GNBS in Focus
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GNBS IN FOCUS
Executive Director’s (Ag) Message – World Standards Day In
October,
we
celebrated
our
technical
teams
who
contribute to standards, our professionals who develop and work with standards, and our stakeholders who implement those standards; we celebrated standardisation as a global community.
World
Standards
Day
is
celebrated
on
October
14,
every
year. This year, the theme was, “Standards for Sustainable Development
Goals.”
standardisation
is
We
important
can
to
appreciate
creating
a
that
world
that
Ms.Ramrattie Karan Executive Director (Ag)
is
better, fairer and more sustainable.
Whether International or National, Standards offer solutions to everyday problems, create a level playing field and ensure
Aishah Hussain
quality in every aspect of our daily lives. The 17 SDGs, project to reduce hunger and poverty, reduce inequalities, climate these
improve
change are
while
health
increasing
attainable
guaranteeing
and
but
sustainability
education
economic
Standards to
Photo credits
tackle
growth.
are
safeguard
and
the
the
All
George DeFreitas Chelsea Lee
of
key
to
benefits
for
Editorial Contributors Lloyd David
future generations.
Bibi Khatoon The Guyana National Bureau of Standards has developed and
adopted
over
600
Standards
across
the
agriculture,
Concept & Design
health, construction, energy and other sectors. Under the tagline - “Creating a culture of quality through standards,” our
National
while
Standards
facilitating
Body
business
work
growth
to and
protect
consumers
development.
We
promote quality to certify that the products and services you pay for, work the way you want them to.
With the use of these documents, we work with stakeholders to promote accurate measurements, certify precise medical and
other
tests,
monitor
product
quality
and
reduce
inferiority.
The GNBS continues to work with stakeholders in every sector to
continuously
improve
and
implement
standards
for
the
benefit of all. We look forward to continued partnerships with regional and global standards organisation to join in creating a ‘Shared vision for a better world’.
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Chelsea Lee & Syeid Ibrahim
GNBS IN FOCUS
Table of Contents 04 15 27 28
NEW SERVICE LAUNCHED TO VERIFY SPEED GUNS IMEX LABORATORY CERTIFIED BY GNBS TO GYS 170:2009 STANDARD 2021 NATIONAL QUALITY AWARDS HOSTED
H.E MRS. ARYA ALI, FIRST LADY OF GUYANA UNVEILED THE MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFICATION MARK
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Executive Director's (Ag) Message- World Standards Day Members of The Guyana Society For The Blind Trained on Block Making Celebrating Amerindian Heritage Month with Standards and Quality Plastic Products Limited PVC Pipes Recertified by GNBS GNBS Staff Access Training on Crude Oil Testing and Analysis Training Catalogue GNBS Partners with Ministry of Health to Train Key Laboratory Professionals More Unapproved Dial Scales Seized from Main City Markets Imex Laboratory Certified by To GYS 170:2009 Standard Food Safety Authority Undergoes ‘Train the Trainers’ Programme Food Safety Authority Inspectors Undergo Three-Day Training at the GNBS
CODEX Committee Trust Fund Launched GNBS Verifies Weighbridge Scales, Moisture Meters at Rice Mills
GNBS IN FOCUS
Table of Contents 33 34
D & S RAMDEHOLL & SONS CERTIFIED FOR THE FIRST TIME Cares-worth Medical Centre Laboratory On Board GNBS Certification Programme
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GNBS Seizes Cigarettes for Failure to Meet Labelling Requirements
Mini Expo Hosted to Promote Key Services GRDB Central Laboratory Recertified GNBS, GTA & THAG Collaborate for Awareness on Standards Hosted 15 Companies Awarded At 2021 National Quality Awards Made In Guyana Certification Mark Launched Training Catalogue Former Chairperson of The NSC Recognized at NQA 2021 Employees Awarded for Continuous Commitment
GNBS Recertifies Pesticides And Toxic Chemicals Control Board Laboratory D & S Ramdeholl & Sons Certified for the First time Cares-worth Medical Centre Laboratory On Board GNBS Certification Programme Breast Cancer Walk & Information Session
GNBS IN FOCUS
NEW SERVICE LAUNCHED TO VERIFY SPEED GUNS On October 06, 2021, the GNBS launched its newest service to verify the speed guns used by Traffic Ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
The
service
will
be
rolled
out
using
the
newly
acquired
MultaRadar
Equipment
and
Compact Device.
