also specific awards for customer-focus, continuous improvement, and health & safety and environmental initiatives.
Entities such as New GPC, Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP) Limited, Nand Persaud and Company Limited, Massy Gas Products (Guyana) Ltd., NAMILCO, Steve’s Jewellery, St Joseph Hospital Medical Laboratory, Morning Glory Inc., Assuria General GY Inc. & Assuria Life GY Inc, AW&HW Aeronautical Engineering School, Puran Brothers Disposal Inc., Cevons Waste Management, Denmor Garment Manufacturers Inc., Doobay-Gafoor Medical & Research Centre Inc were presented with awards for meeting the stipulated criteria.
Minister Bharrat has said that with the growing investments Guyana is being exposed to, it is only necessary that the country reach the end of mediocracy by providing quality goods and services, which would ensure the growth of one’s business.
“It is time that Guyanese say that we have reached the end of mediocracy; that we’re demanding quality, that we’re demanding standards; ‘cause I think the time is right now,” he indicated. “I think the time for that, or the opportune time for that, is now, when we can throw mediocracy out the window and say from now on we’re only accepting quality-standard goods and services, especially from our homebred industries and business.”

He went on to highlight that the level of standard achieved by the participants is in preparation for the greater opportunities that the oil and gas sector is expected to bring to Guyana.
He assured that all Guyanese will be able to enjoy the wealth, regardless of their location within the country, since an overwhelming number of investors will be flocking the country’s shores.
Meanwhile, Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, told the gathering that the Barbadian Government is assisting with the training of Guyanese in the hospitality sector. This, he noted, is aimed at having the standard of goods and services be at the same level as those of First World countries.
“…that is what you have to make sure, that when the expatriates come here – and for ourselves too, the standard of service that we give to our people is on par with those of First World countries,” he stated.

Also addressing the event was Chairman of the National Standards Council (NSC), Vladim Persaud, who highlighted the importance of recognizing the efforts of businesses in implementing the requirements of standards across sectors.
“I believe, like in anything else, we need to let those involved know how they are doing, especially when they are doing well… What this does is heighten confidence and encourage others to get on board and become more competitive,” Persaud said.
The Biennial NQA ceremony was the highlight of National Quality Week 2021. This year’s event also featured the launch of a ‘Made in Guyana’ certification mark, which was unveiled by First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali. The certification mark will be used by the GNBS to certify authentic Guyanese products based on the quantity of local raw materials used in their production and the number of Guyanese staff employed by their establishment, among other things.