Master accurate measurements before entering workforce – GNBS urges TVET students

In observance of World Metrology Day on Tuesday, several technical students from across the country gathered at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Headquarters in Georgetown for a training session.
This year’s World Metrology Day is themed “Measurements for all times, for all people.”
At the training session, Head of Corporate Communication at GNBS, Lloyd David, emphasised that technical students must be able to measure accurately upon leaving school.
“It’s very important because, eventually, on a day-to-day basis, whether you are at school or on the job, you will be involved in measurements in some way—whether you’re doing plumbing, woodworking, or electrical work, all of it requires measurements,” he explained.

He added “What we want is for you to be able to measure correctly when you leave the technical institute and go to work.”
According to Lloyd, students must be able to satisfy their customers, stating that providing accurate work leads to more opportunities and repeat clients.
“It’s not ideal to shortchange them [clients] with incorrect measurements. That can cause defects and problems in the work you do for your clients,” Lloyd said.
Meanwhile, Head of Metrology at GNBS, Shailendra Rai, highlighted the importance of the metric system in Guyana.
“Similarly, with Transport and the Harbour Bridge, they weigh the trucks before they cross because there’s a weight limitation. In the health sector, measurement is also critical. When we go to the doctor, they check our body mass, blood pressure, and other indicators to make diagnoses and provide treatment. Now imagine if those instruments are inaccurate—what would be the consequence of an incorrect weight or pressure reading?” he asked.
Rai encouraged students to be aware of measurements in their everyday lives.
“Everything you do involves measurement. For example, when you go to the shop to buy something, check the weight to ensure you’re getting the correct amount. When you’re at the gas station, check that you’re receiving the right volume of fuel. Measurements are a part of everything you need,” he urged.
He also pointed out that instruments used by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), such as speed guns and breathalysers, are verified by the Bureau of Standards to ensure accuracy.
“Similarly, the gas station, the bulk terminals, the health centres, the hospitals, and so they are required to have their devices verified. If these devices are not verified, we, according to the Waste and Measure Act, we have the power to seize and remove these devices, right? The Bureau of Standards, we play a critical role in terms of law enforcement…. The speed guns and the breathalysers that are used by the Guyana Police Force, they are verified by the Bureau of Standards to ensure accurate results because these results are used in court to prosecute defaulters.”
He added that these results are used in court to prosecute defaulters, and thus persons must ensure that the instruments are verified and accurate in order to provide credible results.
Celebrated annually on May 20, World Metrology Day highlights the critical role of measurement science in our daily lives. From GPS navigation and medical dosing to construction safety, metrology ensures consistency, accuracy, and reliability across the globe.