The launch followed a two-day training on the Commissioning & Use of the MultaRadar Equipment and Compact Device for Inspectors of the GNBS and Ranks of the Guyana Police Force, by Solutions Architect Manager, Mr. Corlan McDonald of JENOPTIK.
Executive Director (Ag) of the GNBS, Ms. Ramrattie Karan pointed out that accuracy is key when using a measuring instrument. She noted that the acquisition of the equipment followed several complaints that the Speed guns used by Police Officers on the roadways, may not be delivering accurate readings.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
MEMBERS OF THE GUYANA SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRAINED ON BLOCK MAKING The GNBS on September 22 and 23 conducted a two-day training session for Block Makers who are members of the Guyana Society for the Blind.
The training formed part of a collaboration between the Bureau and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). The block makers were given the opportunity to learn about the requirements of the National Standard for concrete hollow blocks, the technique for blockmaking and GNBS’ testing and certification programmes for the product.
During
a
short
opening
ceremony
at
the
Blind
Institute,
High
Street,
Georgetown
on
Wednesday, September 22, 2021, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Hon. Oneidge Walrond stated that there is a need to ensure durable blocks are manufactured locally to supply growing demands.
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The Corporate Communications Department, in observance of Amerindian Heritage Month under the theme “Maintaining our traditional integrity, celebrating our cultural identity,” virtually engaged the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs on standards related to indigenous products. The meeting was conducted in
collaboration
with
the
Business
Development
Department
to
share
information
on
not
only
the
standards but also training and other available opportunities for future partnerships.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
PLASTIC PRODUCTS LIMITED PVC PIPES RECERTIFIED BY GNBS On September 14, the GNBS recertified PVC pipes manufactured by Plastic Products Limited (PPL) for continually meeting the requirements of the standards, which serves to ensure quality products are sold on the local market.
The company received the certificate which permits it to use the GNBS Standards Mark on pipes manufactured.
Two plaques were also handed over to the company for display in its sale outlets to boost consumer confidence.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS STAFF ACCESS TRAINING ON CRUDE OIL TESTING AND ANALYSIS The GNBS partnered with Southern Petroleum Laboratories Inc. (SPL Inc.), a global leader in the testing, inspection, and certification services.
This partnership was established to facilitate two weeks of extensive training on crude oil testing and analytical methods at their Center of Excellence in Houston.
GNBS Laboratory Technicians also were able to visit the SPL Arlington, Texas facility for an introduction to numerous finished products and testing procedures.
The
training
included
instrument-specific
method
operation;
development,
as
well
as
proper
login
QA/QC
procedures,
procedures,
utilizing
and
proprietary
SureChem laboratory information management software.
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OCTOBER - DECEMBER, 2021
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS PARTNERS WITH MINISTRY OF HEALTH TO TRAIN KEY LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) in partnership with the Ministry of Health conducted a three-day training session on the Guyana Standard GYS 170:2009
–
‘General
requirements
for
the
operation
of
a
laboratory,’
to
key
laboratory professionals in public health institutions.
This partnership served to enhance the capabilities of public laboratories from various
regions
equipped
with
in
Guyana.
the
It
allowed
knowledge
and
laboratory skills
to
professionals develop
and
management system that meets the requirements of the standard.
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to
be
further
implement
a
GNBS IN FOCUS
MORE UNAPPROVED DIAL SCALES SEIZED FROM MAIN CITY MARKETS On September 6, a team of GNBS Inspectors, accompanied by Ranks of the Guyana Police force (GPF) engaged in a market surveillance exercise to seize and remove defective and unapproved devices in use.
This exercise was conducted at the Stabroek and Bourda Markets where there seems to be the pervasive use of the unapproved dial scales. As a result, 50 dial scales, which were not approved for commercial trade, were seized and removed from vendors. Vendors and shopkeepers, are urged to do the right thing, which is to acquire and use devices approved for trade.
Meanwhile consumers, to safeguard yourself, avoid making purchases from vendors and shopkeepers who are bent on selling from the unapproved devices.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
IMEX LABORATORY CERTIFIED BY GNBS TO GYS 170:2009 STANDARD A new laboratory –IMEX Incorporated Laboratory – has been certified by the GNBS to the GYS 170:2009 Standard, General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory.
Certified laboratories ensure that customers receive accurate and reliable results whenever their services are utilised.
