The Guyana National Bureau of Standards’ Bimonthly Newsletter
GNBS FOCUS IN
ISSUE 01
JAN-FEB 2026 | @GNBSGY.ORG
VOLUME 04
GNBS participates in the Guyana Energy & Supply Chain Expo
GNBS Executive Director participates in GMSA’s panel discussion
GNBS kickstarts training programmes for 2026
National Exhibition Complex, Sophia, Georgetown | www.gnbsgy.org
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TOP STORIES
GNBS INTRODUCES THREE NEW TRAINING COURSES IN 2026
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TWO NEW BUSINESSES CERTIFIED ‘MADE IN GUYANA’
17 GNBS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PARTICIPATES IN GMSA’s PANEL DISCUSSION
GNBS RE-CERTIFIES SEVERAL LOCAL MANUFACTURERS & LABORATORIES
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GNBS PARTICIPATES IN GUYANA ENERGY & SUPPLY CHAIN EXPO
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GNBS DELIVERS STRONG RESULTS IN 2025, SETS STAGE FOR EXPANSION IN 2026 The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) closed 2025 with strong performance across certification, compliance, standardisation, metrology, training, and business development, while laying the foundation for major service expansion in 2026. During 2025, GNBS certified 30 new companies, including six laboratories, 15 Made in Guyana businesses, two gold jewellers, one bed and breakfast, and six micro, small and medium enterprises under the GYS 901 certification programme. A total of 949 public and private sector stakeholders were trained in the application of standards, while 38 companies completed the Technical Assistance Programme to meet national and international requirements. Standardisation advanced with the approval of 13 New Work Item Proposals, covering consumer products, including cooking appliances, jewellery and food. Last year, GNBS Metrology and Testing services supported industry through 2,500 calibrations and 1,204 tests across the manufacturing, construction, and energy sectors. Meanwhile, the Product Compliance Department conducted 9,541 inspections, covering 24,936,460 products. The Legal Metrology Inspectors verified 39,691 instruments and 711 pre-packaged goods, ensuring accuracy, safety, and fairness in trade. Under the Legal Metrology programme, the Bureau also verified 43 speed cameras in Regions Three and Four and successfully witnessed 233 crude oil lifts. To recognise those implementing standards, GNBS successfully hosted the fifth National Quality Awards, attracting over 100 participants, the largest turnout to date in the CARICOM Region, with 35 companies awarded. Educational outreach continued with 19 school engagements, reaching 1,244 students, alongside community activities such as the GNBS' Like, Share, and Win competition. In 2026, GNBS will expand its services to support emerging technologies and industries, including verification of electric vehicle charging stations. The Bureau will also strengthen the Made in Guyana programme, implement the National Standardisation Strategy completed in 2025, and introduce new calibration and testing services, reaffirming its commitment to quality, safety, and national development.
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GNBS INTRODUCES THREE NEW COURSES TO BOOST QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN 2026 In a competitive, quality-driven environment, continuous learning is essential for organisational effectiveness and growth. Recognising the challenges faced by Guyanese businesses in maintaining an effective Quality Management System (QMS), the GNBS will commence three new one-day courses in March 2026: Overview of the Management Review Process, Understanding the Document Control Process, and Identification of Nonconformity and the Corrective Action Process. These courses focus on strengthening accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement. Other training courses on this year’s schedule include ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems, ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management Systems, Risk Analysis, Good Manufacturing Practices, Introduction to Metrology, and the IRCA Lead Auditor course for ISO 45001:2018. Training courses are offered in-person, virtually, or in a hybrid format. Register early and let the GNBS guide your pursuit in becoming knowledgeable about standards.
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GNBS PARTNERS WITH MINISTRY OF EDUCATION TO STRENGTHEN LABORATORY SAFETY The GNBS in January provided a two-day free training course for the National Taskforce Sound Management of Laboratory Chemicals in Schools, which is working on the storage, use and management of chemicals in these institutions. The training focused on the National Standard GYS 235:2024 – General Requirements for Safety in Laboratories. It covered safety in laboratories, identification of hazards, mitigating risks and more. The session was facilitated by the Business Development Department and delivered by GNBS Technical Officers Romario Harris and Talicia Garrett. Beneficiaries included senior Science Teachers, taskforce members such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) and the National Centre of Educational Resources Development (NCERD).
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GUYANA SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTRE, HOME CARE MEDICAL LABORATORY & SAFE SPACE SOLUTIONS RECEIVE GYS 901 CERTIFICATION The Guyana Small Business Resource Centre (GSBRC), Home Care Medical Laboratory and Safe Space Solutions reached an important milestone by achieving certification to the GYS 901 Standard. The certification is expected to strengthen their internal processes, enhance service delivery, increase customer confidence, and better position the Centre to access regional and international opportunities. By achieving certification to this Standard, GSBRC and Home Care Medical Laboratory join a growing group of businesses committed to quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
GUYANA SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTRE (GSBRC)
SAFE SPACE SOLUTIONS
HOME CARE MEDICAL LABORATORY WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
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Secure Your Certification Now. Apply Now ---
certification@gnbsgy.org WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
www.gnbsgy.org
219-0064-66
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3D LEE HUB & ROOF SYSTEMS (GUYANA) INC. JOIN GNBS ‘MADE IN GUYANA’ CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME
ROOF SYSTEMS (GUYANA) INC. 3D LEE HUB In January, 3D Lee Hub became the first 3D printing company to attain the right to use the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark for its 3D-printed products. The certificate was officially presented at the GNBS Main Office to Chief Executive Officer Ackeem Thomas and Manager Chelsea Thomas during a brief handover ceremony attended by GNBS executives and technical staff.
