…says Minister Ali at GNBS quality infrastructure launch
TOURISM, Commerce and Industry Minister (acting) Irfaan Ali, while delivering the feature address at a strategic session presented by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to launch Guyana’s National Quality Infrastructure, said he was reminded of the importance of standards, which play very critical roles in our lives and in the way we operate in business. He made this remark at the Guyana International Conference Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, and further said, “We are hoping that Guyana would achieve a number of things outlined, but as minister with responsibility for the sector, I say that the time is now. We have lapsed behind; we now want to achieve what many other countries have already achieved.
“If we are to remain competitive and to be a part of the many market opportunities, we must move ahead.”
Ali opined that of greater importance is the whole issue of the economy, which is transcending itself; and many of the new businesses that are now developing are creating opportunities in new sectors. He said, “We have to reserve very strict standards, high lines and processes, for example, as a whole host of international standards that companies must adhere to. And not only primary companies, but those others that would seek to benefit from the service spin-off that these companies would attract. If we want to ensure locally that we are equipped in making use of these opportunities, then we must ensure now that we develop the culture of standards, and strengthen our institutional system. The mechanism through which standards are monitored and set must be so strong that it would take us to the level that is acceptable.”
The minister said there were a number of reasons why that session was important. “I want to make it very clear that the government recognises the need to strengthen our capacity. GNBS has already commenced the investment, through the competitiveness strategy, to equip our officers technically to provide… a state-of-the-art laboratory to do all the testing locally, to ensure that all our products remain competitive right here, so that we can make use of the opportunities that lie ahead. “However, that culture must be transcended in the industry, and that is why we have invited the private sector, the manufacturing sector; because coming out of this session we would be launching a series of national standards, commencing with the building codes and guidelines shortly,” he said.
Ali noted that, within the month, the Government of Guyana would be launching the building codes and guidelines. He said it is so critical now that if one were to drive around the city, one would see the changing architectural landscape. He said, “We are to ensure that standards are met, and regulations for (the) tourism sector, classifying our eco lodges, hotels, (and) services sectors are based on standards and criteria.”
Ali added that the private sector is looking to penetrate new markets and is considering investing in Venezuela. This will require standards, and Guyana must be in a position of readiness, and not wait until the opportunity arises then be dependent on one of the developed countries for certification; that capacity must reside locally.
“We can issue certification and do the training, so that our local companies can be equipped to make use of those opportunities. So, from the institutional side, we are going to invest in our national standards. We will be equipped with the highest standards to monitor and evaluate… make information public, so that the consumer knows who adheres to quality, and where certification is.”
Ali indicated that standards are also important in fair trade and for consumers, for ensuring that quality is matched to the price paid. He added that the development of the national quality is a macro plan that would examine the sector in its entirety, and would lay the standards and regulations for each sector and ensure the labelling and evaluation are passed. This would also build in Guyana a new culture and tradition that ensure competitiveness and capacity to penetrate new markets.
Ali said this is critical if Guyana is to expand its gross domestic product (GDP) and economic base. “Our competiveness today on the national market depends heavily on this, and I think the time and opportunity (are) right and we must grab it (in) both public and private sectors. Understand that standards (are) going to be a critical part in what we do, and invest in human capacity. (It is important) that we adhere to minimum standards. So what I want to say today (is) you will see a new approach towards the whole issue of standards for emerging sectors such as oil, gas, tourism, etc; seeing a proactive, advanced move towards establishing Guyana’s standards in conformity with international standards.”
Ali stated that new standards also need to be developed in processing and in  agro-industries, in order to develop new markets for Guyanese products such as bottled coconut water and, of course, locally produced bottled water; and in ensuring that Guyana’s products are ready to face new challenges and are safe for the consumer.
He declared that the session is the beginning of the conversation between the private and public sectors and the government, in ensuring that local standards are intact, and that new standards being implemented remain competitive and comparable to international standards.
Ali said there will be consultations in drafting legislation in a move to ensure that every sector is monitored and evaluated in accordance with the specified standards of the GNBS.
Meanwhile, GNBS Executive Director (Ag), Ms. Evadnie Enniss, said the session was called because the Bureau would like to introduce stakeholders to the plan for a National Quality Infrastructure in Guyana. She added that in order to do this, even though the Bureau was spearheading the initiative, support from the relevant agencies was necessary to get the job done. The Bureau currently has pockets of agencies.
Enniss stated that what was needed was one strategic plan to move Guyana forward safely into having goods and products accepted in the Region, or outside of the Region. She noted that the planned session yesterday was organised to share strategies and highlights. The document was prepared by a consultant under the Competitiveness Strategy, but it had some objectives that must be met. One objective that came to mind readily was the legislation to create the National Quality Infrastructure. Current legislation is very old, for example, the GNBS Act has been in existence since 1984, and the Weights and Measures Act was implemented since 1981. In order to get things done in developing countries, appropriate legislation has to be crafted to let people know that there may be consequences attached to non-compliance with the standards.