GNBS in Focus Issue 05

GNBS in Focus

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GNBS IN FOCUS

Executive Director’s (Ag) Message – World Standards Day In

October,

we

celebrated

our

technical

teams

who

contribute to standards, our professionals who develop and work with standards, and our stakeholders who implement those standards; we celebrated standardisation as a global community.

World

Standards

Day

is

celebrated

on

October

14,

every

year. This year, the theme was, “Standards for Sustainable Development

Goals.”

standardisation

is

We

important

can

to

appreciate

creating

a

that

world

that

Ms.Ramrattie Karan Executive Director (Ag)

is

better, fairer and more sustainable.

Whether International or National, Standards offer solutions to everyday problems, create a level playing field and ensure

Aishah Hussain

quality in every aspect of our daily lives.

The 17 SDGs, project to reduce hunger and poverty, reduce inequalities, climate these

improve

change are

while

health

increasing

attainable

guaranteeing

and

but

sustainability

education

economic

Standards to

Photo credits

tackle

growth.

are

safeguard

and

the

the

All

George DeFreitas Chelsea Lee

of

key

to

benefits

for

Editorial Contributors Lloyd David

future generations.

Bibi Khatoon The Guyana National Bureau of Standards has developed and

adopted

over

600

Standards

across

the

agriculture,

Concept & Design

health, construction, energy and other sectors. Under the tagline - “Creating a culture of quality through standards,” our

National

while

Standards

facilitating

Body

business

work

growth

to and

protect

consumers

development.

We

promote quality to certify that the products and services you pay for, work the way you want them to.

With the use of these documents, we work with stakeholders to promote accurate measurements, certify precise medical and

other

tests,

monitor

product

quality

and

reduce

inferiority.

The GNBS continues to work with stakeholders in every sector to

continuously

improve

and

implement

standards

for

the

benefit of all. We look forward to continued partnerships with regional and global standards organisation to join in creating a ‘Shared vision for a better world’.

01

Chelsea Lee & Syeid Ibrahim

GNBS IN FOCUS

Table of Contents 04 15 27 28

NEW SERVICE LAUNCHED TO VERIFY SPEED GUNS IMEX LABORATORY CERTIFIED BY GNBS TO GYS 170:2009 STANDARD 2021 NATIONAL QUALITY AWARDS HOSTED

H.E MRS. ARYA ALI, FIRST LADY OF GUYANA UNVEILED THE MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFICATION MARK

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05

06

07

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09

13

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15

16

17

18

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Executive Director's (Ag) Message- World Standards Day Members of The Guyana Society For The Blind Trained on Block Making Celebrating Amerindian Heritage Month with Standards and Quality Plastic Products Limited PVC Pipes Recertified by GNBS GNBS Staff Access Training on Crude Oil Testing and Analysis Training Catalogue GNBS Partners with Ministry of Health to Train Key Laboratory Professionals More Unapproved Dial Scales Seized from Main City Markets Imex Laboratory Certified by To GYS 170:2009 Standard Food Safety Authority Undergoes ‘Train the Trainers’ Programme Food Safety Authority Inspectors Undergo Three-Day Training at the GNBS

CODEX Committee Trust Fund Launched GNBS Verifies Weighbridge Scales, Moisture Meters at Rice Mills

GNBS IN FOCUS

Table of Contents 33 34

D & S RAMDEHOLL & SONS CERTIFIED FOR THE FIRST TIME Cares-worth Medical Centre Laboratory On Board GNBS Certification Programme

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22

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27

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30

31

33

34

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GNBS Seizes Cigarettes for Failure to Meet Labelling Requirements

Mini Expo Hosted to Promote Key Services GRDB Central Laboratory Recertified GNBS, GTA & THAG Collaborate for Awareness on Standards Hosted 15 Companies Awarded At 2021 National Quality Awards Made In Guyana Certification Mark Launched Training Catalogue Former Chairperson of The NSC Recognized at NQA 2021 Employees Awarded for Continuous Commitment

GNBS Recertifies Pesticides And Toxic Chemicals Control Board Laboratory D & S Ramdeholl & Sons Certified for the First time Cares-worth Medical Centre Laboratory On Board GNBS Certification Programme Breast Cancer Walk & Information Session

GNBS IN FOCUS

NEW SERVICE LAUNCHED TO VERIFY SPEED GUNS On October 06, 2021, the GNBS launched its newest service to verify the speed guns used

by Traffic Ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

The

service

will

be

rolled

out

using

the

newly

acquired

MultaRadar

Equipment

and

Compact Device.