3D LEE HUB WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
Meanwhile, Roof Systems (Guyana) Inc. earned the right to use the GNBS-approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark for the first time on their Roofing Systems. The Made in Guyana Standards Mark provides recognition to locally manufactured products and serves as a trusted symbol of quality and authenticity in both local and international markets.
ROOF SYSTEMS (GUYANA) INC.
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GNBS RE-CERTIFIES LEADING LOCAL MANUFACTURERS AND LABORATORIES DCSN Manufacturing Inc. and Comfort Sleep successfully achieved re-certification to use the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark in January, reaffirming their commitment to quality local manufacturing. The re-certifications cover DCSN’s prestressed concrete elements and bitumen products, and Comfort Sleep’s mattresses, foam sheets, and pillows. Also recertified were Viccorp Laboratory Inc., Sheriff Medical Centre Inc. and Rice Lab under the GNBS Laboratory certification programme. This programme is premised on the National Standard GYS 170:2021 Standard - General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory.
DCSN MANUFACTURING INC.
VICCORP LABORATORY INC.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
COMFORT SLEEP
SHERIFF MEDICAL CENTRE INC.
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GNBS RE-CERTIFIES LEADING LOCAL MANUFACTURERS AND LABORATORIES Guyana Thermoplastics Limited (Toolsie Persaud Limited) was also successfully re-certified to the requirements of Guyana Standards GYS 107:2021 and GYS 99:2021 for their Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipes under the GNBS Product Certification Programme. Additionally, Steve’s Jewellery was also re-certified to the National Standard GYS 50:2022 – Specification for Gold Articles. Meanwhile, Gafsons Industries Limited (Gafoors) was recertified under GNBS’s Product Certification Programme for its Concrete Hollow Blocks.
GUYANA THERMOPLASTICS LIMITED (TOOLSIE PERSAUD LIMITED)
RICE LAB WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
STEVE’S JEWELLERY
GAFSON’S INDUSTRIES
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GNBS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ENDORSES BUDGET 2026 The Government of Guyana this year presented its $1.558 trillion National Budget under the theme “Putting People First.” The budget provides incentives for business growth and development, enhanced living conditions, improved infrastructure and support for the vulnerable. Executive Director of the GNBS, Trevor Bassoo, in a short video message endorsed the 2026 National Budget and highlighted ways in which the Bureau will provide support in the development of key sectors. “The Government of Guyana can rely on the GNBS to offer crucial support through standards implementation, aiding businesses to grow, compete and succeed,” he said, pointing to the various certification programmes offered by the Bureau geared at business growth and continuous improvement. With $159.1B for the housing development drive alongside the investments in public infrastructure countrywide, Mr. Bassoo highlighted that the GNBS provides testing of concrete hollow blocks, concrete structures and PVC pipes to ensure they meet safety and performance requirements. In 2025, more than 600 concrete hollow blocks and cubes were tested to maintain the quality and durability of infrastructures. The GNBS verification services also serve the agriculture, health, transportation sectors and law enforcement through the verification of measuring instruments for accuracy. In the area of Standardisation, the GNBS facilitates the adoption and implementation of National and International Standards to help businesses grow.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GNBS, TREVOR BASSOO WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
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GNBS HOSTS PUBLIC CONSULTATION SESSIONS ACROSS SEVERAL REGIONS In February, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) hosted a series of public consultation sessions across Regions 2, 3, 4, 6, and 10 on the draft national standard, Specification for Labelling of Commodities – Part 10: Labelling of Equipment, Items, and Parts Containing Refrigerants. These sessions provided stakeholders with the opportunities to review the proposed draft standard and share feedback. To ensure wider participation and accessibility, GNBS also facilitated a Zoom consultation session, allowing stakeholders from all regions to participate remotely. The consultations form part of GNBS’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency, stakeholder engagement, and the development of effective national standards that support businesses and consumer safety. The deadline for submission of comments on this draft national standard is March 13.
