The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) organized a sensitization session for members of the Chambers on the services of the GNBS and how these services can improve the performance of companies in Guyana. This session was held today, July 27, 2016 in the Training Room of the GNBS, Exhibition Complex, Sophia.
In his address to the more than twenty participants of the session, the President of the GCCI and Chairman of the National Standards Council, Mr. Vishnu Doerga emphasized the need for more businesses in Guyana to adopt and implement standards in their operations. He referred to the fact that there are so many businesses in neighbouring Suriname, particularly those in the tourism industry, which are implementing international standards such as the ISO 9001 Quality Management System Standard. The GCCI President also alluded to local companies which are already certified to the ISO standard. He encouraged participating businesses to take advantage of the services offered by the GNBS to improve their efficiency and effectiveness and ultimately the quality of local products and services. The Chamber President is of the firm belief that Guyana is the next destination for investors and believes that it is necessary for those who are already in business here to grasp every opportunity that will allow them to grow.
Meanwhile, Ms. Candelle Walcott-Bostwick, Head Conformity Assessment Department and Officer in Charge of the GNBS utilized the opportunity to firstly provide participants with the background of the services provided by the Bureau to its stakeholders, particularly manufacturers and services providers. These service include Consultancy services, Training, Management Systems Audits and Metrology services. Ms. Bostwick also made the core presentation of the session, focusing on the ISO 9001 Quality Management System Standard, which gives consumers the confidence that manufacturers are constantly producing products that will meet their expectations.
Participants also had the opportunity to understand the Standards Development Process which was presented by Mr. Elton Patram of the Bureau’s Standardisation Department. He encouraged those in attendance to consult the Bureau when they need standards, which may have a direct impact on their businesses.
The GNBS believes that similar approaches should be taken by other business groupings like the GCCI to collaboratively organize and conduct sessions which would encourage the use of GNBS services that are beneficial to their members.
