STANDARDISATION WITHIN THE CARICOM REGION
As Guyana and its Caribbean neighbours celebrated 52 years of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), we shed light on one of the vital systems that support regional integration and economic development – Standardisation. In Guyana, the GNBS plays a key role in actively adopting and promoting CARICOM Regional Standards to ensure quality, safety, and trade readiness of our products
At the heart of this effort is the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), which has been working behind the scenes for over two decades to ensure that standards are developed for goods and services produced and provided across the region. CROSQ comprises National Standards Bodies (NSBs) from CARICOM Member States, such as GNBS These NSBs lead the development and implementation of national standards, many of which evolved to become CARICOM Regional Standards
The GNBS plays a key role in advancing CARICOM’s goals through the adoption and promotion of these regional standards. To date, GNBS has supported the development and adoption of approximately 73 CARICOM Regional Standards, many focusing on agriculture, food safety, and consumer goods. These standards are actively applied within Guyana’s industries to improve the quality of locally produced goods for trade and consumer protection.
Standards may seem invisible, but their impact is felt in the bottles of water we drink, the buildings we occupy, and the products we buy and use
THREE LOCAL COMPANIES ACHIEVE MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFICATION IN JULY
NOVA HIGH TECHNOLOGY
Nova High Technology Inc became the first local tissue manufacturer to earn the mark for its Clear and Salala branded toilet paper, table napkins, facial tissues, and kitchen rolls. Meanwhile the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) also made history as the first sugar
Lastly, Invernisoft Inc. joined the growing list of certified companies as the second software developer to receive the mark for its locally created Mintage Payroll Software
The Made in Guyana Standards Mark is a registered symbol that affirms the quality of locally manufactured products for local, regional and international markets.
GNBS REVIEWS NATIONAL STANDARD FOR ACCIDENT PREVENTION TAGS TO ENHANCE WORKPLACE SAFETY
The GNBS recently reviewed National Standard, GYS 208:2002 – Specification for Accident Prevention Tags, which covers temporary hazard warning tags used in industrial, marine, and commercial settings.
These tags were recognised as vital for preventing injuries by alerting personnel to immediate dangers.
Technical Committee 10 – Personal Safety held several meetings to revise the standard. To gather stakeholder input, GNBS launched a public comment period ending on August 29, 2025, and hosted a consultation session on July 30, 2025
The revision aimed to align the standard with modern safety practices and encouraged inputs from professionals in safety, engineering, construction, and marine operations.
Stakeholders are invited to participate in the upcoming consultation session or to submit written comments by the specified deadline.
Written comments can be submitted to the GNBS using the Comments Sheet on the website, or via email: public comments@gnbsgy org
GNBS RE-CERTIFIES GOPAUL’S JEWELLERY
On July 17, Gopaul’s Jewellery achieved GNBS recertification for continuously conforming to the requirements of National Standard, GYS 50:2022, the Specification for Gold Articles (12 Karat and 14 Karat)
During a brief ceremony, GNBS Technical Officer Orlando Sturge handed over a certificate and plaque to the proprietors of Gopaul’s Jewellery, Rampersaud Gopaul and Udo Gopaul
This recertification assures customers that gold jewellery purchased from Gopaul’s Jewellery had been tested for quality, upholding the standards for excellence in Guyanese craftsmanship.
NATIONAL MILLING COMPANY OF GUYANA (NAMILCO) RECEIVES MADE IN GUYANA RECERTIFICATION
On July 18, the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) successfully achieved the rights to continue using the GNBS Made in Guyana Standards Mark on its Maid Marian Products, Thunderbolt Flour, Harvest High Fiber Wholewheat, and Whole Wheat Mix.
A brief ceremony was held at NAMILCO’s location, where GNBS Technical Officers, Rosmarie Liliah and Rachel Cecil handed over the certificate to NAMILCO’s Quality Assurance Manager, Taijwattie Williams The presentation took place in the presence of Managing Director Scott Mitchell, Operations Manager Ralf Hemsing, and other staff
The GNBS Made in Guyana Standards Mark, a registered symbol of quality, continues to provide recognition for locally manufactured products in both local and international markets
GNBS COLLABORATES WITH ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL ON NATIONAL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROJECT
At the end of July, GNBS Executive Director, Trevor Bassoo hosted a strategic meeting with project consultants Greg Quinn and Michelle King, and Ramona Doorgen of the Guyana National Road Safety Council.
The discussion focused on advancing the Road Safety/Traffic Management Project, a national priority initiated by His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the Ministry of Home Affairs
GNBS contributes essential expertise to the verification of speed cameras, radar guns, and has standards for imported vehicles. These are vital for reducing road fatalities and enhancing safety nationwide.
