GNBS IN FOCUS MAR-APR 2023

GNBS IN FOCUS

Newsletter Highlights:

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

GNBS WINS OIML AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO LEGAL METROLOGY

GNBS PARTICIPATES IN REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR

MORE COMPANIES GET MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFIED

FOUR NEW COMPANIES GET MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFIED

GNBS HOSTS SEVERAL TRAININGS

GNBS VISITS REGION ONE

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Stakeholders,

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) in March and April continued to conduct its activities on schedule, and in response to the needs of stakeholders.

In March, our Legal Metrology Department completed the mobile verification of measuring instruments used in trade including those at shop markets, supermarkets, petrol stations, rice mills and other places of commercial business.

Additionally, the Bureau continued to see importers, manufacturers and dealers registered under its Product Compliance Programme, and our Inspectors have been conducting inspections of products as required

Mr. Al Donovan Fraser Executive Director (Ag.)

Meanwhile, for Certification Services, four (4) new companies were certified under the Permit to Use the Made in Guyana Standards Mark Programme.

Additionally, the Bureau’s Product Certification Scheme grew with the certification of two (2) more concrete block manufacturers The push for businesses to be certified is indeed commendable

During the period, the GNBS Business Development Department offered several training courses to individuals in the public and private sector; even as Technical Officers worked with companies to implement various Management System Standards.

Other departments including Standardisation, Industrial Metrology and Testing and Oil and Gas have been making their contributions of standards and measurement services in the various sectors.

Finally, with April designated OSH month, the Bureau promoted safety and health amongst its staff members through training and awareness

I encourage you to take advantage of the GNBS services and standards to improve the quality of your products and services and safety within your business operations.

CONTRIBUTIONS

Editorial Contributors

Lloyd David

Bibi Khatoon

Chelsea Lee

Phtoto Credits

Aishah Hussain

Paul Singh

Chelsea Lee

Concept and Design

Chelsea Lee

Marketing and Promotions

Syeid Ibrahim

George Defrietas

Aishah Hussain

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GNBS PARTICIPATES IN 2023 REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR

TEAM

OUTREACH TO REGION SIX - MEETS WITH KEY

GNBS PARTICIPATES IN 2023 REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR

The GNBS participated in the Ministry of Education’s Regional Science Fair which returned after being placed on the back burner like many other activities, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 01, the fair was held at Queens College under the theme: "Transforming Through Innovation and STEAM". Staff from five departments including the Information Technology and Industrial Metrology and Testing Departments participated.

Students from various primary and secondary schools were excited to learn about the various measuring instruments that are used in Industrial and Legal Metrology and how they contribute to accuracy in industry and trade, respectively.

They were also provided with straightforward demonstrations and given an opportunity to learn about careers in Standards, the importance of using the International System of Units (Metric System), and testing services offered by the Bureau to stakeholders.

GNBS TEAM CONDUCTS OUTREACH TO

REGION SIX – MEETS WITH KEY STAKEHOLDERS

m from the GNBS conducted an outreach Berbice, Region Six (6) during the period of ry 28 – March 02 to engage stakeholders services provided by the Bureau and to feedback for improvement.

iting team comprised of the Heads of Legal ogy, Product Compliance, and Corporate unications along with staff of the Marketing rporate Communications Departments.

During the visit, meetings were held with the ional Chairman, Mr. David Armoggan, Regional cutive Officer, Mr. Narindra Persaud, Mayor of w Amsterdam, Her Worship Winifred Heywood, Mayor of Corriverton, His Worship, Mr. ston Rogers. The Team also met with the sident of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of mmerce and Industry, Mr. Hemchand Jaichand executive members of the Chamber.

stakeholders were updated on the work of the eau in the region and areas of collaboration in tion to the services of the GNBS including fication of measuring instruments and product monitoring.

The Corporate Communications Team of the GNBS, during the outreach in Berbice, Region Six (6), conducted school lectures with the Business Students of the Berbice Educational Institute, Canje Secondary, Skeldon Line Path Secondary and Tagore Memorial Secondary.

The grades ten (10) and eleven (11) students were educated on the key functions of the GNBS, careers in Standards, the importance of using the International System of Units (Metric System), and their rights and responsibilities as consumers.

GNBS WINS OIML CEEMS AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO INTERNATIONAL LEGAL METROLOGY

The GNBS received the 2022 OIML CEEMS Aw its outstanding contribution and ex achievements to International Legal Metrolo Developing Countries.

The award was conferred on the Bureau at when the GNBS is making significant advances area of Legal Metrology while Countrie Economies with Emerging Metrology S (CEEMS) suffer from a lack of resources f operation of a sound Legal Metrology System.

