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Bahamas Bureau of Standards & Quality Hosts Re-Engagement Forum

Wed, Jun 14th 2023, 10:23 AM
Politics

The Bahamas Bureau of Standards & Quality hosted a one-day forum for stakeholders to discuss methods to advance sustainable solutions and diversify operations. The one-day event was held at SuperClubs Breezes, June 7, 2023. Executive Director of the BBSQ, Dr. Renae Bufford served as moderator for the forum. Delivering the keynote address was Minister of Economic Affairs, the Hon. Michael Halkitis. 

After welcoming the international delegation to The Bahamas, Mr. Halkitis said that global trends have made it crucial to expand the country's footprint on the international market.

"As the world continues to expand and diversify through international trade and commerce, it calls for The Bahamas to pivot and adapt to global standards to advance ourselves economically," he said. " Through the establishment of the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ), we have begun to lay the necessary framework to enhance competitiveness and provide access to new and emerging markets for Bahamians. Ultimately, our work continues as we improve upon the standards and quality of goods and services exported, thus allowing for the promotion of fair trade, industry best practices, and the overall protection of the consumer against unsafe products."

The Minister said that since the launch of the BBSQ about a decade ago, significant strides have been made towards its advancement. "Under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), we formulated our National Quality Policy, which has helped to establish some of the Bureau’s present services. We have built capacity through the recruitment of staff, established our Legal Metrology services to include verification of fuel dispensers and commercial scales, implemented a Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme for used vehicles imported from Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom and United Emirates, revised our legislation and adopted numerous standards with many more currently in review." 

He said that following the threat of global health and economic crises, it has been the aim of this Government to foster economic sustainability and development. Consequently, he said that the government recognizes the need for a multifaceted approach, coupled with the collaborative effort and support of our Government agencies and industry stakeholders.  

He expressed gratitude to international bodies such as the Caribbean Development Bank, the CARICOM Regional Organisation of Standards and Quality, International Organisation for Standardisation and the European Union, who have aided in the operations of the BBSQ.   

"Last year’s generous donation of Four Hundred and Thirty Four Thousand, Nine Hundred and Twenty Three Euros (434,923) given under the 11th European Union Standby Facility Grant Project for capacity building, has significantly undergirded the mandate of the BBSQ, and laid the foundation for a fully enhanced National Quality Infrastructure through the launch of our Industrial Metrology Laboratory Project.  Today, I can proudly state that since the facilitation of this grant, this project is well underway and is estimated to be completed by 2024."

Currently, he said that the BBSQ's Metrology unit has been given a major boost by the acquisition of a 40-foot laboratory container which will serve as the platform for the eventual offering of calibration and testing services that will meet internationally accepted and recognized ISO 17025 requirements in mass. These services, he noted, would address the existing gaps that permeate the industrial sector, particularly the petroleum, pharmaceutical, utilities and construction sectors, and the general public, where quality assurance is concerned. 

"We will soon commence our second phase of legal metrology services which includes verifications and inspections for LPG cylinders, tires, and prepackaged goods. Following the Industrial Metrology project’s completion, we will be moving full speed ahead to ensure that the laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025," said Mr. Halkitis.  

He explained that for assistance with the expansion of the unit, OCA Global Consultancy has been engaged to begin the necessary assessments to facilitate the acquisition of equipment, and training of staff while offering recommendations to aid in the closing of any possible gaps. 

"Additionally, we are actively working to heighten public awareness of our brand and metrology services. Our marketing consultants G&A Communications have been a vital resource in these efforts through the formation and implementation of our strategic marketing plan. Our rebranded logo and website unveiled this morning are just the beginning of these relaunched efforts."

He also acknowledged the presence of various stakeholders at the forum and congratulated Dr. Bufford and her team.

"I pause briefly to acknowledge our consultants from OCA Global and G&A Communications joining us today, and would also like to highlight representation from the European Union, the Caribbean Development Bank, CROSQ, and CARIFORUM. I think the assembly of all of our key stakeholders for the purpose of this occasion is but a testament to the reach and progress the BBSQ has made so far. I commend Executive Director Bufford and her team for their professionalism and dedication to the mandate of this agency. I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding progress the BBSQ has already made. I wish to applaud them for the work done in just under ten (10) years, an accomplishment that no other bureau of standards in CARICOM has yet to achieve."

He said that the efforts and vision of the agency have both a meaningful and direct impact on each and every consumer. "From the continental breakfast offered this morning to the fuel used to power many of our vehicles, the standard and quality of all these goods and services must not only be maintained, but in some cases improved upon. For this reason, the Bureau continues to work hand in hand with industry stakeholders to streamline our efficiencies.  As a Small Island Developing Nation, the impact of implementing and adopting world accredited standards and quality is a considerable one. As the BBSQ works alongside our government ministries, it is my hope that we will begin to see the fruits of the robust economy this government has begun to set the stage for." 

Speaking to the importance of The ISO 9001 Quality Management System, he said it would allow businesses to meet not just local standards requirements but also international standards requirements that can position Bahamian products for export. 

