GNBS recognises standard-compliant businesses at third National Quality Awards 

…launches ‘Made in Guyana’ Certification Mark

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), on Tuesday, hosted its third National Quality Awards (NQA) Ceremony to honour companies that have been implementing standards within their operations to produce quality goods and services.

Thirty-six Guyanese companies participated in this year’s edition of the Awards held at Parc Rayne under the overall categories of Manufacturing, Services, Small Business Manufacturing, Small Business Services and Agro-Processing.

According to a release from the GNBS, there were also specific awards for customer- focus, continuous improvement, and health and safety and environmental initiatives. The Biennial NQA ceremony was the highlight of National Quality Week 2021.

This year’s event also featured the launch of a ‘Made in Guyana’ Certification Mark which was unveiled by First Lady, Arya Ali. The Certification Mark will be used by the GNBS to certify authentic Guyanese products based on the quantity of local raw materials used in their production, and the number of Guyanese staff employed by their establishment, among other criteria.

Addressing those gathered at the ceremony, was Minister of Natural Resources and Acting Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Vickram Bharrat. He said the Awards bring the business sector into the spotlight for going the extra mile to meet the requirements of national and international standards.

He added that as the government pushes for local content in the expanding oil and gas sector, companies must strive to produce quality products. “The opportune time is now when we can throw mediocrity out of the window and say we only accept standards and quality,” Minister Bharrat noted.

Also addressing the event was Chairman of the National Standards Council (NSC) Vladim Persaud who highlighted the importance of recognising businesses’ efforts in implementing the requirements of standards across sectors.

He said: “I believe, like in anything else, we need to let those involved know how they are doing, especially when they are doing well… What this does is heighten confidence and encourage others to get on board and become more competitive,” Persaud said.

Executive Director (Ag.) of the GNBS, Ramrattie Karan congratulated the winners of the event and urged that others continue to strive for excellence in their operations towards providing better end products to consumers.

The winners included Massy Gas Products (Guyana) Ltd (Overall Services); NAMILCO (Overall – Manufacturing); Steve’s Jewellery (Overall – Small Business Manufacturing); St. Joseph Hospital Medical Laboratory (Overall – Small Business Services); Morning Glory Inc. (Overall – Agro-Processing) Nand Persaud & Company Limited (Customer-Focus); Assuria General GY Inc. & Assuria Life GY Inc. (Customer-Focus).

Other winners included HW Aeronautical Engineering School, NAMILCO, MACORP, Quest Medical Centre, New GPC Inc., Massy gas Products (Guyana), MACORP, Puran Brothers Disposal Inc., Denmor Garments Manufacturers Inc., Cevons Waste Management and Doobay-Gafoor Medical & Research Centre Inc.

At the event President Irfaan Ali was represented by Minister within the Ministry of Works, Deodat Indar. Minister Indar applauded the GNBS for hosting such an event that recognises local businesses for their commitment to delivering quality products and services.

He also congratulated the participants of the Awards for going the extra mile to ensure quality and customer satisfaction.

The GNBS will host the fourth National Quality Awards in 2023, when it is anticipated that many more companies will vie for the awards in more categories.