GNBS in Focus
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GNBS IN FOCUS
Executive Director’s (Ag) Message – Caricom Day CARICOM Day Greetings from the GNBS to all Nationals residing in the Region and the Diaspora. CARICOM has had many successes since its establishment including the formation of its Organisation
for
Standards
and
Quality
–
Ms.Ramrattie Karan Executive Director (Ag)
CROSQ –exactly two decades ago on July 05,
2001.
Standards including
Through Bodies
the
CROSQ,
across
Guyana
National
member
National
states
Bureau
of
Photo credits Aishah Hussain
Standards (GNBS) are able to incessantly promote
efficiency
and
competitive
production of goods and services across the Region. The
GNBS
is
proud
to
do
its
part
in
the
process of regional integration through the process
of
Standardisation
and
the
verification of quality. This serves to remove barriers to trade and is in tandem with the Communications CARICOM’
being
strengthen
the
Campaign rolled
spirit
of
out
this
‘I
AM
year
community
in
to the
region. The GNBS looks forward to working with its regional
counterparts
to
promote
greater
cooperation and the implementation of the Regional Quality Infrastructure programme. #WeAreCARICOM
01
George DeFreitas Syeid Ibrahim
Editorial Contributors Lloyd David Bibi Khatoon
Concept & Design Aishah Hussain
GNBS IN FOCUS
Table of Contents 16
05
05
GNBS COLLABORATES
22
01
Executive Director's (Ag) Message- Caricom Day
WITH IICA AND GCCI
03
GNBS Welcomes New National Standards Council
06
ANAMAYAH MEMORIAL HOSPITAL LABORATORY RECERTIFIED
04
MOU Signed with American Petroleum Institute to Improve Support Services
12
Business Development Officers Conduct Training on Food Safety Requirements
16
GNBS STAFF COP 1st
13
EMANCIPATION
Over 6,000 Substandard Electrical Items Destroyed
and 3rd PLACE PRIZES 14
GNBS Standards Portal Launched
15
GNBS Partners with NAREI to Train Staff
17
Oil And Gas Inspectors Trained
Half Weights and
18
Meet The GNBS Team
Measures Activities
19
Tips For Millers/ Farmers
20
GNBS Recertifies GAFSONS Concrete
COMPETITION
22
GNBS Completes First
Hollow Blocks 21
Inspectors Trained to Better Monitor Domestic Gas Stoves
23
Upcoming Events
02
GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS WELCOMES NEW NATIONAL STANDARDS COUNCIL The GNBS in August welcomed a new National Standards Council (NSC), chaired by Mr.
Vladim Persaud, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works. Mr. Persaud in his first address at the Bureau highlighted that the Government is committed to providing support to the GNBS to ensure its functions are carried out optimally. Additionally, he stated that the NSC is pleased to commence its leadership of the GNBS and is committed to effectively guide and support the GNBS as it serves all sectors. The council is vicechaired by Ms. Natasha Beerjit-Deonarine, while the other members of the NSC are Mr. Patrick Dial, Mr. Robert Anthony Ross, Mr. Maxwell Johnson, Ms. Nicola Namdeo, Ms. Thandi McAllister
and
the
Executive
Director
(Ag)
Ms.
Ramrattie
Karan
who
is
an
Ex-Officio
member.
Mr. Vladim Persaud Chairman
Mr. Patrick Dial Member
Ms. Nicola Namdeo Member
03
Ms. Natasha Beerjit-Deonarine Vice-Chairperson
Mr. Robert Anthony Ross Member
Ms. Thandi McAllister Member
Mr. Maxwell Johnson Member
Ms. Ramrattie Karan Executive Director (Ag), GNBS Ex-Officio
GNBS IN FOCUS
04
GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS COLLABORATES WITH IICA AND GCCI TO TRAIN AGRO-PROCESSORS/FOOD MANUFACTURERS
Through a collaboration with the Inter- American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the GNBS Business Development Department in August provided training to nine (9) agroprocessors/food manufacturers on Food Safety Prerequisites for accessing export markets. The training, hosted in the GNBS Boardroom of the GNBS’, was geared towards raising participants’ awareness of key food safety prerequisites necessary to enhance consumer acceptance of their products in the increasingly competitive local, regional and international markets. In
addition,
the
Business
Development
Department
also
partnered
with
the
Georgetown
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) to facilitate a two-day training programme for Agro-processors
and
Food
Manufacturers
on
Understanding
Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) System.