In a brief ceremony, the certificate and a plaque were handed over to the Laboratory Manager, Mr. Harrinarine Balram and Laboratory’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eliyah Yehudah by GNBS Executive Director (Ag.), Ms. Ramrattie Karan and Technical Officers of the GNBS, Mr. Keon Rankin and Ms. Rosmarie Liliah.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY UNDERGOES ‘TRAIN THE TRAINERS’ PROGRAMME Inspectors completed Practices
and a and
Officers
three-day Food
of
the
“Train
Safety
Guyana the
Food
Trainers”
Requirements
Safety
Authority
programme as
it
on
relates
(GFSA)
Good
to
successfully
Manufacturing
Understanding
the
Requirements of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) System.
This programme will help participants involved in food safety monitoring at farms and other facilities to better execute their functions.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY INSPECTORS UNDERGO THREE-DAY TRAINING AT THE GNBS Inspectors
&
Officers
of
the
Guyana
Food
Safety
Authority
(GFSA)
successfully
completed a three-day “Train the Trainers” programme on Good Manufacturing Practices and Food Safety Requirements.
The training, which was provided by the Business Development Department of the GNBS, allowed participants to have a good understanding of the Requirements of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) System.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
CODEX COMMITTEE TRUST FUND LAUNCHED The
National
International
CODEX Food
Committee
Standards
which
developed
supports by
the
the
adoption
CODEX
and
promotion
Alimentarius
of
Commission
launched its Trust Fund Project 2, Round 4 project under the theme "Promoting Food Safety Standards for Healthier Guyana".
As the Codex Contact Point (CCP) since 1985, the GNBS supported this activity which is an investment in a healthier and safer Guyana.
The Bureau functions as the link between the Codex Secretariat and Guyana; more specifically, policymakers, regulators, and those in the local food sector.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS VERIFIES WEIGHBRIDGE SCALES, MOISTURE METERS AT RICE MILLS As the second rice crop commenced in 2021, the GNBS embarked Scales
on
and
the
verification
Moisture
Meters
of at
several rice
Weighbridge
mills
across
the
country.
The
devices
are
used
for
measuring
when
purchasing
paddy from farmers to ensure accurate payments are made.
The
GNBS’
Communications
and
Legal
Metrology
Departments, to raise awareness on the services, also conducted a sensitization session at the Hakh Rice Mill at Harlem, West Coast Demerara (WCD).
During the social media live interview, tips were shared for
both
millers
and
farmers
to
ensure
smooth
transactions during the rice crop.
In addition, a similar social media live was conducted with
the
Product
Compliance
Services
Department
highlight the Bureau’s role in monitoring of tyres.
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to
GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS SEIZES CIGARETTES FOR FAILURE TO MEET LABELLING REQUIREMENTS Inspectors of the GNBS’ Product Compliance Services Department seized five hundred and forty-two (542) packs of cigarettes which do not meet the requirements of the National Standard “GYS 9-3:2014 Labelling of Tobacco Products” and the Tobacco Control Regulation of 2018.
The items were seized from sale outlets in Regions Three (3), Four (4), Five (5) and Six (6) during August to October, 2021.
The brands of cigarettes seized were; Atlanta, Milano, SPEED, Marshal, Bulls and Bears, Aurora, Record, Silver Elephant, 51, Royal, Darkis, Indosu and Nashville.
Some of the seized packages were not labelled in English or did not include a pictorial warning as specified by the Tobacco Control Regulation.
Meanwhile, others failed to include pertinent information relating to the constituents and emission information, name and address of the manufacturer, importer or distributor, and the product’s manufacturing date and batch number.
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Contact our Business Development Team today! Call: 219-0066 E-Mail: bss@gnbsgy.org WhatsApp: 692-GNBS (4627)
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
GNBS IN FOCUS
MINI EXPO HOSTED TO PROMOTE KEY SERVICES The GNBS’ Marketing Department in October partnered with the Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) at the Giftland Mall to host a Mini Information Expo.
Members of the public were invited to meet and interact with officers of the GNBS, to learn about the core services, consumer tips and how to help accelerate growth and development of small and medium-sized businesses.
Head
of
Marketing,
Mr.
Syeid
Ibrahim
and
Marketing
Officer,
George
DeFreitas
interacted with several persons throughout the day during which they shared information on other key services offered by the Bureau.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GRDB CENTRAL LABORATORY RECERTIFIED October
is
Agriculture
Month but this year it was also
exciting
for
the
Guyana Rice Development Board
(GRDB),
received for
its
which
re-certification
Central
Laboratory
from the GNBS on October 12.
