Arrival Day is national holiday with great sig commemorates the rich and varied tapestry of cul
This observance further commemorates the historical and extensive indentureship period that began in 1834
May 05 also marks the anniversary of the arrival of our East Indian ancestors who reached these shores on this day in 1838
Arrival Day recalls the waves of immigrants, including from the Caribbean, who came to our country, the majority of whom stayed to forge new lives. On Arrival Day we celebrate their indomitable spirit and resilience and also pay tribute to the myriad contributions they and their descendants have made to our Motherland.
GNBS RENEWS THE CERTIFICATIONS OF FIVE COMPANIES IN MAY
In May, five companies were recertified by the GNBS under three of its certification programmes. Aquafina Water and Ice, Floor It Guyana and Dixie’s Punch de Crème were presented with their renewal certificates under the GNBS’ Made in Guyana Certification Programme Meanwhile, Casa De Frances and Dura Blocks were presented with their GNBS Bed and Breakfast and Product certificates, respectively
Aquafina Water & Ice
Dixie’s Punch de Crème
Casa De Frances
StandardsinAcademia
Introducing Standards at the Primary Level
GRAHAM’S HALL PRIMARY WINS THIRD EDITION OF GNBS STANDARDS IN A
The Graham’s Hall Primary School was crowned the National Champion of the third edition of the GNBS’ Standards in Academia Quiz Competition on May 28
This competition, which brought together primary schools from across the country, aimed to promote awareness and understanding of Standards among students
All students remarkably demonstrated knowledge and quick thinking throughout the various rounds of challenging but exciting competition
The winning school received champion’s trophy and gift voucher while the best performer was presented a laptop Meanwhile, the National Runner Up was St Therese’s Primary School which earned a trophy as well as a gift voucher.
The fourth and fifth Regional Leg of the Regional competitions were held earlier on May 7 and May 14 in Regions five and six, with Novar Primary and St. Therese’s Primary winning, respectively
The GNBS commends all participants for their dedication and enthusiasm towards the Standards in Academia Quiz Competition and for their outstanding participation and for setting a high benchmark of academic excellence
GNBS CONDUCTS
SUCCESSFUL 5-DAY
LE AUDITOR TRAINING
In May, the Business Development Department collaborated with Delphi Consultants of T&T embarked on a journey of knowledge-sharing with a five-day IRCA Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditors Course
This course, which was held during May 14 to May 20, was designed to empower participants with the fundamentals of auditing practices, help them to evaluate how effectively a company’s management system meets its quality objectives
Participants also benefitted from the und the necessary follow-up actions to verif of implemented improvements, and h Quality Management Systems with confid
Overall, the course provided a myriad of benefits related to evaluating and auditing Quality Management Systems and driving continuous improvement and quality excellence in participating organisations
This course saw a total of twelve (12) participants from Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), Farfan and Mendes, the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and staff of the GNBS
GNBS GRANTS EAST GATE PRODUCTS MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFICATION
On May 10, the Guyana National Bureau Standards proudly congratulated East Gate Products for achieving the rights to use the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark on its products
The Made in Guyana Standards Mark will now be affixed to the company’s locally manufactured Chili Cassava Casareep, Thyme Blends, Jerk Marinade Original, Jerk Marinade Spicy, Basil Purée Onion Cascade, Hot Peppa Sass, A Complete Seasoning in a Bottle and Garlic Fusion
During the brief handover ceremony, the Made in Guyana certificate was presented to Ms. Alexis Reece, Proprietress of East Gate Products by Mr Latchman Mootoosammi, Technical Officer of the GNBS
East Gate Products now joins the Made in Guyana list of over forty 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 renewal is granted
The GNBS proudly congratulated the Board of Directors Management and Staff of Woodlands Limited Medical
GNBS COMMEMORATES WORLD METROLOGY DAY –
EMPHASIZING ACCURATE MEASUREMENT PRACTICES IN LEGAL AND INDUSTRIAL METROLOGY
How often do you check the time you take to do something or the speed at which you drive? Do you measure the length of objects or the weight of groceries you purchase? Metrology plays a key role in everyone’s daily activities Defined as the science of measurement, Metrology also provides the foundation for data-driven decision-making and policy development, helping organisations, governments and individuals make informed choices that contribute to a more sustainable future
On May 20, the GNBS as the National Measurement Institute, joined the rest of the world to observe World Metrology Day (WMD). This is an annual celebration of the signature of the Metre Convention on May 20, 1875, by representatives of seventeen nations. The Convention introduced the International System of Units (SI), or the Metric System, as the international standard for measurement in industrial, commercial and societal applications. The original aim of the Metre Convention - the worldwide uniformity of measurement - remains as important today as it was in 1875. The SI, which is made up of 7 base units, plays an essential role in international trade and is commonly used in scientific and technological research and development.