The launch followed a two-day training on the Commissioning & Use of the MultaRadar Equipment and Compact Device for Inspectors of the GNBS and Ranks of the Guyana Police Force, by Solutions Architect Manager, Mr. Corlan McDonald of JENOPTIK.

Executive Director (Ag) of the GNBS, Ms. Ramrattie Karan pointed out that accuracy is key when using a measuring instrument. She noted that the acquisition of the equipment followed several complaints that the Speed guns used by Police Officers on the roadways, may not be delivering accurate readings.

04

GNBS IN FOCUS

MEMBERS OF THE GUYANA SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND TRAINED ON BLOCK MAKING The GNBS on September 22 and 23 conducted a two-day training session for Block Makers who are members of the Guyana Society for the Blind.

The training formed part of a collaboration between the Bureau and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). The block makers were given the opportunity to learn about the requirements of the National Standard for concrete hollow blocks, the technique for blockmaking and GNBS’ testing and certification programmes for the product.

During

a

short

opening

ceremony

at

the

Blind

Institute,

High

Street,

Georgetown

on

Wednesday, September 22, 2021, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Hon. Oneidge Walrond stated that there is a need to ensure durable blocks are manufactured locally to supply growing demands.

05

The Corporate Communications Department, in observance of Amerindian Heritage Month under the theme “Maintaining our traditional integrity, celebrating our cultural identity,” virtually engaged the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs on standards related to indigenous products. The meeting was conducted in

collaboration

with

the

Business

Development

Department

to

share

information

on

not

only

the

standards but also training and other available opportunities for future partnerships.

06

GNBS IN FOCUS

PLASTIC PRODUCTS LIMITED PVC PIPES RECERTIFIED BY GNBS On September 14, the GNBS recertified PVC pipes manufactured by Plastic Products Limited (PPL) for continually meeting the requirements of the standards, which serves to ensure quality products are sold on the local market.

The company received the certificate which permits it to use the GNBS Standards Mark on pipes manufactured.

Two plaques were also handed over to the company for display in its sale outlets to boost consumer confidence.

07

GNBS IN FOCUS

GNBS STAFF ACCESS TRAINING ON CRUDE OIL TESTING AND ANALYSIS The GNBS partnered with Southern Petroleum Laboratories Inc. (SPL Inc.), a global leader in the testing, inspection, and certification services.

This partnership was established to facilitate two weeks of extensive training on crude oil testing and analytical methods at their Center of Excellence in Houston.

GNBS Laboratory Technicians also were able to visit the SPL Arlington, Texas facility for an introduction to numerous finished products and testing procedures.

The

training

included

instrument-specific

method

operation;

development,

as

well

as

proper

login

QA/QC

procedures,

procedures,

utilizing

and

proprietary

SureChem laboratory information management software.

08

OCTOBER - DECEMBER, 2021

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11

12

GNBS IN FOCUS

GNBS PARTNERS WITH MINISTRY OF HEALTH TO TRAIN KEY LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) in partnership with the Ministry of Health conducted a three-day training session on the Guyana Standard GYS 170:2009

–

‘General

requirements

for

the

operation

of

a

laboratory,’

to

key

laboratory professionals in public health institutions.

This partnership served to enhance the capabilities of public laboratories from various

regions

equipped

with

in

Guyana.

the

It

allowed

knowledge

and

laboratory skills

to

professionals develop

and

management system that meets the requirements of the standard.

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to

be

further

implement

a

GNBS IN FOCUS

MORE UNAPPROVED DIAL SCALES SEIZED FROM MAIN CITY MARKETS On September 6, a team of GNBS Inspectors, accompanied by Ranks of the Guyana Police force (GPF) engaged in a market surveillance exercise to seize and remove defective and unapproved devices in use.

This exercise was conducted at the Stabroek and Bourda Markets where there seems to be the pervasive use of the unapproved dial scales. As a result, 50 dial scales, which were not approved for commercial trade, were seized and removed from vendors.

Vendors and shopkeepers, are urged to do the right thing, which is to acquire and use devices approved for trade.

Meanwhile consumers, to safeguard yourself, avoid making purchases from vendors and shopkeepers who are bent on selling from the unapproved devices.

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GNBS IN FOCUS

IMEX LABORATORY CERTIFIED BY GNBS TO GYS 170:2009 STANDARD A new laboratory –IMEX Incorporated Laboratory – has been certified by the GNBS to the GYS 170:2009 Standard, General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory.

Certified laboratories ensure that customers receive accurate and reliable results whenever their services are utilised.

