In the complex landscape of standards development, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) anticipates the need for additional new and relevant standards and recognizes that stakeholders are integral to the success of the process. Stakeholder support is the lifeblood that sustains the quality infrastructure and ensures that standards evolve to meet the dynamic needs of industries and society.
Standards encompass rules and/or guidelines that are developed for use within various fields of practice as needed. Typically, standards pertain to products, processes and production methods, addressing aspects such as terminologies, symbols, packaging, marking requirements or labelling requirements. Stakeholders bring valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within their respective domains fostering a deeper understanding that shapes the standards to be both practical and visionary.
The GNBS has 31 Technical Committees comprised of individuals from diverse technical and academic backgrounds who deliberate on the requirements to be included in a standard that is being developed. Stakeholders on these Technical Committees range from industry experts to consumers, government and private sector bodies, and academia. They are the driving force behind the development of robust and relevant standards.
The engagement of stakeholders early in the standard development process is necessary as collaborative efforts during the initial stages allow for a more inclusive and informed approach. In fact, the process is usually initiated by a stakeholder or stakeholder group proposing for the development of a standard based on crucial needs. These include the need to address quality, safety or the performance of any product, process, or service.
Meanwhile, consensus among stakeholders is crucial to get the buy-in from all the parties that will be impacted by the new document. These parties include the general public which is given the opportunity during the sixty (60) day public comments and consultations stage to make inputs for consideration in the drafting of the standard.
For standards to be effective, they must align with industry practices and garner acceptance from key players. Stakeholder support plays a pivotal role in achieving this alignment, ensuring that standards are not only technically sound but also feasible for implementation across various sectors.
Beyond the Standards Development Process, stakeholders provide an ongoing feedback loop that is invaluable for the continuous improvement of standards. Through consultations, workshops and reviews, GNBS maintains an open dialogue with stakeholders, encouraging a dynamic exchange of ideas. This iterative process ensures that standards remain relevant, adaptable, and responsive to emerging trends and technologies.
As GNBS continues to advance the quality infrastructure in Guyana, the ongoing collaboration with stakeholders will remain the cornerstone of successful standards development, ultimately benefitting industries, consumers and the nation as a whole.
Currently, there are over 500 National Standards available at the Bureau under various categories including Consumer Products, Labelling, Agriculture, Electrical Equipment, Foods, Construction, Tourism, Environment and Energy Management. These standards can be viewed on the GNBS Standards Portal: gnbsguy.com
Finally, in 2023, twenty-nine (29) standards were developed with the input of stakeholders and approved by the National Standards Council. The Bureau anticipates the continued support of all stakeholders to the standards development process and beyond.
For further information, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0064-66 or WhatsApp 692-4627. You can also visit our website: www.gnbsgy.org and our Facebook page: gnbsgy.
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