GNBS IN FOCUS NEWSLETTER JAN-FEB 2024

GUYANA ENERGY CONFERENCE & SUPPLY CHAIN EXPO RETURNS

MR. AL DONAVON FRASER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (AG.)

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards - Creating a Culture of Quality through Standards.

Greetings!

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) kicked off the year on a positive note, having certified new laboratories and agroprocessors under its Laboratory and Made in Guyana Certification Programmes, respectively In this regard, six (6) companies were granted recertification

Additionally, works continued with companies that are actively receiving Technical Assistance from the GNBS to develop their systems in accordance with International Standards

In January, the Bureau commenced the Verification and Calibration of Measuring Instruments for the new year

Our Product Compliance team commenced the registration of importers, dealers and manufacturers, and continued to monitor their products

The Corporate Communications Team also collaborated with sister agencies, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) and the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) to conduct highly interactive and engaging school lectures with the Business Students at nine (9) secondary schools in Region Three (3).

On the other hand, we provided Standards requested by various stakeholders and trained one hundred and twenty-six (126) persons on the requirements of National and International Standards.

Meanwhile, in February, the GNBS team and conducted a regional outreach and school lectures in Region Six (6), to promote the use of GNBS Core Services, the use of Standards and accurate measurement services

Additionally, the team participated in the Guyaan Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, held under the theme “Fuelling Transformation and Modernisation”

The GNBS is continually working to improve its efficiency and drive business growth in all sectors of the economy.

As we work to create a culture of Quality through Standards in Guyana, we urge stakeholders to continue with us on this journey

Our doors remain open to serve you!

Editorial Contributors

Lloyd David

Paul Singh

Marketing and Promotions

Syeid Ibrahim

George De Frietas

TOP STORIES

02

GNBS certifies the NB Veterinary Clinical Laboratory

02

GNBS continues to provide Trainings in February 2024

03 GuyanaEnergy

GNBS kick-starts the year with back-to-back school lectures

05

GNBS certifies several companies

KRAFTIA’S GRANTED FIRST MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFICATION FOR 2024

The GNBS proudly welcomed its first certification of 2024 on January 10

Kraftia’s was granted the esteemed privilege to display the Made in Guyana Standards Mark on their locally manufactured Coconut Shell products including Coconut Cups, Coconut Decanters, Coconut Wine Goblets, Coconut Ash trays, Coconut Soap Dishes, Coconut Chandeliers and Coconut Bowls

The certificate was formally presented in the boardroom of the GNBS Head Office, located at the National Exhibition Complex, Sophia, Georgetown by GNBS Head of Certification Services, Mr. Keon Rankin to Proprietress and Designer of Kraftia’s, Ms Marlloyd Kyte

Kraftia’s, located at 356 Powis Close, South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown, now joins the Made In Guyana list of enterprises that benefits from market recognition and the elevation of quality of their local products

The certification is valid for one year, after which an opportunity for recertification is granted

GNBS COMMENCES MOBILE VERIFICATION FOR FIRST HALF OF 2024

On January 16, the Bureau commenced the mobile verification of all weighing and measuring instruments used at markets and shops countrywide.

These mobile exercises commenced at the Stabroek Market, Georgetown followed by the Bourda and Kitty Markets later in the week.

The verification of measuring instruments every six months (twice yearly) prevents consumers from receiving inaccurate measurements for items they purchase.

By virtue of the 1981 Weights & Measures Act, the GNBS is mandated to verify all scales, masses, measures, storage tanks, flow meters, measuring rules, electricity meters, petrol pumps and all other measuring instruments used in commerce

With the commencement of verification of these instruments for 2024, consumers are being urged to check for the GNBS approval seals when making purchases

For easy determination, the GNBS affixes an approval seal to any measuring instrument it has verified For verified masses and measures used in retail, these are stamped G N B S

The GNBS’ commitment to ensuring measurement accuracy is vital, not just because it instills confidence in buyers and suppliers, but also because it contributes to the overall reliability of transactions