This year’s WMD theme was “Sustainability – We measure today for a sustainable tomorrow.” In keeping with the theme, the GNBS conducted a 4-day roadshow to Technical Institutes across the country to educate students about Measurements, the use of the metric units and careers in Metrology. This activity commenced on May 15 and concluded on Monday, May 20
During the roadshow, Metrology Experts from the Legal Metrology and Industrial, Metrology and Testing Departments engaged students from NATI, LTI, ETI, GTI and GITC
During these engagements, students were allowed to see and use measuring instruments including scales, masses, measures, thermometers, test measures, and calipers, which are verified and calibrated by the GNBS The knowledge garnered by the future technicians will be beneficial in their work and professional lives
Other initiatives conducted to commemorate World Metrology Day, included radio programmes in Regions 2, 6 and 10 to highlight the critical role of Metrology in our daily lives, television programmes and newspaper messages
GNBS PARTICIPATES IN SEVERAL RADIO PROGRAMMES
To further commemorate World Metrology Day, the Corporate Communications Team of the GNBS conducted various radio programmes in Regions 2, 6 and 10 to highlight the critical role of Metrology in our daily lives.
GNBS HOSTS STUDENTS OF THE CENTRAL CORENTYNE SECONDARY DURING AN EDUCATIONAL TOUR
On May 24, the GNBS had the pleasure of hosting a group of students from the Central Corentyne Secondary School for an education tour
Students had the chance to learn about the GNBS’ services, the International System of Units (SI), and Consumer Protection during the tour.
The tour began with an overview of the GNBS and its mission to enhance the quality of life in Guyana through the promotion of Standardisation and Quality Assurance. The students next learned about Standards Development, Product Inspection and Monitoring, Product Certification, Calibration and Testing, and Verification Services.
The session was insightful, with students showing keen interest in various topics related to Standards, Measurements and Consumer Protection
Our Business Development Team led a three-day training course on Internal Auditing of ISO Management Systems This course aims to improve participants’ internal auditing skills, essential for Quality Management System maintenance and improvement.
The twenty (20) participants from the New GPC, Eureka Medical Laboratories, NAMILCO, Farfan and Mendes, Linden Hospital, Guyana National Shipping Co., Blood Bank, the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, were equipped auditing tools, non-conformity statement writing, and audit findings assessment.
Through interactive lectures and case studies from this training, auditors will be able to plan, conduct, and report audits.
GNBS RENEWS BANKS DIH MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFICATION
In June, Banks DIH Limited was presented with their renewal certificate to utilize the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark on their products
The prestigious mark now continues to adorn Banks DIH’s Wine Products, Rum Products, Demico Ice-Cream, Crème Select Super Premium Ice-Cream, Novelty (Frostee), Carbonated Soft Drinks, Beers, Shandy, Malta, Classic Beer, Rainforest Water Aqua Mist Water and Tropical Mist Water Congratulations to the beverage company in their con
This engagement boosted the agencies’ relationship with commitment to supporting communities across Guyana.
The GNBS continues to promote quality and standards n
GNBS COMMEMORATES WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY BY HIGHLIGHTING THE USEFULNESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS
On World Environment Day, June 05, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards proudly supported the worldwide campaign for environmental preservation and restoration. This year’s theme, “Our Land. Our Future.
We are #GenerationRestoration”, resonated deeply with the GNBS mission to implement and uphold stringent environmental standards that safeguard our natural heritage for generations to come.
