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GNBS FOCUS IN

GNBS WELCOMES NEW MINISTER OF TOURISM, INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE

The GNBS was honoured to welcome the Hon. Susan Rodrigues, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, along with Permanent Secretary, Mr Roger Rogers, during an official visit to the GNBS’ Head Office.

The visit, which came shortly after their appointments, provided an opportunity for the GNBS team to share updates on key initiatives, services, and strategic priorities aimed at strengthening standards, measurement, and quality across Guyana From certification programmes to standards development and consumer protection efforts, the Bureau highlighted its c itical ole in s ppo ting national g o th and competiti eness

GNBS STANDARD SUPPORTS SAFE, QUALITY CASSAVA BREAD PRODUCTION

Cassava bread is a cherished staple in Guyanese households and Indigenous communities, it’s more than just a food item, it represents culture, tradition, and heritage As the GNBS joined in celebrating Amerindian Heritage Month this September under the theme “Igniting Unity, Celebrating Progress and Advancing Our Culture,” it was the perfect time to highlight the importance of preserving traditional foods while ensuring they meet modern standards of safety and quality.

The GNBS offers a standard for this commodity, specifically the National Standard GYS 246:2010 – Specification for Cassava Bread It outlines guidelines for hygienic production, packaging, storage, and distribution of the product. It ensures cassava bread is crisp, uniform in texture, free from bitterness, mold, rancidity, harmful metals, and other contaminants, and outlines proper testing, sampling, and food-safe packaging practices. By adhering to this standard, local producers safeguard consumer health and promote confidence in Indigenous products, while preserving cultural traditions

Other available standards for Indigenous products include Specification for Indigenous Furniture (bamboo, rattan, wicker, and nibbi) and the Code of Practice for the Manufacture of Wooden Craft Items. The GNBS remains committed to preserving Indigenous culture while promoting the use of standards to guide the sustainable production of food, art, and crafts

GNBS RE-CERTIFIES THREE

LOCAL MANFACTURERS IN SEPTEMBER

During September, the GNBS approved the renewal of the Made in Guyana Certificates for three local manufacturers These are Dunae Trading (Tidy Up) for its Household Cleaner, Car Care Detergent, Food Care Sanitizer, and Disinfectant, Fibre Tech Industrial Plastics for its Plastic Bathtub and Shower Units, and Ashdel’s Enterprise for its Instant Plantain Porridge, Instant Plantain Porridge with Milk, Instant Plantain Porridge with Coconut Milk, Instant Soup with Chicken, Instant Beef Pepperpot, Instan Veggie Pepperpot, and Pepperpot Gravy

GNBS applauds these manufacturers for their commitment to Standards and Quality

The Made in Guyana Standards Mark is a

DUNAE TRADING INC. (TIDY UP)

FIBRE TECH INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS

GNBS CONDUCTS THREE-DAY TRAINING ON INTERNAL AUDITING OF ISO MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Over the three days, participants gained a deeper understanding of the vital role audits play in evaluating the performance and effectiveness of Quality Management Systems They were equipped with a practical toolkit to navigate every stage of the audit process, from planning and execution to reporting and follow-up. This included writing clear and precise nonf it t t

GNBS CERTIFIES

ADVANCED HEALTH CARE INTERNATIONAL LABORATORY TO GYS 170 STANDARD

In September, the GNBS welcomed a new laboratory on board its Laboratory Certification Programme. Advanced Health Care International was certified for implementing the GYS 170:2021 Standard –General Requirements for the Operation of a Laboratory

At a brief ceremony, GNBS Head o Certification Services (Ag), Keon Rankin, and Technical Officer Orlando Sturge presented a certificate and plaque to Dr Kumar Sukhraj, CEO of Advance Health Care International, and Reshon Bellamy, Laboratory Manager & Quality Assurance Manager.

‘BE!’ INCORPORATED CERTIFIED ‘MADE IN GUYANA’

Certification to the GYS 170 Standard confirmed that the laboratory demonstrates reliability, competence, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous improvement, thereby achieving excellence in healthcare support services

Congratulations were extended to Be! Incorporated on achieving the rights to use the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark for its Vending Machines, Point of Sale Machines (attended and unattended), Ticket Validators, Self-Serve Kiosks, and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

At a brief ceremony at Be! Incorporated’s office in Pegasus Corporate Suites, GNBS Acting Head of Certification Services, Keon Rankin, and Technical Officer Peter Ho A Lim presented the certificate to Directors of the Business, Brian Yong and Sabrina Singh, in the presence of Communications Officer Sadiya Yahya and Operations Manager Tameika Bidder, among others.