In a brief ceremony, the certificate and a plaque were handed over to the Laboratory Manager, Mr. Harrinarine Balram and Laboratory’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eliyah Yehudah by GNBS Executive Director (Ag.), Ms. Ramrattie Karan and Technical Officers of the GNBS, Mr. Keon Rankin and Ms. Rosmarie Liliah.

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GNBS IN FOCUS

FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY UNDERGOES ‘TRAIN THE TRAINERS’ PROGRAMME Inspectors completed Practices

and a and

Officers

three-day Food

of

the

“Train

Safety

Guyana the

Food

Trainers”

Requirements

Safety

Authority

programme as

it

on

relates

(GFSA)

Good

to

successfully

Manufacturing

Understanding

the

Requirements of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) System.

This programme will help participants involved in food safety monitoring at farms and other facilities to better execute their functions.

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GNBS IN FOCUS

FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY INSPECTORS UNDERGO THREE-DAY TRAINING AT THE GNBS Inspectors

&

Officers

of

the

Guyana

Food

Safety

Authority

(GFSA)

successfully

completed a three-day “Train the Trainers” programme on Good Manufacturing Practices and Food Safety Requirements.

The training, which was provided by the Business Development Department of the GNBS, allowed participants to have a good understanding of the Requirements of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) System.

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GNBS IN FOCUS

CODEX COMMITTEE TRUST FUND LAUNCHED The

National

International

CODEX Food

Committee

Standards

which

developed

supports by

the

the

adoption

CODEX

and

promotion

Alimentarius

of

Commission

launched its Trust Fund Project 2, Round 4 project under the theme "Promoting Food Safety Standards for Healthier Guyana".

As the Codex Contact Point (CCP) since 1985, the GNBS supported this activity which is an investment in a healthier and safer Guyana.

The Bureau functions as the link between the Codex Secretariat and Guyana; more specifically, policymakers, regulators, and those in the local food sector.

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GNBS IN FOCUS

GNBS VERIFIES WEIGHBRIDGE SCALES, MOISTURE METERS AT RICE MILLS As the second rice crop commenced in 2021, the GNBS embarked Scales

on

and

the

verification

Moisture

Meters

of at

several rice

Weighbridge

mills

across

the

country.

The

devices

are

used

for

measuring

when

purchasing

paddy from farmers to ensure accurate payments are made.

The

GNBS’

Communications

and

Legal

Metrology

Departments, to raise awareness on the services, also conducted a sensitization session at the Hakh Rice Mill at Harlem, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

During the social media live interview, tips were shared for

both

millers

and

farmers

to

ensure

smooth

transactions during the rice crop.

In addition, a similar social media live was conducted with

the

Product

Compliance

Services

Department

highlight the Bureau’s role in monitoring of tyres.

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to

GNBS IN FOCUS

GNBS SEIZES CIGARETTES FOR FAILURE TO MEET LABELLING REQUIREMENTS Inspectors of the GNBS’ Product Compliance Services Department seized five hundred and forty-two (542) packs of cigarettes which do not meet the requirements of the National Standard “GYS 9-3:2014 Labelling of Tobacco Products” and the Tobacco Control Regulation of 2018.

The items were seized from sale outlets in Regions Three (3), Four (4), Five (5) and Six (6) during August to October, 2021.

The brands of cigarettes seized were; Atlanta, Milano, SPEED, Marshal, Bulls and Bears, Aurora, Record, Silver Elephant, 51, Royal, Darkis, Indosu and Nashville.

Some of the seized packages were not labelled in English or did not include a pictorial warning as specified by the Tobacco Control Regulation.

Meanwhile, others failed to include pertinent information relating to the constituents and emission information, name and address of the manufacturer, importer or distributor, and the product’s manufacturing date and batch number.

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Contact our Business Development Team today!

Call: 219-0066 E-Mail: bss@gnbsgy.org WhatsApp: 692-GNBS (4627)

WWW.GNBSGY.ORG

GNBS IN FOCUS

MINI EXPO HOSTED TO PROMOTE KEY SERVICES The GNBS’ Marketing Department in October partnered with the Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) at the Giftland Mall to host a Mini Information Expo.

Members of the public were invited to meet and interact with officers of the GNBS, to learn about the core services, consumer tips and how to help accelerate growth and development of small and medium-sized businesses.

Head

of

Marketing,

Mr.

Syeid

Ibrahim

and

Marketing

Officer,

George

DeFreitas

interacted with several persons throughout the day during which they shared information on other key services offered by the Bureau.

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GNBS IN FOCUS

GRDB CENTRAL LABORATORY RECERTIFIED October

is

Agriculture

Month but this year it was also

exciting

for

the

Guyana Rice Development Board

(GRDB),

received for

its

which

re-certification

Central

Laboratory

from the GNBS on October 12.