05
the
Requirements
of
Hazard
GNBS IN FOCUS
ANAMAYAH MEMORIAL HOSPITAL LABORATORY RECERTIFIED TO GYS 170:2009 STANDARD
Having successfully maintained the requirements of the GYS 170:2009 Standard “General requirements for the operation of a laboratory,” the Anamayah Memorial Hospital Laboratory was on August 19 recertified under the GNBS’ Certification Programme. The hospital also received a plaque from the GNBS for its continued conformance to the standard. In a brief ceremony, the plaque and certificate were handed over by GNBS Technical Officer, Latchman Mootoosammi, to the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ian Anamayah in the presence of
Medical
Director,
Dr.
Ryan
Anamayah
and
the
Laboratory’s
Quality
Manager,
Ms.
Raywattie Hoosain. The GNBS team also presented two Certification stickers to the laboratory, and these were placed at the entrance of the facility to signal to customers that the laboratory is certified.
06
September - October, 2021
Risk-Based Thinking
August 31 – September 01, 2021 | 8:30h – 16:00h
Data Analysis
September 02-03, 2021 | 8:30h – 16:00h
Process Mapping September 06-07, 2021 | 8:30h – 16:00h
Understanding the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 Standard September 13-14, 2021
Good Agricultural Practices
October 25-26, 2021 | 08:30h – 16:00h
GNBS IN FOCUS
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS CONDUCT TRAINING ON FOOD SAFETY REQUIREMENTS Officers of the Business Development Department facilitated a three-day “Train the Trainers” programme on good manufacturing practices and Food Safety requirements
for
officers
of
the
Guyana
Food
Safety
Authority
(GFSA).
The
training focused on understanding the requirements of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) System. It will enable those who participated to share information and conduct training exercises with Food Manufacturers to help them systematically manage food safety in their operations. In addition, eight Agro-processors and Food Manufacturers have completed a two-day training programme on understanding the requirements of the HACCP System, to better manage food safety in their operations.
12
GNBS IN FOCUS
OVER 6,000 SUBSTANDARD ELECTRICAL ITEMS DESTROYED The Product Compliance Department
Electrical items are monitored based on
of
31
the
6,867
GNBS
seized
substandard
and
electrical
fittings
mandatory
Importers
and
Dealers
are
to
which can be purchased at the GNBS.
which
include
In
receptacles,
Product Compliance Services underwent
outlets,
knife
Inspectors
were
Equipment, Fittings, and Appliances that
July
19
following
on
our
a
on
session
of
switches and surge protective devices, destroyed
training
the
standards,
breakers, lamp holders, power cords, power
addition,
mandatory
urged
2021.
items
the
standards.
adhere
These
to
national
and equipment during the first half of
Electrical
approval for destruction.
are monitored by the GNBS. This training
The destroyed items were seized from
session,
which
sale outlets in Regions Three and Four
offered
guidance
after
test
accurately identify the various labeling
certificates or certificates of origin of
requirements of all electrical equipment,
the products. There were also cases
fittings, and appliances in accordance
where there were no labels in keeping
with the standards.
dealers
failed
to
provide
with the National Standard.
13
destroyed
lasted to
for
two
days
Inspectors
to
GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS STANDARDS PORTAL LAUNCHED With
over
500
readily
available
national standards, the GNBS has launched its Standards Portal. The portal,
which
is
accessible
https://gnbsguy.com/
@
provides
real-time updates, the scope of the standards them
and
further
according
to
classifies
their
status,
which includes those that are under review. The portal was welcomed by Executive Director (Ag) of the GNBS,
Ms.
Ramrattie
Karan
who
noted, “… the portal is timely, as it provides
a
public
stakeholders
to
platform
access
about
available
including
those,
for
details
standards
which
will
be
adopted from API.” Manufacturers, suppliers
and
other
stakeholders
are encouraged to visit the GNBS’ website
to
access
Portal
and
the
determine
standards apply to them.
14
Standards what
GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS PARTNERS WITH NAREI TO TRAIN STAFF GNBS in collaboration with National Agricultural & Research Extension Institute (NAREI) on July 01 conducted an internal capacity building training session with Inspectors of the Bureau. Participants were taught simple methods to establish a kitchen garden and other good agriculture practices. This training is part of a one-year staff development programme, which will take place quarterly. It covers three components: products and offering services, life hacks and soft skill programming.
15
GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS STAFF COP 1st and 3rd PLACE PRIZES IN Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce EMANCIPATION COMPETITION Hon. Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce on August 17 presented a trophy and prizes to two staff of the GNBS’ Industrial Metrology and Testing Department who copped first and third places in the Ministry's and its Sub-Agencies Emancipation Day Attire Competition. First
Place
Matbadal
Winnerreceived
Mr. their
Executive Director (Ag).