The GNBS continued to utilize its mobile stamping bus to conduct the verification of measuring instruments at key markets and other publicized locations Advertisements indicating the schedule for mobile stamping are being published in local newspapers, on radio, television and on the GNBS Facebook page

Last year, over 33,000 measuring instruments were verified, and with the expansion in commerce, and it is anticipated that more will be done in 2024

GNBS CONDUCTS SUCCESSFUL BACK-TOBACK TRAININGS ON ISO 9001:2015

The GNBS Business Development (BDD) Team started the ball rolling early in the new year with its scheduled training programmes

The BDD Officers facilitated a one-day training on January 22 on the Quality Management System Principles

This training was geared towards enhancing the capabilities of laboratory professionals in Guyana, and to further equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement a management system that meets the requirements of the standard

This training is applicable to all organizations performing laboratory activities

A total of twelve (12) participants from the Pesticide and Toxic Chemicals Control Board, Quest Medical Centre Inc , Farfan and Mendes, the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department along with staff of the GNBS

Meanwhile, a three-day training course on Understanding the Requirements of ISO 9001:2015, Quality Management Systems Standard was conducted from January 23 – January 25.

This Quality Management Systems Course assisted the twenty (20) participants to understand the intent of the ISO 9001 standard, offered guidance on how to build a QMS in their respective organisations

It also provided ways to upgrade their current system or how to integrate it with another management system

Participants were from the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department, Farfan and Mendes, Quality Fast Food and Bakery, Caricom Rice Mills, Edward B Beharry and Company Ltd , and staff of the GNBS

HUAQI HEALTH SERVICES

MEDICAL LABORATORY LEADS AS FIRST GNBS CERTIFIED LAB OF 2024

laboratory under its Laboratory Certification Programme, Huaqi Health Services Medical Laboratory was certified to the National Standard GYS 170:2021 –General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory

With this certification, there are now thirty-four (34) clinical and testing laboratories certified by the Bureau

The laboratory is located at Lot 92 Middle Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown and is certified to offer testing in Haematology, Biochemistry, Virology/Serology, Molecular Biology, Urology and Endocrinology.

Quality Manager, Devanand Ramnarine noted, “we provide accurate and reliable results and that is why we ht this Certification to begin, and the GYS 170 cation is a stepping stone to securing ISO 9001 cation which we are aiming for next.”

arine received the certificate from Head of cation Services, Keon Rankin while Chief Executive r, Pang Bo received the plaque from Technical r, Yan Yi Zhu, both of which will be conspicuously d in the facility for customers

gh its Laboratory Certification Programme, the ensures the operations of certified Medical and g Laboratories conform to the requirements of the nal Standard Surveillance audits are conducted the certification period to ensure continued mance

On January 30, the GNBS certified a second clinical laboratory under its Laboratory Certification Programme, the NB Veterinary Clinical Laboratory was certified to the National Standard GYS 170:2021 – General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory. With this certification, there are now thirty-five (35) clinical and testing laboratories certified by the Bureau

During the presentation at the Clinic’s Prashad Nagar location, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Veterinarian, Dr Nardeo Bassoodeo received the plaque from Head of Certification Services, Mr Keon Rankin while Laboratory Supervisor and Quality Manager, Mr Kesho Aimram received the certificate from Technical Officer, Ms Asha Sookoo ‘GNBS Certified’ stickers were also provided for placement in the Lab where all can see The clinical laboratory is certified to offer testing in Haematology, Blood Chemistry and Serology (Rapid Test Kits)

He proudly highlighted, “Finally, after two years we are the second certified Veterinary Clinical Laboratory This is more than just a certificate; this is something we will strive to maintain We have been doing lab testing for over 12 years and today we want to assure all our clients, whose pets and animals have been receiving care and treatment in our facilities around the country, that they are receiving quality care This is a testament of our commitment to offering quality services to our nation Rest assured now that we have this accolade, we aren’t letting go”

The Corporate Communications Team of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) in collaboration with sister agencies, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) kick started the year with highly interactive school lectures with the Business Students of the Stewartville, Leonora, Westminster and La Venture Secondary Schools