The
Rice
received
a
Board
also
plaque
for
its
commitment to maintaining the GYS
requirements 170:2009
(General the
of
the
Standard
requirements
operation
for
of
a
laboratory).
The
GNBS
team
presented Certification
also two
stickers
for
placement at the entrance of the laboratory facility.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS, GTA & THAG COLLABORATE FOR AWARENESS ON STANDARDS The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) on October 18 partnered with the GNBS to host an awareness session for Restaurateurs.
The session sought to promote standards applicable to the restaurant industry and covered areas with respect to Quality Management, Food Safety and Standards applicable to Restaurants.
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Key Highlights of the Week
Winner of LIKE & SHARE $50,000 PROMO - Maharani Jainarain
Launch of Made in Guyana Certification Mark
#Free Food Safety Training held
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Key Highlights of the Week Overall NQA Winners
NAMILCO Inc.
Steve's Jewellery
Massy Gas Products Guyana Ltd.
Morning Glory Inc.
St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital Medical Laboratory
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GNBS IN FOCUS
15 COMPANIES AWARDED AT 2021 NATIONAL QUALITY AWARDS The GNBS hosted its third National Quality Awards
(NQA)
attended
by
Ceremony,
First
Lady,
which
Mrs.
was
Arya
Ali,
Government Ministers and Members of the Diplomatic
Corps,
among
other
special
invitees.
NQA 2021 saw the participation of thirtysix (36) companies. Winners were awarded in five overall categories. The categories were
Manufacturing;
which
was
won
by
NAMILCO Inc., Services; which was won by Massy Gas Products (Guyana) Ltd., Small Business
Manufacturing;
won
by
Steve’s
Jewellery and Small Business Services; won by
St.
Joseph
Mercy
Hospital
Medical
Laboratory.
Morning
Glory
Inc.
copped
the
overall
award for Agro-Processing.
Additionally, specific awards for customerfocus, continuous improvement, and health & safety and environmental initiatives were presented to successful companies.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFICATION MARK LAUNCHED Her
Excellency
First
Lady
of
the
Co-
operative Republic of Guyana, Mrs. Arya Ali
unveiled
the
GNBS
Made
in
Guyana
Certification Mark in the presence of the Chairperson Council
of
the
Mr.Vladim
Executive
Director
National Persaud (Ag.)
Standards and
GNBS
Ms.Ramrattie
Karan.
The Made in Guyana certification mark is a registered
mark
recognition
that
to
aims
locally
to
provide
manufactured
products. It focuses on creating national competitiveness
for
authentic
Guyanese
products certified under the Programme, while also creating and promoting brand recognition
of
locally
manufactured
Guyanese Products.
The
Made
in
Guyana
Certification
Mark
Programme will provide a framework for the development of Quality Systems within local
content
thus
enabling
a
quality
revolution, pushing Guyanese businesses to the
forefront
of
quality
on
national
,regional, and international levels.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
FORMER CHAIRPERSON OF THE NSC RECOGNIZED AT NQA 2021 Carole Fletcher was associated with the Bureau from
the 1990’s when she served on the National Standards Council. During her tenure, Carole is remembered for championing the concerns of stakeholders.
In the 1990’s, she emigrated abroad and returned after some years as an investor and founded one of the most successful
call
centers,
employing
several
hundred
young Guyanese, mostly girls.
But the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and its works
never
left
her
thoughts
and
she
returned
as
Chairperson of the National Standards Council in 2018 and served for two years.
Carole Fletcher
As an avid businessperson, serving at the Bureau was an effortless sacrifice to introduce technical business and administrative expertise to the Bureau.
Honorary Award for
Commitment to Standards and Quality
Serving as Chairperson, Carole continued to perfect the
procedures
efficiency
and
for
servicing
our
in
working
out
stakeholders a
blueprint
with for
modernizing the National Building Code.
