NATIONAL Quality Week (NQW) is observed from October 10 to 15, and to mark the occasion, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has planned a number of exciting and engaging activities for stakeholders.

This week of celebrations surrounds World Standards Day, which is commemorated annually on October 14.
According to a release, the theme chosen for the 2021 observances by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), International Electro-technical Commission (IEC), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is, “Standards for SDGS – our vision for a better world”.

In a combined message, the aforementioned international standards organisations stated that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are projected to address social imbalances, develop a sustainable economy, and slow the rate of climate change, are highly ambitious.
However, collectively, they believe that achieving these goals will require the cooperation of many public and private partners, and the use of all available tools, including international standards and conformity assessment.?

“The intense battle against a persistent global pandemic revealed the absolute necessity of addressing the SDGs in an inclusive way to strengthen our societies, making them more resilient and more equitable. Today, we are asking you to join us on a mission that affirms the importance of the SDGs to build back better. In this pursuit, standards are more relevant than ever,” they said.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond, in her message to mark the occasion, said, “Goals Nine and Twelve focus on industry, innovation and infrastructure, and responsible consumption and production, respectively. These SDGs are directly related to business and commerce, and the Government of Guyana continues to take a comprehensive approach to support business sustainability in Guyana, regardless of their type and size.”

According to Minister Walrond, “We want to see more businesses grow in numbers and size, and, in a considerable way, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and its sub-agencies have been offering direct support towards making this a reality.”

Meanwhile, in his message, the Chair of the National Standards Council (NSC) Vladim Persaud emphasised that the New Council will pay particular attention to the GNBS’ response and support to the rapidly developing oil-and-gas sector.

ALL HANDS ON DECK
According to the Chair, “It is crucial that all hands be on deck to ensure that the requisite measurement systems are in place, and that crucial internationally recognised standards are adopted for use in the sector.” He further encouraged the Bureau to continue to train and offer support to spinoff businesses which are inclined to offer their products and services to oil-and-gas companies.

On her part, Executive Director (ag) of the GNBS, Ramrattie Karan noted that, “Standards are the key to guaranteeing sustainability to safeguard the benefits for future generations.” She assured that the GNBS would continue to work with stakeholders in every sector to improve and implement standards for the benefit of all. She added that the GNBS looks forward to new and sustained partnerships with regional and global standards’ organisations as it joins in creating a ‘Shared vision for a better world’.

Karan took the opportunity to express thanks and appreciation to all members of staff at the GNBS for their committed efforts to provide the standards and services stakeholders need. She also congratulated those staff members who would be receiving long serving awards during National Quality Week 2021.

The GNBS has planned a number of activities in observance of National Quality Week 2021, including radio programmes, a free food safety training for small food handlers and agro-processors, the National Quality Awards Ceremony, social media engagements, and its long serving awards and staff appreciation ceremony.

The GNBS is encouraging the Guyanese public to be engage in the activities of National Quality Week 2021 and beyond to learn how its services and standards impact businesses and the life of every individual.