| ….as Standards Bureau holds strategic sessions, meets stakeholdersGovernment will be launching the building codes and guidelines which will enhance the changing architectural landscape with the necessary standards this month.This was expressed by Minister of Tourism (Acting) Irfaan Ali at a Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) stakeholders meeting held at the International Conference Centre, Turkeyen yesterday.The event focused on Guyana National Quality Infrastructure (GNQI), which is an initiative created for the smooth implementation of standards in various sectors of the economy,Wholesale NFL Jerseys Online, and the strategic direction for the Bureau over the next five years.A section of the gathering at the stakeholders meeting.At the session, stakeholders were enlightened on the legal framework needed for quality infrastructure, based on the need to modernise in order to meet global trade requirements, while ensuring sustainability and the provision of acceptable service.In attendance were key sector agencies, including the Government Analyst Food and Drug Department,Cheap NFL Jerseys, Geology and Mines Commission, Chambers of Commerce, Private Sector Commission and the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment, and Tourism, Industry and Commerce.According to Minister Ali, the Government is looking at the regulations for the tourism sector and classifying the eco-lodges, hotels, and services sector based on standards and criteria.He further stated that the private sector is also looking at Venezuela, to penetrate new markets that require basic international standards.“We must be in a position of readiness…we must have the standards capacity here, locally, so that we can issue the certification. We can do the training and our local companies can be equipped to make use of these opportunities. We are going to equip this institution (GNBS) with the highest standards to monitor,Nike Air Max 2019 Outlet, evaluate and license entities.”Ali said oil and gas have a host of international standards that companies must adhere to, and not only the primary companies, but others that would benefit through the service spin-off.“If we want to ensure locally that we are equipped to make use of these opportunities, then we must ensure now that we develop the culture of standards, and strengthen our institutional systems.”Adding that the mechanism by which standards are monitored and set must be strong, Ali said the government recognises the need to strengthen its capacity at the standards bureau, which made the seminar of equal importance.He said government has already commenced investing through the competitiveness strategy to equip its officers technically and provide institutional necessities. One such venture, he noted, was government investing in a state-of-the-art laboratory that will conduct all tests in Guyana, thus ensuring that all products in the country are competitive.According to Executive Director of GNBS (acting), Evadnie Enniss, there is need for a clear government commitment towards providing the necessary resources and financing to implement proper standards.Adding that there is a required support of all stakeholders to achieve the objective to implement a National Quality Infrastructure,Wholesale MLB Jerseys Pro Shop, Ms Enniss asserted that Guyana has not yet put in place its standardisation processes and infrastructure. However, she explained, implementation of the bureau’s mandate falls under the following programmes: Laboratory Certification,Cheap MLB Jerseys Store, Product Certification, Conformity Assessment, Standards Development, Standards Promotion, Standards implementation, Weights and Measures (Legal metrology), Scientific Metrology, Testing, Metrication and Public awareness.It was further noted that with increased globalisation, trade agreements and multilateral agreements to facilitate trade, it is imperative for Guyana to have a recognized Quality Infrastructure to protect the health, safety, security, environment and well being of all Guyanese.Ms Enniss further disclosed that the business community will benefit the most from such a structure since it will provide the assurance that the products and services sold locally and exported will meet customer expectations. There will be a reduction in technical barriers to trade, and expensive repeat of conformity assessment procedures and increased acceptance globally.The Acting Executive Director also pointed out that the critical sectors in Guyana should support the realisation of the GNQI since products exported will be subject to scrutiny.Head of the GNBS’ Conformity Assessment Department, Candelle Walcott-Bostwick, disclosed that the primary focus of the department is to develop, adopt and adapt standards for all sectors of the economy.She added that the standards developed by her department are used by the other departments to strengthen elements of the GNQI. The department also participates in the development of CARICOM standards which results in the sharing of resources among all Member States.Ms Walcott-Bostwick underscored that the standards development process relies on voluntary consensus standards, and as such, the vision requires government,http://www.theworldsoccersshop.com/Argentina-Diego-Maradona-Jersey.html, consumers and industry to use voluntary standards developers as partners to create solutions to support national objectives. She emphasised that the key to such partnerships is participation, which requires collaboration, support and resources from government and policy makers at all levels. |
