Today, Sunday October 08, marks the beginning of National Quality Week (NQW) 2023, which is spearheaded by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS). This year, the GNBS has several engaging activities planned for its staff, its stakeholders, and the public, to celebrate the work done to promote quality.
The week of activities surrounds World Standards Day, which is observed annually on October 14. For World Standards Day this year, the theme is “Shared Vision for a Better World: Incorporating SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing).” The theme is similar to previous years as the international standard bodies engage in a multi-year World Standards Day journey that showcases the many ways in which international standards contribute to the success of the SDGs.
In accordance with this theme, the GNBS is collaborating with the Ministry of Health to host a Laboratory Symposium to engage approximately 100 laboratory personnel on their role in helping to promote good healthcare through standards. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. The participants, from certified and uncertified laboratories, will be given the opportunity to learn about the National Standard, General Requirements for the operations of a laboratory (GYS 170:2021), the GNBS’ Laboratory Certification programme, and the requirements of other international laboratory standards. Additionally, information will be provided on the importance of safety in the laboratory complements of the Ministry of Labour.
On Wednesday, October 11, the Bureau will be hosting its hallmark National Quality Awards (NQA) ceremony at the Guyana Marriott Hotel which will see seventeen (17) manufacturers and small businesses being awarded for their excellent implementation of standards and quality in their operations. This significant event, which is hosted biennially, received the largest number of applications this year.
On Thursday, October 12, the GNBS Corporate Communications Department will be hosting an Impromptu Speech competition for Secondary Schools in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on the importance of standards and accurate measurements. The participating schools are West Demerara Secondary, Leonora Secondary, Patentia Secondary and Zeeburg Secondary.
In addition, a free Food Safety training for small business owners involved in the preparation and delivery of food to consumers is also set for Thursday, October 12. This training, which will be collaboratively done with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), and is set to benefit thirty (30) participants. Topics to be covered include good hygiene and storage practices along with other food safety requirements.
On Friday, the focus will be internal to the GNBS as it hosts its Staff Appreciation Day and Awards Ceremony. As customary, employees who have been with the Bureau for five, ten, fifteen, twenty years and more will be awarded for their longevity with the Standards Body. There will also be a ‘Like and share’ Facebook competition to encourage more people to subscribe to the GNBS social media pages and utilise standards in the delivery of their products and services.
Throughout National Quality Week, the GNBS Corporate Communications and Marketing Departments will share information via newspapers, radio, television and social media to ensure that the public is updated and involved. On this occasion of National Quality Week, the GNBS encourages all Guyanese to get involved with standards.
For further information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064/65//66, hotline 219-0069 or WhatsApp us on 692-4627.
