GNBS IN FOCUS NEWSLETTER JAN-FEB 2025

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GNBS FOCUS IN

GNBS participates in Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo 2025

GNBS conducts back-to-back training courses in January & February

GNBS staff members benefit from various workshops & trainings

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Greetings!

As we embark on another productive year, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a culture of quality across all sectors of the economy.

Our dedication to ensuring standards conformance and compliance, and measurement accuracy continues to result in significant progress as we begin the new year, and we are excited about the road ahead.

We began the year with a renewed focus on strengthening the National Quality Infrastructure, resuming our critical verification and calibration exercises for weighing and measuring instruments and supporting businesses through our various certification programmes.

In January and February, several local companies were successfully recertified under the GNBS Laboratory, Product, and Made in Guyana Certification Programmes, with new businesses coming on board to enhance their credibility and competitiveness.

Our team has been actively engaging importers, dealers, and manufacturers to ensure their registration and compliance with requirements while we continue to provide training and technical assistance to businesses seeking to implement National and International Standards.

Beyond our technical support, the GNBS has expanded its public awareness initiatives, facilitating tours of the GNBS’ Metrology Facilities, school lectures, and business engagements.

We have proudly participated in the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, contributing to discussions on transformation and modernization initiatives through quality standards.

At GNBS, we believe that quality and standards are the foundation for sustainable growth and this belief motivates us to respond to the needs of local businesses.

As we continue working alongside stakeholders, businesses, and the public, we encourage those who have not done so yet to begin to embrace standards as a tool for innovation, excellence, and progress. Our doors remain open to serve every stakeholder, and we look forward to an impactful year ahead!

Editorial Contributors
Lloyd David Chelsea Lee
Photo Credits Paul Singh Concept and Design Chelsea Lee

GNBS TEAM BENEFITS FROM BACK-TO-BACK CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING PROGRAMMES

To kickstart the activities of the new year, the GNBS Team participated in its first training session; a three-day capacity building training programme focused on Energy Efficiency and Labelling Standards from January 06 to January 08.

The session was facilitated by Olson Abrams, Senior Energy Engineer from the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and was designed to enhance the team’s knowledge and understanding of energysaving practices and standards, to be able to better assess the performance of appliances while helping consumers make informed decisions.

Meanwhile, from January 08 to January 12, GNBS Inspectors benefitted from a five-day training programme focused on the Verification of Bulk and LPG Meters

This session was facilitated by Dave Coone, Operations Manager at Trillium Measurement and aimed at enhancing the team’s expertise and accuracy during the verification process

GNBS RENEWS THE CERTIFICATION OF SEVERAL COMPANIES

In January, a total of six local companies were recertified under the various GNBS Certification Programmes; Made in Guyana, Product and Laboratory Certifications.

On January 8, the Dr Leslie I R Persaud Health Care Institute Inc Laboratory had its GYS 170 Certification Renewed for its continued commitment to maintaining the requirements of the Standard

Meanwhile, D&S Ramdeholl and Sons Jewellery and Guyana Thermoplastic Limited had their Product Certificates renewed on January 10 and January 30, respectively.

On the other hand, Brass Aluminium & Cast-Iron Foundry Limited (BACIF), Comfort Sleep Inc and Kraftia’s were all recertified under the GNBS’ Made in Guyana Certification Programme on January 22, January 27 and January 28, respectively.

Congratulations to these companies on being recertified and continuing to conform to the respective requirements that give them a competitive advantage and enhanced quality for consumers!

Dr. Leslie I. R. Persaud Health Care Institute Inc. Laboratory
D&S Ramdeholl and Sons Jewellery
Guyana Thermoplastics Limited Brass Aluminium Cast Iron Foundry
Comfort Sleep Inc.
Kraftia’s

GNBS KICKS OFF 2025 WITH SUCCESSFUL TRAINING COURSES FOR EXTERNAL CLIENTS

GNBS INVITES STAKEHOLDER

INPUT TO DEVELOP NAT

The GNBS, with support from the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) programme, embarked on a project to develop a National Standardisation Strategy (NSS) for the next three years

The NSS aims to determine the standards needs of Guyana, encompassing all industries or sectors of the economy It is a policy roadmap to

The strategy will align national objectives with applicable standards, addressing key economic, social, and environmental priorities to strengthen the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI).

