More businesses need to push for quality

People have been trading from since time began. What and how much they get for their money is dependent on a reliable Quality Infrastructure (QI) which helps businesses to meet the requirements of their customers. Over the years, trading has expanded from villages to globally and with the development of the Oil and Gas industry in Guyana, the implementation of quality and standard are increasingly being placed on the front burner.

At a media sensitization session on Thursday, Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Cordell McClure who represented the Minister said “It is vital for developing economies such as ours to have a framework to ensure the prevalence of quality in the various sectors for the delivery of products and services that reliably meet the needs of their users. Of course, these users not only reside in Guyana, but regionally within the CARICOM Member states, and internationally.”

While many businesses have begun to improve their products and services, he said there are still others which need to do better.

“Notwithstanding, the leaps and bounds made so far to orient our Quality Infrastructure to facilitate access to QI services, the ministry recognises that there continues to be a few straggling businesses that may require a greater deal of QI awareness to get on board the quality caravan for success,” he said.

The media session was hosted by the GNBS in partnership with its regional counterpart, the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ).

Head of Corporate Communications at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Lloyd David said the Bureau has seen a significant increase in local companies pushing for quality and certification to local and international standards.

The global players in the industry require strict standards to maintain consistent results. To increase global acceptance of local goods and services, the Bureau has so far certified 23 testing and medical laboratories and three companies to implement better quality management systems. It has certified seven manufacturers of concrete hollow blocks, fibre glass products and gold jewellery along with PVC pipes after tests and three companies to use its Made in Guyana Certification Mark.

Mr. David said there has also been an increase in companies seeking training and assistance to attain international certification to the popular ISO9001 Quality Management system standard.

Adherence to National, Regional and International standards assures easier access to those markets.

Thursday’s session focused on the Quality Infrastructure (QI) and the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Component of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Programme. This TBT programme basically helps local companies improve their processes to be on par with international companies providing the similar goods or services.

In Guyana, the GNBS is tasked with implementing those QI services which includes measurement or metrology, certification, and the development & implementation of standards.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Head of the GNBS’ Product Compliance Department Al Donavon Fraser noted that “as a key custodian of quality in Guyana, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards has long recognised the importance of a viable quality infrastructure at the national level.”

Also delivering remarks was Technical Officer, Quality Promotions at CROSQ Latoya Burnham.

The session was attended by over 20 media personnel.