In a brief ceremony on March 06, this awar handed over by Minister of Tourism, Indust Commerce, Hon Oneidge Walrond to Head GNBS Legal Metrology Department, Mr. Shailen in the Ministry’s boardroom in the presence Media.

Also in attendance were Head of Cor Communications, Mr Lloyd David, Head of Ind Metrology and Testing, Ms. Donna Cante Communications Officer of the Ministry of To Industry and Commerce, Mr. Cordell McClur GNBS Communications Officer, Bibi Khatoon.

GNBS TEAM CELEBRATES THE ‘FESTIVAL OF COLORS’

As Guyanese prepared to celebrate the Festival of Colors known as Phagwah or Holi, team members from the GNBS’ Human Resource and Marketing Departments prepared a tasty ethnic lunch for all employees.

On the menu were potato and channa curry, pumpkin, callaloo, dhal and rice, accompanied by some delicious, traditional sweet meats. The day came to a close with staff, dressed in ethnic wear, spreading the colours of love and joy with coloured powder to the sound of tassa drums.

These activities are aimed at fostering employee relations and team-building capacity.

GNBS FACILITATES EDUCATIONAL TOUR FOR STUDENTS OF GTI

Dimension and Volume Laboratories.

The twelve (12) students from the Science Department eagerly learnt about the practical approaches of science, measurement and testing. GNBS Laboratory Technicians provided simple demonstrations for services such as testing of gold, concrete structures and hollow blocks, and the calibration of various measuring instruments such as Pressure Gauges, Torque Wrenches, and Balances.

The visitors were delighted for the exposure to the various laboratory services offered by the GNBS to its stakeholders.

On March 15, the GNBS joined other Consumer Protection Bodies nationally and internationally to commemorate World Consumer Rights Day 2023 under the theme “Empowering consumers through clean energy transitions”.

The theme came at a time when cost-ofliving is surging, when there is need for drastic responses to energy supplies, and when the production of non-renewable energy is adversely impacting the state of our climate globally. It came at a time when consumers need to play a bigger role in driving the clean energy transition.

To celebrate World Consumer Rights Day this year, the GNBS partnered with other consumer protection agencies, the Guyana Energy Agency and Guyana Shore Base Inc. to host an Energy Walk from Main Street to the Kitty Roundabout

An exciting bumper sticker drive was also conducted at the Stabroek Market Square where bumper stickers were affixed to vehicles. This was complemented by a social media live conducted to inform the public of their rights and responsibilities as consumers.

For almost forty years, the GNBS has been at the forefront of consumer protection through facilitating the development and access to standards and through its various core services which ensure consumers know about accurate quantities and quality of goods and services.

PROUDLY GUYANESE

Three flavours of locally manufactured Crème Liqueur and various plastic products were by the GNBS under its Permit to Use the Guyana Standards Mark Programme.

The products manufactured by Dixie’s P Crème and Plastific Inc. were certified on M and March 17 respectively

The Permit to use the Made in Guyana S Mark was presented to Proprietor of Dixie De Crème, Ms. Dixie Jordan by the GNBS Certification Services, Ms. Andrea Mendon Bureau’s Head Office for its Capadulla, Co Vanilla (original) flavours of Crème Liqueur.

The noteworthy event was attended by Director of the Guyana Manufacturing and Association (GMSA), Mr. Nizam Hassan who congratulated the company but insisted certification programme offered by the excellent in promoting local content.

Meanwhile, the second com received its certificate at its #3 Park, Corentyne, Berbice locatio company to use the Made in Gu on its plastic cups, plastic plate plastic spoons, sporks, forks an

The certificate was presented b Certification Services, Ms A Assistant Manager, Mrs. Toge emphasized the Standards M marketability of her company’s internationally.

The GNBS is encouraging mor up to be a part of the Permit Guyana Certification Mark Prog products that competitive adv and international markets.

DIXIE'S PUNCH DE CRÈME

PLASTIFIC INC.

GNBS SEES MASSIVE TURNOUT FOR

BACK-TO-BACK TRAININGS

cers of the Business Development artment conducted a two-day training sion on the International Standard, /IEC 17025:2017 - General Requirements

Competence of Testing and Calibration oratories.

training conducted on March 21 to March was geared towards enhancing the abilities of laboratory professionals in ana, and to further equip them with the wledge and skills needed to develop and implement a management system that meets equirements of the standard. This training plicable to all organizations performing atory activities.

al of fourteen (14) participants from the try of Health – Standards and Technical, d Medical Center, University of Guyana –ty of Agriculture and Eureka Medical atory were part of the training.

while, another three-day training session provided to sixteen (16) staff of Demerara al on Internal Auditing of ISO gement Systems.

Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards, which was facilitated by the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ).

Internal Auditing Training results in decreased costs, increased profits, improved cost recoveries, controlled risk management and the development of policy and procedures along with providing better management communication and clarity.

The Bureau has been providing this assistance to CARICOM countries embarking on new National Quality Awards (NQA) Programmes, for more than twenty-one (21) years.

Our Training Courses are available for any organization, regardless of size of location. This programme falls under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Economic Partnership

GNBS ENGAGES AGRO-PROCESSORS DURING GMSA’S UNCAPPED MARKET PLACE

The GNBS was a proud sponsor of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Limited’s Uncapped Market Place (agro-processors exhibition, market and food festival) held on March 25 and March 26, at the Guyana National Stadium.

GNBS Head of Marketing, Mr. Syeid Ibrahim and Business Development Officer, Mr. Tyrone Rambacchus represented the Bureau and met with various agro-processors and stakeholders permitted to use the Made in Guyana Standards Mark.

Agro-processors were brief on the various GNBS services they can utilize to take their business to the next level.

GNBS INSPECTORS UNDERGO FOURDAY VERIFICATION TRAINING

Inspectors of the GNBS Legal Metrology Services Department underwent a four-day Capacity Building training programme on the Verification of Storage Tanks using a 3D, 360-degree scanner, from March 28 to March 31 at the GNBS.

The GNBS provides verification services for weighing and measuring instruments to ensure equity in trade, consumer protection, safety, and health.

Storage tanks are one of many instruments presently being verified by the GNBS under its National Weights and Measures Programme in Guyana.

If left unchecked, tanks can leak and lead to both environmental contamination, workplace injuries and a number of other serious injuries As such, regular tank inspections are essential to identify and address tank issues.

This training was facilitated by Mr Matthew Mizell of the Leica Geosystem, Reality Capture Group, USA.

GNBS CERTIFIES DURA BLOCKS TO THE NATIONAL STANDARD

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards certified Dura Blocks, which on March 31 2023, became the first company in Region Three to be certified to the GYS 215:2018 Standard – Specification for Load Bearing Masonry Units (Concrete Blocks), for its 152mm/6-inch blocks.

The certificate which is valid for one year, was presented to the company’s CEO, Mr. Vinash Chand by the Head of GNBS Certification Services, Ms. Andrea Mendonca at the GNBS Head Office.

Also present at the event was Mr. Rafeek Khan, President of the Guyana Manufacturing Services Association (GMSA), who congratulated Dura Blocks and encouraged the company to maintain Quality and Standards.

The GNBS is proud of the commitment demonstrated by Dura Blocks, as the third block company to join its list of companies in Guyana that have been granted certification under its Product Certification Scheme

OOn April 06, 2023, the GNBS certified Robin Hollow Blocks under its Product Certification Programme. The company attained certification to manufacture four (4) and six (6) inch blocks which meet the requirements of the National Standard – GYS 215:2018 – Specification for Load Bearing Masonry Units (Concrete Blocks).

Robin Hollow Blocks became the fourth company to be certified by the GNBS and is now permitted to use the National Standards Mark on its four (4) and six (6) inch blocks.

The certificate, which is valid for one year, was handed over by GNBS Technical Officer, Mr. Latchman Mootoosammi to Proprietor of Robin Hollow Blocks, Mr Raphael Singh at the business’ Lot 166 School Street, Prospect, East Bank Demerara location.

The newly certified business also received a plaque to be displayed to customers as a symbol of the achievement.

The GNBS continues to urge local manufacturers and domestic block makers to consider the highly beneficial option of certification.

GNBS USHERS IN THE EASTER HOLIDAY WITH FUN ACTIVITIES

As the Easter holidays drew nearer, team members of our Legal Metrology Services Department prepared a delicious lunch for all employees on April 06, 2023.

On the menu was rice, pot roast chicken, salad and tasty cross buns.

Meanwhile, the GNBS Social Committee and the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce along with its subvention agencies came together to participate in an Easter Hat Competition and a Scavenger Hunt.

Team GNBS clinched second and fourth place, respectively in the competitions.

Through participation in these activities, the Bureau remains committed to creating a cohesive and diversified working environment.

GNBS FACILITATES THREE-DAY TRAINING WITH DELPHI CONSULTANTS LTD.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS collaborated with Delphi Consultants Limited of Trinidad and Tobago to facilitate a three-day training course on Root Cause Analysis during Ap 17-19, 2023.

Root Cause Analysis is the process of discovering the Root Causes of Problems in order to identify appropriate solutions.