"Following the recent launch of the Golden Yolk Project by the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, The Bahamas will increase its egg production from seven hundred and fifty thousand (750,000) to over 27 Million eggs per year. With this push towards sustainability comes a requirement for quality assurance. A standard must be set to ensure the highest level of quality before any egg ever reaches a Bahamian plate."

He said that the same high standards must be adopted for the country's healthcare system." In order to provide the level of care that citizens and residents deserve, our pharmaceutical industry must offer medications that meet the proper requirements and our facilities and equipment must follow rigorous methods of quality assurance and inspection. This is the confidence that each patient should have in our care and this is the level of quality that the BBSQ will work with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to uphold."

Additionally, the Minister said that with the expansion of the Industrial Metrology Unit, it is necessary to work along with the Ministry of Works to ensure full buy-in from all of our industrial stakeholders. "Through the accreditation of our metrology lab, more convenience will be offered in mass metrology to avoid the need for businesses to conduct these services outside of this country. By establishing this partnership with the Ministry and its stakeholders, we are ensuring the standards of our building codes, utilities, roads and so much more." 

He said that other sectors will also benefit, including the Ministry of Tourism to ensure that the tourism product is meeting the mark in quality control. "Our aircrafts, hotels, beaches and food all need to pass through well revised policies to safeguard against possible repercussions. It will be our goal to maintain and, in some instances, enhance our offerings to the highest possible degree.  All of these merely exemplify the extent to which the BBSQ will play a role in each facet of our economy. It is the mandate of this agency to continue to shape the way we conduct business not only locally, but internationally. The standards and quality we work to maintain will impact the lives of each and every consumer and producer."

Additionally, he pointed out that with the strengthening of our National Quality Infrastructure, comes the promotion of trade. "When compared to our foreign counterparts, Bahamians are equally as talented, with a knack for cultivating, manufacturing and producing a wide variety of goods. As our country aims to reduce its imports significantly by 2025, it requires a reliability on that very same spirit of ingenuity. We must continue to empower Bahamians to innovate.  We must inspire them to consistently raise the bar.  We must showcase The Bahamas as not only an amazing destination, but also as the home of world class products and services."  

He said in order to achieve these objectives, it is necessary to continue to educate the Bahamian people on the possibilities in manufacturing and trade. "Through the re-launch of our website, the BBSQ will begin the necessary steps to remain informative and accessible with its offerings to assist in their entrepreneurial pursuits."

As the standard setting body for the country, he said that the BBSQ would continue to transform and upgrade our National Quality Infrastructure efforts are taken to 

shape and influence areas of consumer protection, manufacturing, trade, health, food safety, industrial development, and the environment and climate change. 