16
Klondyke prizes
in
Rodney the
and
Third
presence
Ms.
Place
Winner-Mr.
Ramrattie
Karan,
Vishnu GNBS
GNBS IN FOCUS
OIL AND GAS INSPECTORS TRAINED inspectors
of
participated
our
in
a
Oil
&
Gas
Capacity
Department
Building
training
programme on Petroleum Measurements in July. This training was part of a two-week programme facilitated by the University of Texas (PETEX). It will aid in building Inspectors’ competence in the monitoring
of
the
custody
transfer
process
of
Guyana’s Crude Oil as production moves apace. As the National Measurement Institute, the GNBS plays a critical role in the country’s oil and gas industry. The Bureau is responsible for ensuring that measuring instruments used on the Floating Production
Storage
and
Offloading
(FPSO)
vessel is verified to deliver the right quantity of crude to tankers offshore.
17
GNBS IN FOCUS
MEET THE GNBS TEAM
Team members featured in July & August
Tarla Parasram, Klondyke Rodney, Jo-Ann Busgith, George DeFreitas (Top row)
Rondell Henry, Vishnu Ramlagan, Sheri-Ann Husbands, Lionel Schultz, Latchman Mootoosammi (Bottom row)
18
GNBS IN FOCUS
TIPS FOR MILLERS/ FARMERS
As rice farmers and millers commence the second rice crop for 2021, the GNBS is encouraging them to ensure transparency the buying selling process of paddy, including the use of verified measuring devices at mills. Below are a number of tips farmers and millers should consider during transactions.
Farmers should: Be present at mills to oversee measuring of paddy sold to millers. Ensure scales and moisture meters are stamped by the GNBS. Ensure commercial moisture meters are used by millers. Ensure that the indication on the scale and moisture meter is at zero before weighing or measuring commences.
Millers should: Ensure scales, masses and moisture meters are verified by the GNBS prior to use. Ensure competent personnel are assigned to conduct measurements. Determine moisture and dockage using specified instruments and not estimate same. Facilitate
the
witnessing
of
the
weighing
of
their
paddy
and
the
determination of moisture and dockage content by farmers. Ensure all transactions are conducted in metric units of measurement. Promptly address queries raised by farmers to ensure transparency.
19
GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS RECERTIFIES GAFSONS CONCRETE HOLLOW BLOCKS TThe GNBS on July 12 recertified four-inch concrete Gafsons
hollow
Industries
Standard Load
blocks
manufactured
Limited
GYS
215:2003
Bearing
Masonry
to
the
by
Guyana
Specification Concrete
for
Units
(Reapproved 2018). This certification process is done annually following a successful audit based on the requirements of the Standard. Certification
provides
assurance
to
customers that the product has been tested and is adhering to qualityrequirements. A certificate permitting the use of the GNBS Standards
Mark
presented
to
Manager Head
of
Mr.
along the
a
Plaque
company's
Bharath
GNBS
with
Rampersad
Certification
was
Factory by
the
Services
Department, Ms. Andrea Mendonca.
20
GNBS IN FOCUS
INSPECTORS TRAINED TO BETTER MONITOR DOMESTIC GAS STOVES Inspectors
of
our
Product
Compliance
Services
Department
in
July
completed an in-house training session on Domestic Gas Stoves for use with Liquefied Petroleum Gases. The training session aimed at enabling the Officers to improve their understanding and to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct inspections in accordance with the
respective
national
standards.
Inspectors
monitor
Stoves under the GNBS Product Compliance programme.
21
domestic
Gas
GNBS IN FOCUS
The GNBS has commenced its second period of verification for this year, to ensure
all
weighing
and
measuring
devices used for trade are accurate, including those at markets and shops across
the
country.
Known
stamping
exercise,
commenced
on
July
as
the
verification 12
and
will
VERIFICATION OF MEASURING DEVICES ONGOING FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 2021
continue into September. With the use of a mobile stamping bus in Regions four and three, and at offices across the
country,
verify
all
specified
the
GNBS
measuring by
the
1981
is
working
devices Weights
to as
and
Measures Act. Vendors check
and
our
shopkeepers,
page,
you the
can daily
newspapers and listen to the radio to know when we’ll be at a location near you.
22
GNBS in Focus
National Quality Awards
World Standards Day 2021 Amerindian Heritage Activities Consumer Protection Mini Expo Business Development New Training Courses 23
C
EBRATIN L G E
36 YEARS
O
Y F Q T I UAL