GNBS in Focus SUB - OFFICE OPENS IN MAHDIA, REGION 8 The Guyana National Bureau of Standards opened its door to the people of Region 8, to allow for the expansion of the Bureau's core services.
NEW AND REVISED NATIONAL STANDARDS PUBLISHED The GNBS ' Standardisation Department with support from the various Technical Committees developed 11 new National Standards so far this year.
LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS TRAINED ON GYS 170 STANDARD The GNBS' Business Development Department conducted an extensive training session in November for 15 laboratory professionals on the GYS 170:2021 Standard.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
Executive Director’s (Ag) Message
Ms.Ramrattie Karan Executive Director (Ag)
Photo credits Aishah Hussain George DeFreitas Chelsea Lee
Editorial Contributors Lloyd David Bibi Khatoon
Concept & Design Chelsea Lee & Syeid Ibrahim
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GNBS IN FOCUS
Table of Contents
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GNBS OPENS OFFICE IN MAHDIA, REGION EIGHT
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GNBS TEAM ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS IN MAHDIA
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GNBS PARTICIPATES IN 2021 CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
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SPREADING CHEER & GOODWILL | HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE MEET THE GNBS TEAM INTER-OFFICE CHRISTMAS DECOR COMPETITION 2021
DIWALI LUNCH
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Executive Director's (Ag) Message Several trained to better understand Internal Auditing of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001 Standards GET CERTIFIED | ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Management System Agro-processors, farmers and others trained in Good Agricultural Practices GNBS Training Courses Quest Medical Laboratory recertified by GNBS Steve's jewellery recertified by GNBS Laboratory professionals trained on GYS 170 Standard GNBS published new and revised National Standards Outreach conducted in Essequibo Coast Officers of the Guyana Food Safety Authority trained on ISO 9001 GNBS team engages stakeholders in Mahdia GNBS Trained Second Batch of Persons Living with Disabilities in Block Making GNBS RE-CERTIFIED R. Sookraj Jewellery GNBS Recognises Former Deputy Permanent Secretary
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GNBS IN FOCUS
SEVERAL TRAINED TO BETTER UNDERSTAND INTERNAL AUDITING OF ISO 9001:2015 AND ISO 14001 STANDARDS Officers of our Business Development Department facilitated several three-day training sessions during November on Internal Auditing of the ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems - Requirements and the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System Standards for employees of Guyana Shore Base Inc. and Sustainable Environmental Solutions Inc. Our ISO Internal Auditing course provides participants with the knowledge and skills required to perform an internal audit of a management system and report on the effective implementation and maintenance of requirements. It covers Audit Planning and Management, Audit Guidance Tools and the Writing of Nonconformity Reports.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
Did You Know | Our Industrial Metrology and Testing Department tests Concrete Hollow Blocks for compressive strength. Testing your Hollow Blocks ensures #Quality, #Durability and #strength
Contact
our
telephone
Industrial
numbers
Metrology
219-0064-66,
and
Testing
Department
today
on
labservices@gnbsgy.org
or
WhatsApp 692-GNBS (4627) for further information.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GET CERTIFIED | ISO 9001: 2015 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Get the benefit of a competent and experienced technical advisor today! We have more
than
20
years
of
experience
in
delivering
Management
Systems
Technical
Assistance and Training Services. Let
our
team
of
Expert
Professionals
help
you
to
increase
your
profitability
and
enhance your customer satisfaction.
The 9001: 2015 Standard will help you to develop a quality process, products and services consistently, which in turn brings many business benefits. This Standard is applicable to any organization, regardless of its type or size, or the products or services it provides.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
AGRO-PROCESSORS, FARMERS AND OTHERS TRAINED IN GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES
Taking into consideration the importance of food safety at every level of the food chain, during November 9 Agro-processors, farmers and persons in the Agricultural Sector
were
trained
on
Good
Agricultural
Practices
(GAP).
The
two-day
session
covered measures necessary in plant and animal production to ensure that food derived from these sources is of safe quality. The training also highlighted how GAPs relate to the other food safety prerequisites.
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JANUARY - MARCH, 2022
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GNBS IN FOCUS
QUEST MEDICAL LABORATORY RECERTIFIED BY GNBS
Quest
Medical
Laboratory
in
November
successfully
completed
its
fourth
recertification. The Medical laboratory received its certificate and a plaque from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) for its demonstrated commitment to maintaining the requirements of the GYS 170:2009 Standard (General requirements for the operation of a laboratory). The certificate and plaque were handed over to General
Manager
of
the
facility
Mrs.