On January 25 and 31 respectively, the very elated students from grades ten (10) and eleven (11), were given the opportunity to learn about the key functions of the GNBS, careers in Standards, the importance of using the International System of Units (Metric System), the rights of consumers and how to file a complaint

GNBS CONTINUES TO PROVIDE TRAINING IN FEBRUARY

During February, the GNBS Business Development Team conducted training courses on Risk Management, Internal Auditing of ISO Management Systems, Food Safety Prerequisites and the Food Safety and Understanding the Requirements of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points System

A total of 126 persons benefitted from these training courses which were geared towards adopting, understanding and implementing various Standards

RISK ASSESSMENT:

This course was aimed at equipping individuals with diverse methods and techniques to minimize the impact of business risks Participants were able to identify risks and use quantitative and qualitative risk assessment matrices effectively to determine the severity of risks.

FOOD SAFETY PREREQUISITES:

This training covered prerequisites for effective food safety systems, offering insights into concerns and verification strategies Participants gained essential knowledge and tools to interpret and apply Prerequisite Programmes which form the basis of food safety

INTERNAL AUDITING OF ISO MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS:

This Quality Management Systems Course helped participants to grasp the ISO 9001 standard’s intent and offerred guidance on implementing a QMS in their organization It also covered upgrading existing systems and integrating them with other management system

FOOD SAFETY & UNDERSTANDING THE REQUIREMENTS OF HACCP:

Participants learned about the importance of food safety, hazard identification, HACCP system usage for hazard control, and essential prerequisite programmes and hygienic practices to ensure safe food production and transportation

GNBS GRANTS EUREKA MEDICAL LABORATORIES INC.

of

This certification reaffirms the laboratory’s commitment to maintaining the requirements outlined in the National Standard, GYS 170:2021 Standard – General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory.

During the brief handing over ceremony, GNBS Technical Officers, Mr. Orlando Sturge and Ms. Yan Yi Zhu presented the renewed certificate and plaque to Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Andrew Boyle and Quality Manager, Mr. Shawn Manbodh.

The GNBS also presented two laboratory stickers, to be proudly be displayed at the entrance of their facility

GNBS CONDUCTS FIRST OUTREACH VISIT FOR 2024 TO BERBICE

Members from the Corporate Communications and Legal Metrology Services Departments of the GNBS embarked on the first outreach visit for 2024. The visit was to the town of New Amsterdam, Berbice in Region Six (6)

During the outreach, the team met with seventeen (17) members of the business community of New Amsterdam and they were engaged on the importance of standards and quality in the commerce sector Specifically, these stakeholders were sensitized on the requirements governing the use of measuring instruments, prepackaging of products, and the verification of devices

e team also conducted a school lecture with the ades Ten (10) and Eleven (11) Business dents of the Berbice High and New Amsterdam Secondary

The 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

Additionally, separate meetings were held with the Staff of the Town Council, Vendors of the New Amsterdam Market and the Guyana Police Force on matters relating to Product Monitoring and Weights and Measures

PROUDLY GUYANESE

On February 09, during the presentation ceremony, Technical Officer Orlando Sturge handed over the Made in Guyana Certificate to BACIF’s Managing Director, Mr Peter Pompey

The prestigious certification encompasses BACIF’s fire hydrants, manhole covers with frames, test masses, and saddle straps.

The Made in Guyana Standards Mark holds profound significance as a registered symbol, aiming to distinguish locally manufactured products both domestically and intern

TECHLIFY RECERTIFIED UNDER GNBS MADE IN GUYANA PROGRAMME

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards recertified Techlify under the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark programme for its payroll and HRIS Software.