Happy Emancipation
DICK’S SEASONING BECOMES 60 LOCAL MANUFACTURER TO BE MADE IN GUYANA CERTIFIED
The GNBS was elated to award yet another local manufacturer with the right to use the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark on its products. Dick’s Seasoning became the 60 company to be added to the GNBS Made in Guyana Certification Scheme on August 07 th
Located in Mapletown, Aroaima, Upper Berbice River, Dick’s Seasonings can now use the mark on its Garlic/Ginger/Onion Paste (350g), Hot Pepper Sauce (284g and 450g), Green Seasoning Original (284g, 450g 730g), Mango Ăchar (450g), and Fish Dip (500ml).
During the handover at the company’s location, the Made in Guyana Certificate was presented by GNBS Technical Officer, Orlando Sturge to the CEO of Dick’s Seasoning Products, Dawn Edwards-Dickson
The Made in Guyana Standards Mark is a registered symbol that affirms the manufacture of local products based on specific requirements.
GNBS WELCOMES TOPAZ JEWELLERY AS ITS 7TH CERTIFIED GOLD JEWELLER
In August, popular jeweller Topaz Jewellery proudly became the seventh gold establishment to join the prestigious GNBS Product Certification Scheme, earning the GYS 50:2022 Certification for Gold Articles The certification covers its range of 12K, 14K, and 18K gold jewellery, marking a major milestone for the brand and further strengthening consumer confidence.
With this achievement, customers can shop with certainty knowing that gold jewellery from Topaz were tested for quality and approved by the GNBS This guarantees authenticity, durability and consistency of quality.
The GNBS applauds Topaz Jewellery on this remarkable accomplishment, which adds to the growing list of trusted local jewellers committed to offering products that are tried, tested, and proven for quality
GNBS PROVIDES STANDARDS EDUCATION TO YOUNG ELECTRICIANS THROUGH YOUTH CHALLENGE GUYANA
In August, the GNBS engaged in a highly interactive lecture with participants of Youth Challenge Guyana’s Electrical Installation Training Programme at the St. Sidwell's Training Hall.
Twenty-one (21) young men were educated on the core services and functions of the GNBS They were also introduced to the 31 Compulsory Electrical Standards developed to ensure safety, quality, and compliance of electrical equipment and fittings offered for sale
The engaging session aimed not only to inform but to inspire, fostering a deeper connection between participants and the world of standards and consumer protection
GNBS PARTICIPATES IN INTERNATIONAL BUILDING EXPO 2025
The International Building Expo 2025 returned to the Guyana National Stadium, Providence in August under the theme: “The Road to Success: Guyana 2030 and Beyond ” This event brought together key stakeholders in construction, engineering, architecture, and related disciplines to showcase their innovations and chart a course towards long-term national development
Among those participating in the Expo was the GNBS, which showcased its role in advancing construction excellence through its reliable calibration and testing services, and standards for implementation in the sector
As the National Measurement Institute (NMI), the GNBS offers a variety of calibration services through its Industrial Metrology and Testing (IMT) Department, in the areas of Mass, Volume, Temperature, Dimension, Electricity, Torque and Pressure.
In construction, quality concrete is non-negotiable The GNBS provides robust testing services for concrete hollow blocks, cubes, and cylinders, verifying properties like compressive strength, moisture content, and absorption.
The Bureau also conducts Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) to assess the integrity of existing structures, using the rebound hammer technology to evaluate compressive strength up to 8,400 PSI This is done in accordance with ASTM C805, ensuring buildings meet safety expectations and helping to address complaints about substandard construction.
As the National Standards Body, the GNBS also promotes the adoption of National, Regional, and International Standards that support construction quality and resilience Standards available at the Bureau provide technical guidance on structural safety, flood resistance, vibration tolerance, energy management, materials testing, and more
SEVERAL LOCAL COMPANIES
RECERTIFIED IN AUGUST
KARES ENGINEERING INC.
In August, several companies were recertified to the GNBS various Certification Programmes The GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark was granted to Kares Engineering Inc. for its Concrete Piles and Slabs, and Banks DIH Limited for its Wine Products, Rum Products, Demico Premium Ice-Cream, Creme Select Super Premium Ice-Cream, Novelty (Frostee), Carbonated Soft Drinks, Beers, Shandy, Malta and Water, reflecting their continued adherence to standards and quality
UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE LABORATORY
Meanwhile, Universal Health Care Laboratory was recertified for successfully implementing the requirements of the GYS:170 Standard, General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory.
NAZEEM’S JEWELLERY
Finally, Nazeem’s Jewellery was recertified under the Product Certification Programme for its continued conformance to the GYS 50 Standard.
SOCIAL COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES 2025