Ratna
Budhu
and
Quality
Manager
Mrs.
Kulwantie Deochand- Mohabir.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
STEVE'S JEWELLERY RECERTIFIED BY GNBS
Steve's Jewellery was recertified by the GNBS to manufacture gold articles, giving assurance to customers that their products
meet quality and labelling requirements stipulated
in
the
company,
which
GYS has
50:
2010
maintain
Standard,
their
Specification
certification
for
for
almost
Gold two
Articles.
decades,
The was
presented with a plaque from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) for their commitment to standards and quality.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS TRAINED ON GYS 170 STANDARD The GNBS’ Business Development Department conducted an extensive training session
in November for fifteen (15) Laboratory Professionals on the GYS 170:2021 Standard
(General requirements for the operation of a laboratory). As a result of the training, the participants are now better equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement a management system that meets the requirements of the standard. Ultimately, this will improve the performance and reliability of tests results provided by the respective laboratories.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS PUBLISHED NEW AND REVISED NATIONAL STANDARDS The
GNBS
Standardisation
Department
with
support
from
the
various
Technical
Committees developed eleven (11) new National Standards so far for this year. These
standards relate to Natural gas, Fuel Oils, energy labelling and others. In addition, eleven (11) National Standards were revised. The documents are now available at the GNBS for acquisition and use by the various stakeholders.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
OUTREACH CONDUCTED IN ESSEQUIBO COAST
The Corporate Communications Department in collaboration with the GNBS Anna Regina
sub-office
conducted
an
outreach
in
Essequibo,
Region
2
where
approximately 70 students of the Charity Secondary and Cotton Field Secondary were
engaged.
functions
of
the
The
students
GNBS,
were
careers
given
in
the
Standards
opportunity and
the
to
learn
about
importance
of
the
key
using
the
International System of Units (Metric System). In addition, the team conducted a television programme, which was aired on the local television station RCA to create awareness of the GNBS core services.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
OFFICERS OF THE GUYANA FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY TRAINED ON ISO 9001 Six Officers of the Guyana Food Safety Authority (GFSA) were successfully trained on Understanding the Requirements of ISO 9001:2015 Standard to better understand the intent of the standard. Aspects covered include what needs to be done to build an ISO 9001:2015 system, upgrading the current system or integrating it with another management system, benefits of implementing the quality management system and the application of the requirements to a typical business environment.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS OPENS OFFICE IN MAHDIA, REGION EIGHT The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on November 30, 2021 opened its door to the people of Region #8, with a new sub-office located in central Mahdia. This new office allows for the expansion of the Bureau’s core services including the verification
of
measurements
and
product
monitoring
to
stakeholders
within
the
Region. The office was opened by the Hon. Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce
who
noted
“…this
milestone
signals
the
Government’s
commitment
to
decentralizing the services offered to citizens across the country.” Ms. Ramrattie Karan, Executive Director of the GNBS (Ag) also pointed out that the Bureau’s vision is to be the premier national institution for standards and quality in Guyana and to do so, it is important to have a physical presence in each of the Administrative Regions. The event was attended by Mr. Headley Pio, Regional Chairman, Mr. David Adams Mayor
of
Mahdia,
Mr.
Shaun
Britton
Deputy
Regional
Executive
Officer,
Senior
Superintendent Michael Kingston Regional Commander and others. The GNBS now has seven Sub-Offices across Guyana.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS TEAM ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS IN MAHDIA Executive
Director
(Ag)
of
the
GNBS
along
with
several
Heads
of
Departments
conducted meetings with Mr. David Adams, Mayor of Mahdia, Mr. Shaun Britton, Deputy Regional Executive Officer and other stakeholders during an outreach to the Region. In addition, the Corporate Communications Team conducted a live radio programme on NCN Mahdia and a lecture with for approximately 30 students of the Mahdia Secondary School. The students were given the opportunity to learn about the Core Services and key functions of the GNBS, careers in Standards and the importance of using the International System of Units (Metric System).
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GNBS IN FOCUS
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GET ACCREDITED | ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMPETENCE OF TESTING AND CALIBRATION LABORATORIES The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is an internationally recognised standard that specifies the general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories. ISO/IEC 17025 is useful for any organization that performs testing, sampling or calibration and wants reliable results. It enables laboratories to demonstrate that they operate competently and generate valid results, thereby promoting confidence in their work both nationally and around the
world.