On February 08, the Made in Guyana Certificate was presented by GNBS Technical Officer, Ms. Yan Yi Zhu to Techlify’s Administrator, Mr Chetram Persaud and Software Engineer, Mr Shemar Austin

In 2023, Techlify became the first Technology Company to be certified to the Made in Guyana Standards Mark This recognition underscores Techlify’s commitment to quality and excellence in software development

Standards

During a very simple but significant ceremony, the esteemed Made in Guyana Certificate was presented to DWP’s Store Manager, Ms Joycelyn Gouveia and Office Clerk, Ms Esther Lall-Mendonca by GNBS Technical Officers, Ms Asha Sookoo and Mr Orlando Sturge

This recertification is a testament of DWP’s unwavering dedication to crafting high-quality Taper Sawn Wallaba Shingles

a

Mark on its Taper Sawn Wallaba Shingles

GNBS CONTINUES SCHOOL LECTURES TO EMPOWER STUDENTS ON STANDARDS AND CONSUMER RIGHTS

The GNBS Corporate Communications Team has been collaborating with staff of its sister agencies, the Department of Consumer Affairs and Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission to conduct a series of highly interactive school lectures at Secondary Schools in Region Three (3)

STANDARDS IN ACADEMIA

Introducing Standards at the Secondary School Level

In February, the team engaged with Business Students of Parika Salem, West Demerara, Patentia, Zeeburg and Uitvlugt Secondary Schools

Over one hundred fifty (150) students from Grades Nine (9), Ten (10), and Eleven (11) had the opportunity to delve into various topics including the role of the GNBS, the importance of standards and measurements, and their rights as consumers

The lectures are geared towards inspiring, educating and fostering a deeper connection between students and the world of standards and consumer protection.

GNBS RECERTIFIES RICE

LAB AND SHERIFF MEDICAL CENTRE LABORATORY TO GYS 170:2021 STANDARD

Rice Lab, on February 15, was granted renewal of its laboratory certification. This certification affirms the laboratory’s commitment to upholding the standards outlined in the National Standard, GYS 170:2021 Standard –General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory.

During the brief handing over ceremony, GNBS Technical Officers, Ms. Yan Yi Zhu and Mr. Peter-Ho-A-Lim presented the renewed certificate and plaque to Rice Lab Laboratory Manager (Ag.), Ms. Shellon Bidder and Manager, Mr Pierre Boucher

Meanwhile, on February 16, Sheriff Medical Centre Laboratory was granted renewal of its certification, also to the GYS 170:2021 Standard - General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory

Customers can be assured when using the services of the Sheriff Medical Centre Laboratory that they will receive accurate and reliable results

The GNBS certificate, plaque and certification stickers were presented to Laboratory Quality Manager, Mr. Azam Latiff and Administrator, Ms Marielkys Oviedo Lopez

GNBS GRANTS FIRST TIME CERTIFICATION TO ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.

The Guyana National Burea certified Analytical Techno testing Laboratory success requirements of the GYS - 1 General requirements for th laboratory

This achievement was recognized and celebrated at the Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo 2024 on February 19, where GNBS Technical Officers, Orlando Sturge and Peter Ho-A-Lim, presented a certificate and plaque to Regional General Manager Ms Amrita Ballie and Mr Nathan Maharaj, Director Technical and Operations

The certification marked a significant milestone for Analytical Technologies Inc , affirming its commitment to maintaining standards in its laboratory testing operations

With this recognition, Analytical Technologies Inc joins the cadre of thirty-four (34) GNBS Certified Medical and Testing Labs in Guyana

GNBS PARTICIPATES IN THE GRAND GUYANA ENERGY CONFERENCE AND SUPPLY CHAIN EXPO

FEBRUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 22

“Fuelling Transformation and Modernisation”

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards cont be at the forefront in the delivery of a wide r standards and measurement services to bu across several sectors of our economy.

The February 19-22 event is usually regarded as one of our country’s signature events and it attracted hundreds of attendees, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors who engaged and connected with our team of professionals to discover the power of quality and standards

The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo held at the Guyana Marriott, provided the opportunity for the GNBS to promote these services to a broad group of esteem participants

The GNBS participated as an exhibitor to share crucial information on its calibration and testing, technical assistance and training and certification services The GNBS also gained insights into the needs of current and prospective clients looking to tap into the transformative development of our country