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GNBS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PARTICIPATES IN GMSA’S PANEL DISCUSSION On February 11, GNBS Executive Director, Trevor Bassoo, participated in the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) panel discussion, ‘Starting a Manufacturing Business in Guyana,’ alongside representatives from GoInvest, the Small Business Bureau and Maliyah’s Kitchen. The webinar provided practical guidance on establishing and growing manufacturing businesses, addressing regulatory requirements, available support services and the role of standards in strengthening local production. Mr Bassoo highlighted GNBS’s role in providing standards and measurement services to ensure products and services are fit for purpose, noting benefits such as improved quality, efficiency, reduced costs, and faster market entry. He also outlined GNBS certification programmes, including Made in Guyana, GYS 901, and Product, Laboratory, and BnB certifications, emphasising their role in enhancing competitiveness and market access.
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GNBS PARTICIPATES IN GUYANA ENERGY CONFERENCE & SUPPLY CHAIN EXPO The GNBS proudly participated in this year’s Guyana Energy Conference & Supply Chain Expo, themed ‘Building Tomorrow's Future Today’, held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, from February 17 to 20. The GNBS team engaged participants and visitors to it booth on the importance of quality and standards, while highlighting how its services support business success and promote sustainable growth.
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GNBS KICKS OFF 2026 TRAINING SERIES WITH ISO AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT COURSES The GNBS kickstarted its 2026 training programmes in February, beginning with a session on Quality Management System principles. This was followed by training on Understanding the Requirements of ISO 9001:2015, Quality Management Systems, Internal Auditing Principles, and Internal Auditing of ISO Management Systems. GNBS training programmes are open to individuals and organisations of all sizes and across all sectors. Secure your spot today!
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GNBS TECHNICIANS RECEIVE SPECIALISED TRAINING TO STRENGTHEN SULPHUR TESTING CAPABILITIES On February 11, laboratory technicians from GNBS’s Industrial Metrology and Testing (IMT) Department participated in a specialised training on the Sulfur Analyser. The hands-on session, which was facilitated by Maria Camila Lopera of Vortex Company, Colombia, formed part of GNBS’s ongoing efforts to strengthen technical competence and expand its oil testing capabilities. The training enhanced the technicians’ expertise in sulphur analysis, supporting GNBS’s commitment to delivering accurate, reliable and internationally aligned testing services for Guyana’s energy sector.
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GNBS CONDUCTS SCHOOL LECTURES AT BLADEN HALL MULTI, FRIENDSHIP AND HOPE SECONDARY SCHOOLS The GNBS hosted interactive lectures at the Bladen Hall Multilateral, Friendship and Hope Secondary Schools during February, engaging students about GNBS’s key functions, including product compliance, verification, calibration, and certification, and how standards impact everyday life. The sessions encouraged participation of students and highlighted the Bureau’s role in promoting standards and measurement services for accuracy, reliability and business growth.
FRIENDSHIP SECONDARY SCHOOL
HOPE SECONDARY SCHOOL
BLADEN HALL MULTILATERAL SCHOOL WWW.GNBSGY.OR G
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GNBS STRENGTHENS STAFF COMPETENCIES WITH MEASUREMENT UNCERTAINTY TRAINING Inspectors and Technical Officers from the GNBS’s Legal Metrology Services and Certification Departments participated in a two-day capacity-building training on Measurement Uncertainty. The workshop, led by Mr. Theodore Reddock of Delphi Consultants Limited, aimed to improve their technical proficiency and comprehension of basic measurement concepts. The training will enhance their competencies and reinforce GNBS’s ongoing dedication to delivering accurate, consistent and reliable measurement services to stakeholders.
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GNBS HOSTS PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON DRAFT STANDARDS FOR SILVER, PLATINUM & PALLADIUM ARTICLES The GNBS hosted a public consultation on February 26 at its Head Office for the draft standards Specification for Silver Articles, Specification for Platinum Articles, and Specification for Palladium Articles. The consultation brought together various stakeholders, who provided valuable input on the proposed standards. The deadline for the submission of comments is Friday, March 20. Copies of the draft standards are available on the website at www.gnbsgy.org under Standardisation > Standards for Public Comments.
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MAHAICA PRIMARY SCHOOL TOURS GNBS Pupils from Gibson Primary School, Mahaica, toured the GNBS Head Office, where they learned about standards, measurement systems, and consumer protection. The interactive session was led by Mr Lloyd David, Head of Corporate Communications, and Mr Shailendra Rai, Head of Legal Metrology Services, who highlighted the importance of the International System of Units (SI) and how accurate measurements ensure fairness in trade and everyday transactions. Schools interested in booking a tour can contact GNBS at 219-0064-66, WhatsApp 692-GNBS (4627), or email info@gnbsgy.org.
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GNBS PARTICIPATES IN CAREER FAIR AT ST. ROSE’S HIGH SCHOOL The GNBS participated in the Career Day St Rose’s High School, Georgetown, where students were introduced to the wide range of career opportunities available at the Bureau. Visitors to the booth were informed about GNBS’s key services, including verification, calibration, training, certification and testing, giving students a better understanding of the Bureau’s role in supporting quality and consumer protection in Guyana.
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Our Office: Track MB, Block B, National Exhibition Centre Sophia, Georgetown Guyana Contact Us: Call: +592-219-0064/65/66 WhatsApp: +592-692-GNBS(4627)
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