This
standard
is
applicable
to
all
organizations
activities, regardless of the number of personnel.
performing
laboratory
GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS TRAINED SECOND BATCH OF PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES IN BLOCK MAKING The GNBS in collaboration with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) facilitated block making training for a second batch of persons living with disabilities in December. The training was completed at the Ruimveldt Respite Care Centre under the Community-based Employment Stimulation Project (CESP). The second training specifically catered for women and men living with various disabilities while the first only catered for visually impaired persons. The GNBS is working to ensure that locally manufactured concrete hollow blocks conform to the requirements of the Guyana Standard Specification for Load and Non-load Bearing Concrete Masonry Units (GYS 215:2021).
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS RE-CERTIFIED R. SOOKRAJ JEWELLERY As a result of its continued conformance to the National Standard, Specification of Gold Articles (GYS 50: 2010) R. Sookraj Jewellery was re-certified by the GNBS on December 15. A Certificate and Plaque were handed over to Manager, Mrs. Corena Sookraj
by
GNBS
Technical
Officer,
Mr.
Keon
Rankin
during
a
brief
ceremony.
Certification provides assurance to customers that gold jewellery manufactured for sale by this business have been tested for quality.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS PARTICIPATES IN 2021 CHRISTMAS VILLAGE To enhance its brand awareness, the GNBS participated for three days in this year’s Christmas Village held along Main Street Avenue. The event returned this year as a safe and fun family event. This allowed the Corporate Communications and Marketing Departments to interact with a wide cross-section of stakeholders. Flyers on GNBS Services and the SI Units were shared adults while toys, confectioneries and free face painting were provided to children. The first night saw appearances of the GNBS’ “Quality Santa's Elves” from the Finance Department.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS RECOGNISES FORMER DEPUTY PERMANENT SECRETARY The
former
Deputy
Permanent
Secretary
at
the
Ministry
of
Tourism,
Industry
and
Commerce Ms. Kim Stephen was formally recognised by the GNBS on December 17, 2021. The GNBS showed its appreciation to the Former DPS by presenting her with gifts and well wishes. In her brief remarks, she urged the staff to continue to do their best in their respective positions. She also thanked the Bureau for the pleasant surprise recognising her contributions to the GNBS and the wider public service.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
SPREADING CHEER & GOODWILL | HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE Toy, toys, and more toys! As it is the season of giving and sharing, the GNBS in demonstration of fulfilling its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was proud to bring
smiles
to
the
faces
of
the
children
at
the
Georgetown
Public
Hospital
Corporation (GPHC) Pediatric Ward by distributing toys and treats. GNBS is committed to the enhancement of national development and is proud to support and strengthen relations in communities across Guyana that we are a part of.
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GNBS IN FOCUS GNBS IN FOCUS
MEET THE GNBS TEAM
Team members featured in November & December
Shusheelwantie Ramnauth, Abzal Nerruddeen, Yogendra Prasad, Sean Beaton (Top row)
Haniel Wordsworth, Shaquille Eversley, Aishah Hussain, Richard Clarke, Tahal Ganesh (Bottom row)
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GNBS IN FOCUS
Training- Food Safety & HACCP January 25, 2022
Registration - Importers, Manufacturers & Dealers
Application - Made in Guyana
International Energy Conference and Expo February 15-18,2022 31
GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS TEAM BUILDING EXERCISES Inter-Office Christmas Decor Competition 2021 In an effort to bring excitement, boost morale and build team spirit, the GNBS hosted an “Inter-Office Christmas Decor Competition”, where the various departments showed their creativity by rocking out Christmas colours using various themes to reflect the holiday season.
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GNBS in Focus GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS TEAM BUILDING EXERCISES Inter-Office Christmas Decor Competition 2021
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS TEAM BUILDING EXERCISES :Diwali Lunch As we observed the festival of lights, team members from our Administration Department prepared a Diwali lunch for all employees. This activity is aimed at fostering employees' development and team-building capacity. The GNBS is committed to fostering employees' growth and development, through various team-building programmes by creating a cohesive and diversified working environment.
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GNBS in Focus GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS TEAM BUILDING EXERCISES Diwali Lunch
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS TEAM BUILDING EXERCISES December Last Friday Lunch
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C
EBRATIN L G E
36 YEARS
O
Y F Q T I UAL