June 7, 2023, Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — The 2023 Bahamas National Quality Policy Re-engagement Forum successfully brought together quality standards and metrology experts with members of the private sector, public sector and representatives from regional and international organisations to discuss the benefits of the country’s new Industrial Metrology Laboratory and the need for an enhanced national quality infrastructure.

The one day forum, held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at the Superclubs Breezes Resort & Spa in Nassau, was hosted by the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ) in association with  the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and CARICOM Single Market Economy (CSME) Standby Facility for Capacity Building under the theme Strengthening the National Quality Infrastructure through Enhanced Standards and Metrology Services.

During her welcome remarks, Chairwoman of the BBSQ, Pauline Curry, told attendees: “Following the catastrophic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Dorian, the Bahamian people and economy are still recovering. At the Bureau, we believe that now is the time to re-engage with our partners and press on with our efforts to modernise our quality infrastructure. This forum marks the first of many engagements that the BBSQ intends to have with you - our stakeholders - to reignite the culture of excellence, innovation and ingenuity that we need to transform our nation and grow our economy.”

In his feature address, Minister of Economic Affairs Senator, the Honourable, Michael B. Halkitis, spoke of the need for innovation and to show that The Bahamas was indeed home to “world class products and services”. He told attendees that the new lab especially will provide critical services.

He explained: “Last year’s generous donation of €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. At present, our 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 will 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.”

During his brief remarks, Director of Projects with the Caribbean Development Bank, Daniel Best, encouraged the private sector leaders present to fully engage with the BBSQ during the breakout sessions that were designed to help “chart the way forward in establishing robust quality infrastructure in The Bahamas”.

He said: “At the CDB, we highly value our partnership with The Bahamas, evident in our extensive assistance to the government in critical areas such as Education, Energy, fiscal policy and infrastructure development. The Bank is therefore proud to continue its engagement with the country through this project aptly entitledEnhancing the National Quality Infrastructure of The Bahamas through the Establishment of the Metrology Project. The Caribbean Development Bank recognizes that the key to enabling global competitiveness, lies in the establishment of effective national and regional quality systems. This will require more strategic planning and institutional strength especially in areas where capacity constraints exist, and most importantly, it necessitates bringing together strategic partners across the public, private and regional institutional network. This forum represents the summation of these parts to the whole.”

Meanwhile, European Union Ambassador, Her Excellency Marianne Van Steen, encouraged attendees, particularly those from the private sector, to engage with the BBSQ so that more could be done to increase the global competitiveness of local goods. She also encouraged greater exploration of the agreements that the EU had in place with the region, such as the EU-CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement that allows for easier trade between the two regions.

Along with hearing about the new lab and discussing the need for new standards across various industries, attendees also received a first look of the bureau’s new website and logo. The new website features online payment capabilities and an interactive space where Bahamians can leave feedback related to developing standards.

Attendees included representatives from Sun Oil Limited, Caribbean Bottling Company Limited and Commonwealth Brewery Limited. Representatives from several industries, including Agriculture, Transport & Works, and Tourism were also present.

About the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality

The BBSQ is the national authority for establishing, facilitating and maintaining the highest levels of standardisation, metrology and conformity assessment. Through its services and progressive initiatives, the BBSQ will enhance the national quality infrastructure, ensuring the increased protection of consumers, and the expansion of the global reach of Bahamian products and services.