The

Rice

received

a

Board

also

plaque

for

its

commitment to maintaining the GYS

requirements 170:2009

(General the

of

the

Standard

requirements

operation

for

of

a

laboratory).

The

GNBS

team

presented Certification

also two

stickers

for

placement at the entrance of the laboratory facility.

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GNBS IN FOCUS

GNBS, GTA & THAG COLLABORATE FOR AWARENESS ON STANDARDS The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) on October 18 partnered with the GNBS to host an awareness session for Restaurateurs.

The session sought to promote standards applicable to the restaurant industry and covered areas with respect to Quality Management, Food Safety and Standards applicable to Restaurants.

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Key Highlights of the Week

Winner of LIKE & SHARE $50,000 PROMO - Maharani Jainarain

Launch of Made in Guyana Certification Mark

#Free Food Safety Training held

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Key Highlights of the Week Overall NQA Winners

NAMILCO Inc.

Steve's Jewellery

Massy Gas Products Guyana Ltd.

Morning Glory Inc.

St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital Medical Laboratory

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GNBS IN FOCUS

15 COMPANIES AWARDED AT 2021 NATIONAL QUALITY AWARDS The GNBS hosted its third National Quality Awards

(NQA)

attended

by

Ceremony,

First

Lady,

which

Mrs.

was

Arya

Ali,

Government Ministers and Members of the Diplomatic

Corps,

among

other

special

invitees.

NQA 2021 saw the participation of thirtysix (36) companies. Winners were awarded in five overall categories. The categories were

Manufacturing;

which

was

won

by

NAMILCO Inc., Services; which was won by Massy Gas Products (Guyana) Ltd., Small Business

Manufacturing;

won

by

Steve’s

Jewellery and Small Business Services; won by

St.

Joseph

Mercy

Hospital

Medical

Laboratory.

Morning

Glory

Inc.

copped

the

overall

award for Agro-Processing.

Additionally, specific awards for customerfocus, continuous improvement, and health & safety and environmental initiatives were presented to successful companies.

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GNBS IN FOCUS

MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFICATION MARK LAUNCHED Her

Excellency

First

Lady

of

the

Co-

operative Republic of Guyana, Mrs. Arya Ali

unveiled

the

GNBS

Made

in

Guyana

Certification Mark in the presence of the Chairperson Council

of

the

Mr.Vladim

Executive

Director

National Persaud (Ag.)

Standards and

GNBS

Ms.Ramrattie

Karan.

The Made in Guyana certification mark is a registered

mark

recognition

that

to

aims

locally

to

provide

manufactured

products. It focuses on creating national competitiveness

for

authentic

Guyanese

products certified under the Programme, while also creating and promoting brand recognition

of

locally

manufactured

Guyanese Products.

The

Made

in

Guyana

Certification

Mark

Programme will provide a framework for the development of Quality Systems within local

content

thus

enabling

a

quality

revolution, pushing Guyanese businesses to the

forefront

of

quality

on

national

,regional, and international levels.

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GNBS IN FOCUS

FORMER CHAIRPERSON OF THE NSC RECOGNIZED AT NQA 2021 Carole Fletcher was associated with the Bureau from

the 1990’s when she served on the National Standards Council. During her tenure, Carole is remembered for championing the concerns of stakeholders.

In the 1990’s, she emigrated abroad and returned after some years as an investor and founded one of the most successful

call

centers,

employing

several

hundred

young Guyanese, mostly girls.

But the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and its works

never

left

her

thoughts

and

she

returned

as

Chairperson of the National Standards Council in 2018 and served for two years.

Carole Fletcher

As an avid businessperson, serving at the Bureau was an effortless sacrifice to introduce technical business and administrative expertise to the Bureau.

Honorary Award for

Commitment to Standards and Quality

Serving as Chairperson, Carole continued to perfect the

procedures

efficiency

and

for

servicing

our

in

working

out

stakeholders a

blueprint

with for

modernizing the National Building Code.

Carole

Fletcher

stands

out

as

an

example

of

how

private sector persons could strengthen and enrich the work of the Bureau and how welcome they would be.

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GNBS IN FOCUS

EMPLOYEES AWARDED FOR CONTINUOUS COMMITMENT The GNBS hosted its Long Serving Awards during National Quality Week for employees who have been with the Bureau for five, ten and twenty years, respectively.