Carole
Fletcher
stands
out
as
an
example
of
how
private sector persons could strengthen and enrich the work of the Bureau and how welcome they would be.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
EMPLOYEES AWARDED FOR CONTINUOUS COMMITMENT The GNBS hosted its Long Serving Awards during National Quality Week for employees who have been with the Bureau for five, ten and twenty years, respectively. Notably, the Bureau’s Executive Director (Ag.), Ms. Ramrattie Karan along with the Senior Information Officer, Ms. Roxan Bourne were awarded for their 20 years of service at the GNBS. Other awardees included the Head of the Information & Technology, David Cummings and Driver, Jerome Troyer who served for ten years, and Inspectors Jose Skeete and Dillon Roopchand who served for five years. In attendance at the event was Hon. Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Mr. Vladim Persaud, Chairperson of the National Standards Council. The annual event, which is held during National Quality Week, also allows for a time of fun and fellowship among staff members.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
GNBS RECERTIFIES PESTICIDES AND TOXIC CHEMICALS CONTROL BOARD LABORATORY TThe
GNBS
on
October
27,
re-certified
the
Pesticides
and
Toxic
Chemicals
Control Board Laboratory to the Guyana Standard GYS 170: 2009 Standard (General requirements for the operation of a laboratory). This certification process is done biennially following a successful audit based on the
requirements
customers
receive
of
the
Standard.
accurate
and
Certification
reliable
results
provides
and
is
assurance
adhering
to
that
quality
requirements. The
laboratory
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 the Head of the
GNBS
Certification
Services
Department,
Ms.
Andrea
Mendonca,
to
the
Quality Manager of Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board Laboratory, Ms. Raedawn Nedd-La Rose in the presence of Senior Chemist, Ms. Rhea Benn and Analytical Specialist, Ms. Reshma Bissessar.
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GNBS IN FOCUS
MEET THE GNBS TEAM
Team members featured in September & October
Executive Director (Ag), Ms. Ramrattie Karan, Compton Batson, Jerome Troyer, Jose Skeete
(Top row)
Manog Primo, Maurice Phillips, Ronaldo Persaud, Sabiah Abrahim, Shonette Pearson (Bottom row)
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GNBS IN FOCUS
D & S Ramdeholl & Sons Certified for the First time
D & S Ramdeholl & Son Jewellery was on October 26, certified for the first time to the Guyana Standard GYS 50: 2010, Specification of Gold Articles (12 Karat and 14 Karat). The owner of the business, Mr. Deepnarine Ramdeholl and his son Mr. Sachin Ramdeholl expressed heartfelt gratitude to the GNBS for working with them to achieve certification of their product. Head
of
the
congratulated
GNBS both
Certification
businesses
for
Services
the
efforts
Department, made
to
Ms.
achieve
Andrea
Mendonca
certification
of
their
services and product. “We want to thank you for choosing to uphold standards in your operations. We want to commend
you
and
may
you
continue
to
strive
for
excellence
and
maintain
this
certification,” she encouraged. A certificate and plaque were handed over in a brief ceremony by GNBS Head (Ag.) of Certification
Services
Department,
Ms.
Andrea
Mendonca
to
proprietors
of
Ramdeholl & Son Jewellery, Mr. Sachin Ramdeholl and Mr. Deepnarine Ramdheholl.
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D
&
S
GNBS IN FOCUS
Cares-worth Medical Centre Laboratory On Board GNBS Certification Programme Cares-worth Medical Centre Laboratory is the newest Laboratory to be certified to Guyana Standard
GYS
Requirements
170:2009
for
the
–
“General
Operation
of
a
Laboratory”. The
Certificate
handed
over
along
by
the
with
a
Head
of
plaque the
was
GNBS’
Certification Services Department, Ms. Andrea Mendonca
to
General
Manager
of
the
Laboratory Ms. Bibi Nafeeza Bacchus at the facility’s
Carmichael
Street,
North
Cummingsburg, Georgetown location. Bacchus, in an invited comment, said she is proud of this achievement since it will promote accuracy and efficiency, and increase clients’ confidence in the services offered by the laboratory. The laboratory certification is valid for two years during which, the GNBS will routinely conduct audits
to
ensure
that
the
clinical
facility
continues to maintain the requirements of the standard.
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GNBS in Focus
Opening of Sub-Office Mahdia
Business Development Training Holiday Shopping Tips
Consumer Protection Mini Expo GNBS in 30 Special Edition 35
GNBS SOCIAL
GNBS in Focus
BREAST CANCER WALK & INFORMATION SESSION
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) , the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Competition and Consumers Affairs Commission (CCAC), held a walk chanting "early detection saves lives", to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with those who have been diagnosed with, survived or would have passed on due to breast cancer. An information session was also held about breast cancer, inclusive of a Q&A segment.
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C
EBRATIN L G E
36 YEARS
O
Y F Q T I UAL