The Made in Guyana Standards Mark is a registered symbol recognizing locally manufactured products and serving as a hallmark of quality for Guyanese goods in both local and international markets

GNBS PARTICIPATES IN THE LAUNCHING OF GUYANA GONDOLA

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) proudly joined forces with GO-Invest, the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), and Massy Stores to launch the ‘Brand Guyana’ Gondola.

The gondola, dedicated exclusively to locally made products, gives shoppers the perfect opportunity to explore and enjoy a wide variety of items, all proudly certified by GNBS under its Made In Guyana Certification Mark Programme From food and beverages to household goods, every product tells a story of Guyanese creativity, quality, and resilience.

By supporting the Brand Guyana Gondola, shoppers are making more than a purchase; they are investing in national pride while supporting local.

Agriculture Month

GNBS PROMOTES STANDARDS DURING AGRICULTURE MONTH

From the crunch of a fresh cucumber to the sweetness of a glass of passion fruit juice, agriculture touches every Guyanese home But did you know that behind every healthy vegetable and every refreshing sip of juice, standards can play a critical role in ensuring safety, quality, and consistency?

This Agriculture Month, celebrated under the theme “Transforming Livelihoods through AgriFood Systems,” the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) plays a critical role in strengthening this backbone sector of Guyana’s economy By developing and adopting agriculture-related standards, the GNBS helps farmers, agro-processors, and exporters to meet international benchmarks while preserving consumer trust.

Among the many available national standards are the GCP 21 – Code of Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, GCP 25 – Code of Practice for the Packaging and Transport of Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, and GYS 494 – Specification for Fruit and Vegetable Juices, Drinks, and Fruit Nectars

GCP 21 guides hygienic practices in the primary production and packing of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure they are safe and wholesome for raw consumption Meanwhile, GCP 25 sets requirements for the proper packaging and transport of fruits and vegetables to preserve quality and reduce losses. Finally, GYS 494 outlines quality requirements to ensure that juices and drinks derived from fruits and vegetables, produced or traded within CARICOM, are fresh, pure, and safe

These are just a few of over 40 agriculture-related standards available at the GNBS, all designed to improve efficiency, food safety, and competitiveness in the sector By implementing these standards, local farmers and agro-processors not only guarantee consumer protection but also strengthen Guyana’s export potential.

GNBS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ATTENDS CROSQ COUNCIL MEETING

Executive Director, Trevor Bassoo, represented the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) at the 47th meeting of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards & Quality (CROSQ) Council, held from October 21 - 24 in the beautiful Bahamas.

During this gathering of regional standards & quality leaders, Trevor engaged with fellow delegates to advance our shared goals of regional integration, enhanced tradecompetitiveness, and strengthened quality infrastructure across the Caribbean The GNBS team will continue to build stronger systems for standardisation, metrology and conformity assessment and offer the requisite support to its partners in the Region

GNBS PROVIDES ATTACHMENT TO OFFICER OF ST. VINCENT BUREAU OF STANDARDS

GNBS is proud to host a Marketing and Communications Intern, Xyanea Thomas from the St Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards in September. Xyanea benefited from key marketing and communications strategies deployed by the GNBS which she took back to her Bureau to strengthen its promotional efforts. This collaboration highlighted the GNBS’ ongoing commitment to regional cooperation and knowledge sharing. She was afforded the opportunity to also participate in a radio programme with the Bureau’s Communications Team

GNBS CERTIFIES BLACK & WALKYR INC.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on October 31, 2025 certified Black & Walkyr Inc., located at Lot 10, Seaforth Street, Campbellville to use the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark for its greeting and note cards.

In a brief handing-over ceremony held at the GNBS main office, the Made in Guyana Certificate was handed over by GNBS Technical Officers, Rosmarie Liliah and Orlando Sturge, to the Director and Designer of Black & Walkyr Inc , Julia Clementson, in the presence of Director Chitra Samaroo

The Made in Guyana Standards Mark is a registered mark that aims to provide recognition to locally manufactured products on both local and international markets, serving as a signature of quality for authentic Guyanese Products.

Application form can be found via GNBS website https://gnbsgy.org/forms-all/ For more information contact our Certification Services Department on 219-0064-66 or email certifcation@gnbsgy.org

MADE IN GUYANA RECERTIFICATION FOR OCTOBER

DE IN GUYANA RE-CERTIFICATION | Propa Local Wines

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) proudly congratulates Propa Local Wines on successfully earning the right to continue using the prestigious GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark on its locally manufactured products

This re-certification was granted for the company’s line of Fruit-Flavoured Wines Red Silhouette, Bliss, Night Nurse, Miss Addicted, The CEO, Is We Own Jamun Wine, Mr Fixxup, Tek Time as well as their locally produced Propa Teas.

