GNBS IN FOCUS ISSUE 02 MARCH/APRIL

MARCH - APRIL, 2022

GNBS IN FOCUS

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards' Bimonthly Newsletter

ISSUE 02

Newsletter Highlights: A MESSAGE FROM HEAD, CERTIFICATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT

CARIBBEAN SURGERY INC. LABORATORY CERTIFIED

TWO COMPANIES CERTIFIED TO USE GNBS MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFICATION MARK

TWO COMPANIES CERTIFIED TO USE GNBS' MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFICATION MARK

GNBS RE-CERTIFIES GPHC MEDICAL LABORATORY

GNBS TO BEGIN CERTIFYING BED AND BREAKFAST FACILITIES

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A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF CERTIFICATION SERVICES Andrea Mendonca The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Certification Services Department (CSD) has done exceptionally well so far for 2022. The Department has worked collectively with others to create a culture of quality in keeping with the mandate of the GNBS. The CSD is extremely proud to have commenced the certification of local products under the Made in Guyana Certification Mark Programme.

During April, three companies were approved to affix the Made in Guyana Certification Mark on their products. More businesses are encouraged to apply to use this prestigious mark to increase brand recognition and competitive advantage on the local and international markets.

Meanwhile, one new medical laboratory and one new testing laboratory was certified under our Laboratory Certification programme. The department has also performed several assessments/audits for laboratories and companies implementing the requirements of standards. All of this means well for Guyana, as the national economy continues to expand rapidly.

Finally, I encourage more businesses to continue to request the Certification Services offered by the GNBS. Our doors remain open to serve you!

Contributions Editorial Contributors

Phtoto Credits

Lloyd David

Aishah Hussain

Bibi Khatoon

Chelsea Lee George Defrietas

Concept and Design Aishah Hussain Chelsea Lee

Marketing and Promotions Syeid Ibrahim George Defrietas

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Table of Contents Head of Certification Services Message

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Caribbean Surgery Inc. Laboratory certified

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GNBS hosts fundraiser on International Women's

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Day to support Cancer patients Business Development Officers Trained On ISO 22000:2018 Standard Outreaches To Regions Two (2) And Ten (10)

GNBS Joins in Celebrating World Consumer Rights

05 08 09

Day Food Safety Prerequisites Training Offered In-

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Person and Online Woodlands Hospital Achieves Accreditation Fibre Tech Products Recertified GNBS Joins One-Stop Shops to Help Small Businesses Two Companies Certified to Use GNBS Made in

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Guyana Certification Mark GNBS Re-Certifies GPHC Medical Laboratory

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Food Handlers Trained in Good Storage Practices

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GNBS Certifies Testing Laboratory GNBS to Begin Certifying Bed and Breakfast Facilities Laboratory Professionals Trained on GYS 170:2021

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CARIBBEAN SURGERY INC. LABORATORY CERTIFIED Caribbean Surgery Inc. Laboratory on March 22, 2022, joined the list of laboratories certified by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS).

The laboratory was successful after it demonstrated conformance to the requirements of the Guyana Standard (GYS 170:2009) – General requirements for the operation of a laboratory.

The scope of certification covers biochemistry, haematology, Urology and PCR covid-19.

The GNBS extends congratulations to Caribbean Surgery Inc. Managing Director Dr. Surendra Persaud and team.

Get your medical or testing laboratory certified by the GNBS to the GYS 170 Standard, General Requirements for The Operation of Laboratory, Contact us today!

GNBS IN FOCUS

GNBS HOSTS FUNDRAISER ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY TO SUPPORT CANCER PATIENTS International Women’s Day was celebrated in the month of March and the GNBS took the time to give back to those in need with a donation to support free cancer screening tests for women. The sum of $85,200 was raised through a ‘Bake Sale’ and was given to Founder of the Giving Hope Foundation, Dr. Latoya Gooding to assist women who seek help through the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

The funding will also assist women diagnosed with cancer.

International Women’s Day was celebrated under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” with a campaign theme of #BreakTheBias. The Marketing Department also joined the campaign with several photos and videos celebrating the Bureau’s female employees.

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS TRAINED ON ISO 22000:2018 STANDARD

Officers of our Business Development Department on March 15-17, 2022, completed a three-days training course on Understanding the Requirements of ISO 22000:2018, Food Safety Management Systems.

