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…residents now have access to verification of scales and inspection services
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), on Monday, opened its new sub-office in Bartica, Region 7, which will now bring inspection services; testing of concrete hollow blocks and the verification of scales and masses to those within the Region.
A simple ceremony was held at the office located in the compound of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). In attendance was Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Regional Chairman, Kenneth Williams and Executive Director (ag) of the GNBS Ramrattie Karan.
Minister Walrond, in brief remarks, noted that the establishment of the new office will eliminate the need to travel long distances to access core services offered by the National Standards Body. This, she added, will make doing business easier which is high on the Government’s agenda.
“No longer is there a need to journey to Georgetown or for the GNBS to journey to Bartica to inspect products, complete registrations, verify fuel pumps, etc. Now, put that into a contextual perspective and examine the cost and time-saving elements. A trip to Georgetown amounts to no less than $7,000. That does not include food, accommodation, and other costs. In some cases, you may have to make several trips. This might have meant closing business or redirecting your productive time during your sojourn to the capital. I am happy to usher in this new era, where you can stay right in Bartica, save your money, save your time and still access these critical services,” the Minister outlined.
With its firm mandate, the GNBS is the leading agency responsible for standards, quality, and measurements which today are necessary aspects of trade.
Minister Waldron underscored that the opening of the GNBS’ sub-office in Bartica is a practical demonstration that the PPP/C administration is serious about business development in Guyana.
Acting Executive Director of the Bureau, Ramrattie Karan, in her address to the gathering, pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting restrictions on travelling has reinforced the importance of decentralizing the services of the Bureau.
She disclosed that in keeping with its strategic plan and vision, “the GNBS with support from the Government of Guyana will be our country as the Bureau seeks to continuously develop the National Quality Infrastructure to foster sustainable socio-economic development and consumer protection.”
Karan also thanked the Regional Administration for the provision of the Office space and other amenities at the RDC for the new office.
With this new office, the GNBS now has a total of six sub-offices across the country; the others are in Anna- Regina (Region Two), Vreed-En-Hoop (Region Three), New Amsterdam and Skeldon (Region Six) and Lethem (Region Nine).
Moving forward, it is expected that more local manufacturers and dealers will be registered with the GNBS; more measuring devices verified including those in the outlying communities; more products and services inspected and certified, and transactions will be more efficiently conducted between the GNBS and the stakeholders in Region 7.
Added to this, according to Head of the Legal Metrology Services at the Bureau, Shailendra Rai, residents of Region Seven will now be able to access verification of scales used in markets, supermarkets, clinics, shops and hospitals.