During a brief ceremony held at the GNBS Training Room, the Made in Guyana Certificate was officially handed over by GNBS Executive Director, Trevor Bassoo to Abigale John, Owner & G

MADE IN GUYANA RE-CERTIFICATION | Dixie’s Punch De Creme

GNBS is also proud to congratulate Dixie's Punch De Creme, which was re-certified on October 08 and continues to have the rights to use the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standards Mark on its Crème Liqueur; Capadulla, Coffee, Vanilla (original) flavours and Rum Punch.

In a brief ceremony held at the GNBS Head Office, the Made in Guyana Certificate was handed over by GNBS Technical Officer, Orlando Sturge to the Proprietor of Dixie's Punch De Creme, Dixie Jordan, in the presence of GNBS Administrative Clerk, Faith Phillips and GNBS Heads of Department, Lloyd David, Syeid Ibrahim and Briana Mangal Other attendees of the ceremony included Allison Roberts-Troyer, Go-Invest Export Promotional Officer and Govindra Raghubansi, Executive Director of Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association Ltd

SUCCESSFUL CONSULTATION HOSTED ON DRAFT NATIONAL STANDARDS

The Standardisation and Product Compliance Departments of the GNBS, along with the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), successfully hosted an engaging and insightful consultation session on the Draft National Standards: Code of Practice for Inspection and Testing of Used Motor Vehicles for Road Worthiness and Requirements for Sale of Used Motor Vehicles.

Stakeholders were allowed to ask critical questions on the standards and share comments to ensure that the documents address their concerns Additional comments can be submitted to the GNBS by Friday, December 5, 2025

How to share your feedback: Submit written comments using the official Comment Sheets or email us at public comments@gnbsgy org

Your feedback helps shape national standards that ensure safety, quality, and reliability across the used vehicle and automotive industries.

For more details, contact our Standardisation Department at 219-0064-66 or email standards@gnbsgy.org

UNDERSTANDING THE REQUIREMENTS OF ISO 9001:2015 TRAINING COMPLETED

Our Business Development Team, in collaboration with Delphi Consultants Ltd in November conducted a three-day training course focused on understanding the requirements outlined in the ISO 9001:2015 Standard.

This course, "Understanding the Requirements of ISO 9001:2015," aims to equip participants with a clear understanding of the objectives of the ISO 9001 standard. It covers essential aspects such as establishing a robust ISO 9001:2015 system, upgrading existing systems, integrating with other management systems, elucidating the advantages of implementing a quality management system, and demonstrating how to apply these requirements in a typical b i i

GNBS CELEBRATES NATIONAL QUALITY WEEK, 2025

Annually, Standards Bodies worldwide unite to observe World Standards Day on October 14, celebrating the vital role standards play in shaping a safer, smarter, and more sustainable world In Guyana, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) goes a step further by dedicating the entire week (October 12-18) as National Quality Week (NQW)

The theme for this year’s observances - A SHARED VISION FOR A BETTER WORLD – SPOTLIGHT ON SDG 17, focused on building partnerships. This theme was chosen by the Key International Organisations, including the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), as the world moves closer to meeting these SDGs by 2030.

Today, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) 17 becomes more crucial for building partnerships to achieve the other sixteen SDGs, which include reducing poverty and hunger, providing quality education, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, building industry, innovation and infrastructure, and ensuring responsible production and consumption

As the National Standards Body, the GNBS is proud of the crucial partnerships it has established over the years to promote the use of standards to create a culture of quality in Guyana. Several of these partnerships were formally established with key stakeholders, including consumer groups, business groups and regulatory bodies, through the signing of Memoranda of Understanding, while there continues to be mutual collaboration with others towards advancing our nation.

At the international level, GNBS has also signed MOUs with Standard Setting Bodies, including American Petroleum Institute (API) and ASTM International, which enable access to the latest standards that are critical to local industries. We also greatly value every opportunity provided outside of these MOU’s, especially with other Bureaus in the Caricom Region, Measurement Institutes and Groupings Worldwide No doubt, individually and collectively, these partnerships have supported our national efforts to establish a Quality Infrastructure to support the rapid transformation we see today, which also brings Guyana closer to achieving many of the SDGs

As customary, during National Quality Week, several activities were organised by the GNBS, which included:

A speech competition for students of secondary schools in Region 2, in which Anna Regina was the victor and Abrams Zuil gained Second place.

GNBS Long Serving Awards Ceremony, where 19 staff were awarded for their longevity of service with the GNBS. Others were awarded for punctuality and attendance at work during the year.

International Business Conference: GNBS Executive Director, Trevor Bassoo participated in a panel Discussion at the International Business Conference on October 15 A stakeholder session was also held to discuss the GYS 901 Standard and its benefits to Micro Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Key messages by the Hon Susan Rodriques, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Chair of the National Standards Council, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar and Executive Director Trevor Bassoo were publicised

“We are standards” videos aimed at enhancing awareness of standards were published via Social Media.