Sustainable development requires environmental protection, which GNBS understands With a wide range of local and international environmental regulations to protect Guyana’s ecosystems, environmental monitoring and testing of greenhouse gas emissions, effluent discharges and noise emissions are significant
Our Standards Portal: www gnbsguy com has these and other standards
One flagship standard is the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Standard This internationally recognized standard aids companies in enhancing their environmental performance
By adopting ISO 14001, businesses in Guyana can systematically reduce their environmental footprint, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and achieve continual improvements in their environmental impact
Additionally, other National Standards developed by the GNBS cover critical areas such as waste management, water quality, and air pollution control, ensuing that our natural resources are used sustainably and responsibly
To reduce environmental effect, the GNBS Waste Management Standard promotes recycling and cleaner technologies for waste processing, treatment and disposal
Our land is our future, and with collective effort, we can ensure that future generations inherit a healthy, vibrant, and resilient environment
Businesses can constantly satisfy quality and occupational safety standards, promote continuous improvement, guarantee conformance, and avoid nonconformities with the implementation of the GYS 901:2024.
The eighteen (18) participants from Basdeo’s Dynasty, Dixie’s Punch de Crème, Eagle’s Manufacturing, East Gate Products, Body Essential Organic Lane, Maliyah’s Kitchen, Dunae Trading Company, Leisa Salon and Beauty Supplies, SS Natural Fruit Flavoured Inc., Marcia’s Products, Flavour Me, Ashdel Enterprise, AJ Signs and Proper GT Local Wine, Ventri Products, Eco Solutions Inc. and the Guyana Market International were equipped auditing tools, ability to write non-conformity statements, and conduct audit findings assessment.
GNBS RECOGNISING ACCREDITED LABORATORIES IN GUYANA ON WAD
World Accreditation Day (WAD) was commemorated on June 09 Accreditation is a formal, independent verification that a program or institution meets internationally established quality standards and is competent to carry out specific conformity assessment tasks Conformity assessment tasks include testing, inspection, or certification, which are all essential in a world marked by rapid technological advancement, shifting consumer behaviours and ongoing economic uncertainties
The theme for this year’s observances was 'Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future.’ It highlighted the role of accreditation in harnessing emerging opportunities and addressing global challenges. Therefore, the advancements perused through research and investment in one region can be easily accepted elsewhere once the facilities are accredited by an international accreditation body.
In Guyana, there are several laboratories that are internationally accredited including the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Industrial Metrology & Testing (IMT) Laboratory which is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Others include the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Laboratory, the Government Analyst - Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) Laboratories which are also accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 Standard. Meanwhile, medical laboratories accredited to the ISO 15189:2022 - Medical laboratories Requirements for quality and competence include Woodlands Limited Medical Laboratory, Woodlands Limited Pathology Laboratory, Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital, and Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc
Whether in manufacturing, healthcare or agriculture, accreditation provides a framework of trust and reliability It also enables organisations to confidently embrace new technologies and drive innovation Further, accredited conformity assessment tasks confirm that new products and processes meet rigorous requirements, facilitating their adoption and integration into existing systems
As the National Accreditation Focal Point, the GNBS continues to offer support in the form of technical assistance and training to both public and private companies and laboratories that are interested in vying for accreditation With this support, some were successfully accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and the ISO 15189:2012 standards, giving their services international recognition
On World Accreditation Day 2024, the GNBS encouraged more laboratories certified to the National Standard to climb to the level of accreditation which will allow global confidence in the test results they provide, particularly for industry, health and the environment
GNBS HOSTS THREE-DAY LAB SAFETY MANAGEMENT TRAINING
In June, the Business Development Department successfully conducted a three-day course on Laboratory Safety Management, which saw the participation of seventeen (17) professionals from various institutions including the National Blood Bank, the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board Laboratory, Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory, the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Beharry Company Limited, Guyana Defense Force and Medical Arts Centre Limited
This course was designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of laboratory personnel, ensuring they are wellequipped to perform their duties competently and generate valid results, thereby ensuring confidence in their work
The GYS 235 Standard and its application to support ef thoroughly understood by participants Through the cour risk assessments, develop robust safety policies, and con the Standard