The training aimed to ensure the officers understand the intent of the ISO Standard in controlling food safety hazards throughout implementing

the

process

the

as

relevant

well

as

developing

documentation

to

and

support

The ISO 22000: 2018 is an internationally recognised standard that combines the ISO 9001 approach to food safety management

implementation of the system.

and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point

BOOK OUR NEXT UPCOMING TRAINING COURSE TODAY!

levels.

CONTACT OUR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM ON 219-0066 OR E MAIL BSS@GNBSGY.ORG

(HACCP) for the assurance of food safety at all

How to get your Concrete Hollow Blocks certified?

Inquire Contact Certification Services Department on 219-0064-66 or email certifcation@gnbsgy.org Apply Complete and submit an application form. Application form can be accessed via the GNBS website https://gnbsgy.org/forms/CS/Application-Form_Product-Certification Assessment GNBS conducts site visits, audits, tests product Certification Once approval is granted, the certificate is prepared and issued with terms and conditions. Certification is valid for 1 year and is monitored.

Quality Control Quality Product

www.gnbsgy.org

GNBS IN FOCUS

OUTREACHES TO REGIONS TWO (2) AND TEN (10)

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards’ (GNBS) Corporate Communications Department visited Essequibo, Region Two and Linden, Region Ten as it continues outreaches across the country for 2022.

In Essequibo, the team engaged the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) where several issues affecting the business community were discussed. The meeting was hosted in partnership with the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Commerce Department. Further, radio and television programmes were also conducted to educate the residents on the work of the GNBS. During our visits, we conducted school lectures at the Aurora Secondary and Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary Schools along with the Mackenzie High School. The students were given the opportunity to learn about the key functions of the GNBS, careers in Standards, the importance of using the International System of Units (Metric System), the rights of consumers and how to file a complaint.

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GNBS JOINS IN CELEBRATING WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY In recognition of World Consumer Rights Day on March 15, the GNBS joined the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) to host a virtual program under the theme "Fair Digital Finance."

The discussion centred around Embracing Financial Technology in Guyana.

Through the various functions and services, the agencies help to ensure that all consumers get the quality and satisfaction that they deserve and expect.

The GNBS is proud to be celebrating 37 years of protecting consumers in Guyana.

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FOOD SAFETY PREREQUISITES TRAINING OFFERED IN-PERSON AND ONLINE

The Business Development Department has successfully completed its Food Safety Prerequisites training using a mixed method of online and in-person delivery. Seven persons completed the training at the GNBS Conference room while four others were able to join virtually.

Participants will be able to outline the importance of prerequisite programs (PRP’s) in a food safety system as well as explain the role of PRP’s in the assurance of food safety.

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WOODLANDS HOSPITAL ACHIEVES ACCREDITATION

Also delivering remarks at the event were Minister of

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) joined the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Woodlands Limited Pathology Laboratory for their remarkable achievement in attaining accreditation to International Standards; ISO 15189 and 15190 Quality and Safety Management Systems Standards.

Mrs. Maricea Comacho-Chandrabose.

In a brief ceremony held by the Laboratory, GNBS Executive Director (Ag), Ms. Ramrattie Karan in her brief remarks congratulated Woodlands Ltd Pathology Laboratory on their achievement for being the only one to achieve the accreditations in Guyana and for also maintaining certification to the National Standard GYS 170 - requirements for the operation of a laboratory.

Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, Managing Director of Woodlands Limited, Dr. Neville Gobin, Management Consultant, Dr. Vilas Gobin and Laboratory Manager,

The GNBS is proud to be part of this process.

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FIBRE TECH PRODUCTS RECERTIFIED Fibre Tech Industrial Plastics (FTIP) has successfully acquired recertification to the Guyana Standard - GYS 557:2020 Plastic Bathtub and Shower Units.

The

company

has

successfully

maintained

the

requirements of the standard over the last year.

In a brief ceremony, the certificate and a plaque were handed over by GNBS Technical Officers, Mr. Keon Rankin and Ms. Yan Zhu to Office Assistants, Ms. Fazie Mohamed and Ms. Deoranie Bharrat, respectively, in the presence of Mr. Somat Alli, Managing Director of FTIP.

GNBS IN FOCUS

GNBS JOINS ONE-STOP SHOPS TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES The GNBS teamed up with the Small Business Bureau (SBB) in March to host Small Business One-Stop Shop in Region 6 from March 28-30, 2022.

The sessions attended by our Business Development Officers were geared at meeting and interacting with Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs to learn more about standards, quality and how the GNBS can take their business to the next level through our various core services.