This training course sought to improve the ability to apply problem-solving tools and techniques to issues as they arise and to prevent recurrence.

Participants of the course are now better able to identify and understand the origin of errors and to find the appropriate solution for their organizations’ successful

The training saw a total of eighteen (18) participants from the New GPC Inc , Cevon’s Waste Management, Beharry Company Ltd., Guyana Logistics and Support Services (GLASS), Advance Health Care International, the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) and GNBS Staff

GNBS TRAINS MORE ON ISO 9001 STANDARD

Officers of our Business Development Team facilitated another a three-day training course on Understanding the Requirements of ISO 9001:2015 Standard, during April 18-20, 2023.

The course was conducted to assist participants to better understand the objective of international standard and to clarify what are the requirements to upgrade and build an effective Quality Management System. The course also highlighted the benefits of implementing a QMS.

An effective QMS helps an organisation to enhance its customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system. All requirements of this standard are applicable to any organisation, regardless of its type or size, or the products and services it provides

The course saw a total of sixteen (16) participants from Ramps Logistics and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, along with staff of the GNBS.

GNBS PARTNERS WITH GFS TO EDUCATE STAFF ON FIRE SAFETY

pril 19, 2023, the GNBS invited the na Fire Service to conduct a fire safety ng for staff members to enhance their y to appropriately respond in the event re

training was beneficial to the staff of ureau, especially those on our OSH mittee as they were taught aspects ding the elements necessary for a fire, ti d th f fire GNBS f best and ulatory SH by active ing for ty and

GNBS RECERTIFIES FIRST COMPANY TO THE MADE IN GUYANA STANDARDS MARK

Fibre Tech Industrial Plastics (FTIP) on April 19, 2023 became the first Guyanese company to be recertified under the GNBS Made in Guyana Standards Mark Programme.

In a brief ceremony held at the company’s location on the East Coast of Demerara, the second Made in Guyana Certificate was handed over by Technical Officer, Mr Keon Rankin and Administrative Clerk, Ms. Faith Phillips to Managing Director of FTIP, Mr. Somat Ali in the presence of Office Administrator, Ms. Deoranie Bharrat, and Administrative Assistants, Ms. Alliyah Ali and Ms. Shaakoontala Harricharan.

The Made in Guyana Mark is a registered mark that aims to provide recognition to locally manufactured products on the local and international markets and is a signature of quality for authentic Guyanese products. The certificate is valid for one year during which the company is audited for conformance to requirements.

GNBS WELCOMES TWO NEW MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFIED COMPANIES

The month of April 2023 marks one year since the first local company was given the greenlight by GNBS to use the Made in Guyana Standard Mark on its products.

This month, Floor-It Guyana and Banks DIH Ltd have followed suite to join the GNBS Permit to use the Made in Guyana Mark Programme.

On April 20 Floor-It Guyana was certified to use the Made in Guyana Standards Mark on its Hardwood Flooring, Wooden Moulding and Wooden Decking.

The certificate was handed over by GNBS Head of Certification Services, Ms Andrea Mendonca to Chief Executive Officer of FIG, Mr. Andre Cummings.

Meanwhile, on April 21, Banks DIH Limited received its Permit to use the Mark on its Wine Products, Rum Products, Demico Premium Ice-Cream, Créme Select Super Premium Ice Cream, Novelty (Frostee), Carbonated Soft Drinks, Beers, Shandy and Malta.

The Made in Guyana Certificate was handed over by Director of Business – Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. John Edghill to Chairman of Banks DIH Ltd., Mr. Clifford B. Reis.

FLOOR-IT GUYANA

Members of the Corporate Communications, Legal Metrology Services and Product Compliance Departments held sensitization sessions with several businessmen and women from the Business Communities along with Regional Officials in Port Kaituma, Matthews Ridge and Arakaka.

The sessions which had huge turnouts, covered areas including the use of approved measuring instruments, the care of and use of measuring instruments, the metric system, and the product monitoring services of the GNBS. At the meetings, stakeholders raised concerns about the use of the metric system, access to approved measuring instruments, the availability of sub-standard products, registration of dealers and importers and the acquisition of permits.

Additionally, surveillance visits were made to sale outlets and areas of compliance were discussed. More than fifty shops and supermarkets were visited.

GNBS ENGAGES STUDENTS OF PORT KAITUMA SECONDARY

The Corporate Communications Department of the GNBS conducted two school lectures with the Business Students of the Port Kaituma Secondary School.

The eighty (80) students from Grades Nine (9) and Ten (10), were very eager to learn and asked questions about the services offered by the Bureau.