A ONE-DAY Standards Development Training Programme was conducted at Grand Coastal Hotel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, on Tuesday, with the aim of facilitating the regional development process towards the adoption of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
It was attended by representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, in addition to local participation from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association and other members of the private sector.
According to the Head of the Conformity Assessment Department of GNBS, Ms. Candelle Walcott-Bostwick, it signified the commitment of ASTM, a globally recognised leader in the development and delivery of international standards, to partnering with developing countries to reduce technical barriers to trade and facilitate access to international markets.
She said:“GNBS is honoured to host the one-day[programme] in collaboration with the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ ) and ASTM International and I hope that the member states will utilise the opportunities it will provide for regional industries to facilitate competitiveness and the sustainability of industries.”
Walcott- Bostwick noted that ASTM represents 12,000 international standards in a wide variety of areas, including metals, paints, plastics, textiles and petroleum, among others.
As to the advantages of adopting ASTM standards locally, she said: “This comes in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was signed between GNBS and ASTM and will allow the GNBS free access to all ASTM standards for the adoption of regional standards. This means that GNBS can seek active participation of technical experts and industries in Guyana in the development of ASTM standards, free of cost.”
Opportunities for professional development and the sharing of experiences are among many other benefits which come with the package from ASTM to Guyana and the CARICOM Region, Walcott-Bostwick added.
In his address at the start, CROSQ Technical Officer, Mr. Fulgence St. Prix pointed out that it was the first of many planned, to promote the growth, acceptance and use of ASTM standards, since the MOU was signed with ASTM last year.
“We are hoping that member states can take full advantage of the opportunities that come with the adoption of ASTM standards,” he said.
According to him, the sessions signal the beginning of the important process of influencing international standards from the onset.
“This is a train the trainers programme and I hope that those present will take the knowledge and assist the other member states. We need to influence international standards from the onset, as it[is] easier to try to do this and I hope this is the beginning of that process,” said St. Prix
Meanwhile, Director of External Relations, ASTM International, Mr. James Oleshefsky reiterated that the intent of the seminar is to impart information so that the participants can share with organisations in their countries.
He said: “I am hopeful it will lead to more cooperation in the future. The intent is that ASTM becomes more involved in the region so that the standards will be used to  make a significant contribution to the health and safety environment in the countries. We are looking forward to future collaboration.”
ASTM International, since 1898 has been one of the world’s largest standards developing organisations, with its products being referenced, adopted and used as the basis nationally worldwide.
It helps emerging economies improve national standards for raw materials, components and products that serve as the basic technical infrastructure for successful economies and enhances health, safety and environmental protection.