The Bahamas Bureau of Standards & Quality hosted a one-day forum for stakeholders to discuss methods to advance sustainable solutions and diversify operations. The one-day event was held at SuperClubs Breezes, June 7, 2023. Executive Director of the BBSQ, Dr. Renae Bufford served as moderator for the forum. Delivering the keynote address was Minister of Economic Affairs, the Hon. Michael Halkitis. 
After welcoming the international delegation to The Bahamas, Mr. Halkitis said that global trends have made it crucial to expand the country's footprint on the international market.
"As the world continues to expand and diversify through international trade and commerce, it calls for The Bahamas to pivot and adapt to global standards to advance ourselves economically," he said. " Through the establishment of the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ), we have begun to lay the necessary framework to enhance competitiveness and provide access to new and emerging markets for Bahamians. Ultimately, our work continues as we improve upon the standards and quality of goods and services exported, thus allowing for the promotion of fair trade, industry best practices, and the overall protection of the consumer against unsafe products."
The Minister said that since the launch of the BBSQ about a decade ago, significant strides have been made towards its advancement. "Under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), we formulated our National Quality Policy, which has helped to establish some of the Bureau’s present services. We have built capacity through the recruitment of staff, established our Legal Metrology services to include verification of fuel dispensers and commercial scales, implemented a Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) programme for used vehicles imported from Japan, Singapore, United Kingdom and United Emirates, revised our legislation and adopted numerous standards with many more currently in review." 
He said that following the threat of global health and economic crises, it has been the aim of this Government to foster economic sustainability and development. Consequently, he said that the government recognizes the need for a multifaceted approach, coupled with the collaborative effort and support of our Government agencies and industry stakeholders.  
He expressed gratitude to international bodies such as the Caribbean Development Bank, the CARICOM Regional Organisation of Standards and Quality, International Organisation for Standardisation and the European Union, who have aided in the operations of the BBSQ.   
"Last year’s generous donation of Four Hundred and Thirty Four Thousand, Nine Hundred and Twenty Three Euros (434,923) given under the 11th European Union Standby Facility Grant Project for capacity building, has significantly undergirded the mandate of the BBSQ, and laid the foundation for a fully enhanced National Quality Infrastructure through the launch of our Industrial Metrology Laboratory Project.  Today, I can proudly state that since the facilitation of this grant, this project is well underway and is estimated to be completed by 2024."
Currently, he said that the BBSQ's Metrology unit has been given a major boost by the acquisition of a 40-foot laboratory container which will serve as the platform for the eventual offering of calibration and testing services that will meet internationally accepted and recognized ISO 17025 requirements in mass. These services, he noted, would address the existing gaps that permeate the industrial sector, particularly the petroleum, pharmaceutical, utilities and construction sectors, and the general public, where quality assurance is concerned. 
"We will soon commence our second phase of legal metrology services which includes verifications and inspections for LPG cylinders, tires, and prepackaged goods. Following the Industrial Metrology project’s completion, we will be moving full speed ahead to ensure that the laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025," said Mr. Halkitis.  
He explained that for assistance with the expansion of the unit, OCA Global Consultancy has been engaged to begin the necessary assessments to facilitate the acquisition of equipment, and training of staff while offering recommendations to aid in the closing of any possible gaps. 
"Additionally, we are actively working to heighten public awareness of our brand and metrology services. Our marketing consultants G&A Communications have been a vital resource in these efforts through the formation and implementation of our strategic marketing plan. Our rebranded logo and website unveiled this morning are just the beginning of these relaunched efforts."
He also acknowledged the presence of various stakeholders at the forum and congratulated Dr. Bufford and her team.
"I pause briefly to acknowledge our consultants from OCA Global and G&A Communications joining us today, and would also like to highlight representation from the European Union, the Caribbean Development Bank, CROSQ, and CARIFORUM. I think the assembly of all of our key stakeholders for the purpose of this occasion is but a testament to the reach and progress the BBSQ has made so far. I commend Executive Director Bufford and her team for their professionalism and dedication to the mandate of this agency. I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding progress the BBSQ has already made. I wish to applaud them for the work done in just under ten (10) years, an accomplishment that no other bureau of standards in CARICOM has yet to achieve."
He said that the efforts and vision of the agency have both a meaningful and direct impact on each and every consumer. "From the continental breakfast offered this morning to the fuel used to power many of our vehicles, the standard and quality of all these goods and services must not only be maintained, but in some cases improved upon. For this reason, the Bureau continues to work hand in hand with industry stakeholders to streamline our efficiencies.  As a Small Island Developing Nation, the impact of implementing and adopting world accredited standards and quality is a considerable one. As the BBSQ works alongside our government ministries, it is my hope that we will begin to see the fruits of the robust economy this government has begun to set the stage for." 
Speaking to the importance of The ISO 9001 Quality Management System, he said it would allow businesses to meet not just local standards requirements but also international standards requirements that can position Bahamian products for export. 
"Following the recent launch of the Golden Yolk Project by the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, The Bahamas will increase its egg production from seven hundred and fifty thousand (750,000) to over 27 Million eggs per year. With this push towards sustainability comes a requirement for quality assurance. A standard must be set to ensure the highest level of quality before any egg ever reaches a Bahamian plate."
He said that the same high standards must be adopted for the country's healthcare system." In order to provide the level of care that citizens and residents deserve, our pharmaceutical industry must offer medications that meet the proper requirements and our facilities and equipment must follow rigorous methods of quality assurance and inspection. This is the confidence that each patient should have in our care and this is the level of quality that the BBSQ will work with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to uphold."
Additionally, the Minister said that with the expansion of the Industrial Metrology Unit, it is necessary to work along with the Ministry of Works to ensure full buy-in from all of our industrial stakeholders. "Through the accreditation of our metrology lab, more convenience will be offered in mass metrology to avoid the need for businesses to conduct these services outside of this country. By establishing this partnership with the Ministry and its stakeholders, we are ensuring the standards of our building codes, utilities, roads and so much more." 
He said that other sectors will also benefit, including the Ministry of Tourism to ensure that the tourism product is meeting the mark in quality control. "Our aircrafts, hotels, beaches and food all need to pass through well revised policies to safeguard against possible repercussions. It will be our goal to maintain and, in some instances, enhance our offerings to the highest possible degree.  All of these merely exemplify the extent to which the BBSQ will play a role in each facet of our economy. It is the mandate of this agency to continue to shape the way we conduct business not only locally, but internationally. The standards and quality we work to maintain will impact the lives of each and every consumer and producer."
Additionally, he pointed out that with the strengthening of our National Quality Infrastructure, comes the promotion of trade. "When compared to our foreign counterparts, Bahamians are equally as talented, with a knack for cultivating, manufacturing and producing a wide variety of goods. As our country aims to reduce its imports significantly by 2025, it requires a reliability on that very same spirit of ingenuity. We must continue to empower Bahamians to innovate.  We must inspire them to consistently raise the bar.  We must showcase The Bahamas as not only an amazing destination, but also as the home of world class products and services."  
He said in order to achieve these objectives, it is necessary to continue to educate the Bahamian people on the possibilities in manufacturing and trade. "Through the re-launch of our website, the BBSQ will begin the necessary steps to remain informative and accessible with its offerings to assist in their entrepreneurial pursuits."
As the standard setting body for the country, he said that the BBSQ would continue to transform and upgrade our National Quality Infrastructure efforts are taken to 
shape and influence areas of consumer protection, manufacturing, trade, health, food safety, industrial development, and the environment and climate change. 
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