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TWO COMPANIES CERTIFIED TO USE GNBS MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFICATION MARK The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) in April certified Amy’s Pomeroon Coffee of Amy’s Pomeroon Foods Inc. (APFI), and several products manufactured by Fibre Tech Industrial Plastics (FTIP) under its Made in Guyana Certification Mark Programme.

At the Certification ceremony for FTIP, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Hon. Oneidge Walrond encouraged private sector companies like FTIP to buy into the Government of Guyana plan and to aspire for standards.

Meanwhile, Executive Director (ag) of the GNBS Ms. Ramrattie Karan in her remarks highlighted that the Bureau has worked with several stakeholders to formalize the mark which will boost Guyana’s local content.

The Certification Mark is valid for one year pending recertification. To qualify, manufacturers must use at least 60% raw materials from Guyana and employ 70% Guyanese staff, among other requirements.

Both companies have expressed gratitude to the GNBS for formulating the programme, noting that Standardisation is the direction for local companies to go to ensure their competitiveness and to demonstrate that Guyanese can make good quality products.

Applications are open for local manufacturers interested in getting their products certified. To get onboard, business owners can contact the Certification Services Department on 219-0064-66 or email certification@gnbsgy.org.

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GNBS RE-CERTIFIES GPHC MEDICAL LABORATORY Having demonstrated conformance to the GYS 170:2009 Standard (General requirements for the operation of a laboratory), the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Medical Laboratory was recertified by the GNBS on April 05.

In a brief ceremony, the certificate was handed over by GNBS Technical Officer, Mr. Latchman Mootoosammi to Laboratory Director, Dr. Pheona Mohamed-Rambaran.

Present at the event were GPHC Chief Executive Officer (Ag.), Mr. Robbie Rambarran, Quality Manager (Ag), Ms. Kimberly Jordan, Director of Expenditure, Planning and Management Unit, Mr. Gerron Parker, Director of Medical and Professional Services (Ag), Dr. David Samaroo, and other staff members of the Laboratory.

GPHC Medical Laboratory remains on the list of certified laboratories that provide accurate and reliable results. Don't be left behind! Get certified today.

GNBS IN FOCUS

FOOD HANDLERS TRAINED IN GOOD STORAGE PRACTICES Several food handlers were on April 12-13 trained in Good Storage Practices to allow zero contamination from food safety hazards at their establishments, and to promote the extended shelf life of food products.

Officers of our Business Development Department facilitated the two-day training programme which was opened to agroprocessors, small and large manufacturers and other food handlers.

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GNBS IN FOCUS

GNBS CERTIFIES TESTING LABORATORY The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on April 20, 2022, recertified Kaizen Environmental Services (Guyana) Inc. to the GYS:170 National Standard, General Requirement for the Operation of a Laboratory.

After losing it certification in 2021, the laboratory reattained its certification after successfully implementing the requirements of the standard.

A certificate and plaque were handed over in a brief ceremony by GNBS Technical Officer, Mr. Keon Rankin to Country Manager Dr. Ivor B. English, in the presence of GNBS Technical Officer, Ms. Yan Zhu, Senior Laboratory Technologist, Mr. Audit Arjun and other employees.

Certified laboratories are committed to delivering accurate and reliable results to clients on a consistent basis.

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GNBS HAS A BED AND BREAKFAST STANDARD FOR PROVIDERS In preparation for the upcoming Cricket Carnival, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is encouraging Bed and Breakfast (B&B) facilities providers to acquire a copy of the National Standard – Requirements for bed and breakfast facilities at an affordable cost.

As the restrictions associated with COVID-19 relax, B&Bs are becoming the preferred choice for many visitors who are seeking an affordable place to spend the night. The standard will help to ensure that more quality lodging spaces are available to the vast number of tourists who will be travelling to Guyana for CPL and other activities.

In April, the Bureau has already held an awareness session in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) for some interested providers.

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LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS TRAINED ON GYS 170:2021 In observance of Laboratory Professionals Week 2022, the GNBS on April 26-28 trained several participants on the National Standard – General requirements for the operation of a laboratory (GYS 170:2021).

These laboratory professionals were further equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement a management system that meets the requirements of the standard.

The GNBS certifies laboratories to the National Standard and with the knowledge accrued from the training on the revised standard, laboratory professionals will now be able to reduce nonconformities within their establishments.

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