Many would agree that life would be challenging if our choices of products and services were limited solely to those produced within our own country. International trade exists to meet the diverse needs and preferences of consumers by providing access to a wider range of goods and services from around the world. Accreditation plays a vital role in the global acceptance of products and services by ensuring that the relevant testing and measurement institutions are meeting requirements of international standards.
Accreditation is the formal, independent verification that an institution, organisation or programme meets established standards of quality, safety and competence. It serves as an official mark of confidence, assuring consumers and stakeholders that the products and services provided by accredited organisations are reliable and meet recognised industry standards.
On 09 June, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) joined standards bodies around the world in observing World Accreditation Day under the theme, “Innovation, Trust and Sustainability: The Power of Accreditation”.
The GNBS serves as Guyana’s National Accreditation Focal Point (NAFP), providing technical assistance to organisations pursuing accreditation. The Bureau works with several laboratories to achieve accreditation to internationally recognised standards, including ISO 15189:2022, Medical Laboratories — Requirements for Quality and Competence, and ISO/IEC 17025:2017, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
Through the Bureau’s technical assistance programme, expert consultation and support are provided by Technical Officers. These Officers conduct gap analyses and staff training to help organisations seeking accreditation to navigate the implementation process.
As part of the programme, employees are trained to understand the requirements of the relevant standards, document and implement management systems, and conduct internal audits. This ensures that organisations have the capacity to maintain their accreditation long after the technical assistance programme has concluded.
The GNBS has successfully provided technical assistance to several local organisations, including Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the University of Guyana, and the Ministry of Public Works Materials Laboratory, supporting their journey towards accreditation. Currently, the Bureau is also providing technical assistance to the Ministry’s Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI) Laboratory and Innovex.
This year’s World Accreditation Day was celebrated with a virtual regional webinar hosted by the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ). During the event, CROSQ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sharonmae Smith Walker highlighted that accreditation is a strategic tool for strengthening competitiveness across the region.
CROSQ’s Technical Officer for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment, Mr. Stephen Farquharson also addressed the webinar, focusing on the World Accreditation Day theme of innovation, trust and sustainability. He noted that accreditation facilitates the acceptance of test results and certifications across borders, reducing the need for duplicate testing and certification, lowering costs and removing technical barriers to trade. As a result, accreditation fosters greater confidence among trading partners and supports access to regional and international markets.
For further information on how your organisation can begin the process towards accreditation, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers 219-0065 or 219-0064, or visit its website at www.gnbsgy.org.
