THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has shone the spotlight on three companies that are changing the definition of what it means to build, create and grow local.

These establishments include Centaur Holdings, Comfort Sleep, and Dixie’s Punch De Crème and in addition to being completely Guyanese owned, they all have the ‘Made in Guyana’ standards mark on their products.

This mark aims to not only provide recognition to locally manufactured products; it also focuses on creating national competitiveness for authentic products that are certified under the programme and creates and promotes brand recognition of locally manufactured Guyanese products.

Alongside this, the mark also provides a framework for the development of quality systems within local content, further enabling a quality revolution, pushing Guyanese businesses to the forefront of quality on a national regional and international level.

At Centaur Holdings, the products made include lemon grass tea, capadulla tea and ginger tea, plantain flour, power mix porridge, cassava cassareep, carambola fruits mix and cassava bread.

Co-founder and General Manager of Centaur Holdings, Michellina Richmond, stated that Centaur brings nature’s goodness to consumers’ tables with its Green Diamond Foods, ranging from the teas mentioned, and traditional products.

“From the energising plantain flour to the nourishing Power Mix Porridge, we offer natural wholesome options for your meals,” Richmond said, adding, “Proudly made in Guyana. Live a longer, stronger, and healthier life with our finest Green Diamond Foods Products.”

Comfort Sleep’s Chief Executive Officer Dennis Charran posited that at Comfort Sleep, the focus is on creating quality, crafted mattresses, foam sheets and pillows, all produced locally.

“In Guyana, our mattresses and foam sheets are designed for comfort, durability, ensuring a restful sleep. Our pillow offers support for a refreshing night’s rest,” Charran said.

He added that Comfort Sleep is dedicated to delivering local comfort and quality, crafting a better sleep and a product that is proudly made in Guyana.

Dixie Jordan, the innovative woman behind the Dixie’s Punch De Creme brand, expressed that her product has been at the heart of Guyanese celebrations for years. Jordan told the GNBS that she started Dixie’s Punch De Crème, because she wanted to share something that is truly special, with authentic Guyanese tradition.

Jordan further expressed that it has been an honour to see her brand becoming a beloved part of local celebrations, with its rich and creamy Guyanese flavour.
“Using the GNBS-approved ‘Made in Guyana’ standard mark means so much to me. It’s a symbol of authenticity and quality, assuring everyone that they’re enjoying a locally made product. Proudly made in Guyana,” Jordan said.

According to the GNBS, the Made in Guyana Standards Mark Programme is a voluntary programme, and it is available to all local manufacturers.

This is in keeping with the (GNBS) Act No. 11 OF 1984, which authorises the GNBS to use its ‘Made in Guyana’ certification mark on products with set criteria that are in compliance with the terms and conditions of this programme.

To find out more about the application process, persons can visit the GNBS Website- https://gnbsgy.org/certification/made-in-guyana-certification/ – where the steps to get the standards mark are listed.

The GNBS is an agency that operates under the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and is a semi-autonomous governmental organisation responsible for standards and quality in Guyana. This agency was established in March, 1985, under Act No. 11 of 1984.

Additionally, the GNBS has the legal status of a statutory corporation governed by a National Standards Council (NSC) that is appointed by the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.