Notably, the Bureau’s Executive Director (Ag.), Ms. Ramrattie Karan along with the Senior Information Officer, Ms. Roxan Bourne were awarded for their 20 years of service at the GNBS. Other awardees included the Head of the Information & Technology, David Cummings and Driver, Jerome Troyer who served for ten years, and Inspectors Jose Skeete and Dillon Roopchand who served for five years.

In attendance at the event was Hon. Oneidge Walrond, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Mr. Vladim Persaud, Chairperson of the National Standards Council.

The annual event, which is held during National Quality Week, also allows for a time of fun and fellowship among staff members.

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GNBS IN FOCUS

GNBS RECERTIFIES PESTICIDES AND TOXIC CHEMICALS CONTROL BOARD LABORATORY TThe

GNBS

on

October

27,

re-certified

the

Pesticides

and

Toxic

Chemicals

Control Board Laboratory to the Guyana Standard GYS 170: 2009 Standard (General requirements for the operation of a laboratory).

This certification process is done biennially following a successful audit based on the

requirements

customers

receive

of

the

Standard.

accurate

and

Certification

reliable

results

provides

and

is

assurance

adhering

to

that

quality

requirements.

The

laboratory

also

received

a

plaque

from

the

GNBS

for

its

continued

conformance to the standard.

In a brief ceremony, the plaque and certificate were handed over by the Head of the

GNBS

Certification

Services

Department,

Ms.

Andrea

Mendonca,

to

the

Quality Manager of Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board Laboratory, Ms. Raedawn Nedd-La Rose in the presence of Senior Chemist, Ms. Rhea Benn and Analytical Specialist, Ms. Reshma Bissessar.

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GNBS IN FOCUS

MEET THE GNBS TEAM

Team members featured in September & October

Executive Director (Ag), Ms. Ramrattie Karan, Compton Batson, Jerome Troyer, Jose Skeete

(Top row)

Manog Primo, Maurice Phillips, Ronaldo Persaud, Sabiah Abrahim, Shonette Pearson (Bottom row)

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GNBS IN FOCUS

D & S Ramdeholl & Sons Certified for the First time

D & S Ramdeholl & Son Jewellery was on October 26, certified for the first time to the Guyana Standard GYS 50: 2010, Specification of Gold Articles (12 Karat and 14 Karat).

The owner of the business, Mr. Deepnarine Ramdeholl and his son Mr. Sachin Ramdeholl expressed heartfelt gratitude to the GNBS for working with them to achieve certification of their product.

Head

of

the

congratulated

GNBS both

Certification

businesses

for

Services

the

efforts

Department, made

to

Ms.

achieve

Andrea

Mendonca

certification

of

their

services and product.

“We want to thank you for choosing to uphold standards in your operations. We want to commend

you

and

may

you

continue

to

strive

for

excellence

and

maintain

this

certification,” she encouraged.

A certificate and plaque were handed over in a brief ceremony by GNBS Head (Ag.) of Certification

Services

Department,

Ms.

Andrea

Mendonca

to

proprietors

of

Ramdeholl & Son Jewellery, Mr. Sachin Ramdeholl and Mr. Deepnarine Ramdheholl.

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D

&

S

GNBS IN FOCUS

Cares-worth Medical Centre Laboratory On Board GNBS Certification Programme Cares-worth Medical Centre Laboratory is the newest Laboratory to be certified to Guyana Standard

GYS

Requirements

170:2009

for

the

–

“General

Operation

of

a

Laboratory”.

The

Certificate

handed

over

along

by

the

with

a

Head

of

plaque the

was

GNBS’

Certification Services Department, Ms. Andrea Mendonca

to

General

Manager

of

the

Laboratory Ms. Bibi Nafeeza Bacchus at the facility’s

Carmichael

Street,

North

Cummingsburg, Georgetown location. Bacchus, in an invited comment, said she is proud of this achievement since it will promote accuracy and efficiency, and increase clients’ confidence in the services offered by the laboratory.

The laboratory certification is valid for two years during which, the GNBS will routinely conduct audits

to

ensure

that

the

clinical

facility

continues to maintain the requirements of the standard.

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GNBS in Focus

Opening of Sub-Office Mahdia

Business Development Training Holiday Shopping Tips

Consumer Protection Mini Expo GNBS in 30 Special Edition 35

GNBS SOCIAL

GNBS in Focus

BREAST CANCER WALK & INFORMATION SESSION

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) , the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Competition and Consumers Affairs Commission (CCAC), held a walk chanting "early detection saves lives", to raise awareness and stand in solidarity with those who have been diagnosed with, survived or would have passed on due to breast cancer. An information session was also held about breast cancer, inclusive of a Q&A segment.

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C

EBRATIN L G E

36 YEARS

O

Y F Q T I UAL