As part of activities for National Quality Week 2011, being observed under the theme “International Standards Creating Confidence Globally” the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) hosted a lecture for secondary school students in Georgetown at the Pegasus Hotel today. The students were enlightened about the role and functions of the GNBS, and the importance of standards. Three main international standard setting bodies; the International Organisation for Standardization, International Electro Technical Commission and the International Telecommunications Unit are responsible for National Quality Week during which significant contributions and standards development by contributors are recognised.
GNBS – Pubic Relations Officer, Lloyd David explained to the students that the vision of the organisation is to improve the quality of goods and services in Guyana by partnering with government, consumers, and industry through the process of standardization. The agency’s mission is to promote standardisation for economic development and consumer protection through standards development, promotion and implementation, metrology services and conformity assessment.
He pointed out some of the tasks of the organisation which include the encouragement of educational work in connection with standardization; establish, form, furnish and maintain information systems and laboratories for the purpose of furthering the practice of standardization and rationalisation of industries by coordinating the efforts of producers and consumers for improvement of appliances, processes, raw materials and products; prepare, frame, modify or amend specifications and codes of practice and make arrangements for the testing and calibration of precision instruments gauges and scientific apparatus to determine their degree of accuracy.
Edward B. Beharry’s Production Executive, Raymond Ramsaroop, engaged the students in an interactive discussion based on the theme of National Quality Week. His presentation touched on areas including the importance and development of standards, internationally recognised standards organisations, specific standards for particular products including electronics and building and plumbing materials. Recently the GNBS in collaboration with the Caricom Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) facilitated a training session where information about ASTM International’s standardization activities and ASTM standards development process were discussed. ASTM brought to CARICOM 12000 international standards in the areas of metals, paints, plastics, textiles, petroleum, construction, energy, consumer products, medical devices and electronics. This new step helps developing countries to reduce technical barriers to trade and facilitates access to international markets.