This strategy, which will be available before the end of the first quarter of 2025, requires the input of all stakeholders to guarantee a comprehensive document

GNBS ENCOURAGES CALIBRATION OF TORQUE WRENCHES, OTHER MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

Did you know that you are required to calibrate your torque wrenches? Whether they are used in the automotive industry, aviation, or manufacturing, these instruments require frequent calibration to ensure accuracy, consistency, safety, and reliability

Put simply, calibration is the process of fine-tuning measuring instruments to adhere to recognised measurement standards. Currently, the GNBS is the only internationally accredited laboratory in Guyana to provide calibration services; accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Standard

Using calibrated torque wrenches protect users of buildings assembled by engineering and construction companies, and users of transport vehicles including cars and airplanes. Providing a safe service through the use of calibrated of measuring instruments therefore helps to mitigate liability risks related to improper torque

The GNBS trained a total of 65 persons on various training courses throughout the month of February

From February 03-04, training commenced with Risk Management where fourteen participants learned how to identify and assess risks using quantitative and qualitative risk assessment matrices

Meanwhile, on February 05-07, the Business Development Team conducted a course in Internal Auditing of ISO Management Systems where auditing process, write non-conformity

describe the importance of food safety, identify hazards which can make foods unsafe, use the HACCP system to control hazards and identify the prerequisite programmes essential for ensuring food safety and the hygienic practices. These practices are necessary to ensure that food produced, processed, packed and transported are safe for human consumption.

To bring a close to trainings for February, there were two private trainings hosted during February

SEVERAL COMPANIES RECERTIFIED BY THE GNBS IN FEBRUARY

In February, a total of four local companies were recertified under the GNBS’ various Certification Programmes; Bed and Breakfast, Made in Guyana, Product and Laboratory Certifications

On February 13, Techlify Inc had its Made in Guyana Certification renewed for continuing to maintain the requirements of the programme. Meanwhile, on February 25, Atlantic Suites had its Bed and Breakfast Certification renewed, and Steve’s Jewellery was recertified under the Product Certification Scheme.

Finally, on February 26, Davis Memorial Hospital Laboratory had its GYS 170 Certification renewed for maintaining the requirements of the Standard

Congratulations to these companies on being recertified and continuing to conform to the respective requirements that give them a competitive advantage and enhanced quality for consumers!

Techlify Inc.
Atlantic Suites
Steve’s Jewellery
Davis Memorial Hospital Laboratory

GNBS CERTIFIES THE GPHC PATHOLOGY LABORATORY TO GYS 170:2021 STANDARD

On World Cancer Day, February 04, the Pathology Laboratory of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) was certified to the GYS 170 Standard (General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory).

The GYS 170 Certificate and Plaque were presented to the Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr Navindranauth Rambaran and GPHC Chief Executive Officer, Robbie Rambaran by GNBS Executive Director, Trevor Bassoo

Present was Minister of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony whose attendance emphasised Government’s dedication to enhancing healthcare standards, ensuring that medical laboratories maintain the highest levels of quality

This certification also highlighted the laboratory’s unwavering commitment to quality, precision, and adherence to the prestigious GYS 170:2021 Standard, ensuring excellence in all aspects of its operation.

Building and Civil Engineering Students of the Government Technical Institute (GTI) in February visited the GNBS and toured its Legal and Industrial Metrology and Testing Laboratories.

The students were given the opportunity to observe and learn about the functions of the various laboratories and equipment Further, they were educated on the practical approaches of the science of measurement and the testing capabilities of the GNBS as it provides these crucial services to those within industry.

GNBS RESUMES REGIONAL OUTREACHES WITH A VISIT TO

FORT WELLINGTON

During the month of February, the GNBS conducted an outreach in Fort Wellington, Region Five, reinforcing its commitment to standards, quality assurance, and consumer protection in outlying regions

The team met with Regional Executive Officer, Sadiek Ishmael, to discuss GNBS services and collaboration opportunities. Additionally, the Corporate Communications Team engaged Grade 10 and 11 Business students of Fort Wellington Secondary School, educating them on standards, measurement systems, and business compliance

To conclude the visit, visiting team inspected businesses to determine whether measuring instruments in use were verified and assessed product quality to ensure compliance with national standards

GNBS will continue its outreach visits to the regions to support businesses, educate future professionals, and promote a culture of quality and accuracy across Guyana

TWO NEW LOCAL MANUFACTURERS SECURE GNBS MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFICATION IN FEBRUARY

During February, two local manufacturers joined a growing list of companies that have been Made in Guyana Certified for their local products.

On February 17, KB Enterprise achieved the rights to use the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark on its Green Seasoning, Mango Achar and Pepper Sauce while Felicia’s Designs received certification for its Casual Dresses and Afrocentric Clothing

Congratulations to these companies on achieving certification and continuing to conform to the requirements of the Made in Guyana Certification Programme

KB ENTERPRISE

GNBS LAUNCHES FIFTH NATIONAL QUALITY AWARDS (NQA) PROGRAMME

On February 25, the GNBS launched its fifth National Quality Awards (NQA) Programme, recognising businesses that maintain standards and quality in their operations Quality is vital in both services and manufacturing, driving consumer confidence, competitiveness, and business growth

Regardless of their size, the GNBS invites businesses to apply for this prestigious recognition. Participating businesses will benefit from an independent assessment of their management systems, and gain credibility and industry recognition Supported by the GMSA, the GNBS encourages all local businesses to seize this opportunity to be a part of NQA 2025, which will inspire greater efficiency, consistency, and consumer confidence across industries.

Apply today and be part of the drive for quality excellence The deadline for applications is March 31, and application forms are available on the GNBS website: www gnbsgy org or at the GNBS offices across Guyana

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