SQ Newsletter (May 2016 edition)

B U I L D I N G C A P A C I T Y • D E L I V E R I N G Q U A L I T Y

N E W S L E T T E RSTANDARDSQUARTERLY

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The European Union funded 10th EDF-Technical Barriers to Trade Programme, has already reaped some success as three (3) National Standards Bodies (NSBs) – namely the Belize Bureau of Standards, Bureau of Standards Jamaica and the Suriname Standards Bureau, have been certified to the ISO 9001:2008 standard and all in the first quarter 2016.

CROSQ’s Project Coordinator with the 10th EDF-TBT, Ms. Karlene Russell stated: “This represents a big achievement within the CROSQ network, as the NSBs are the national enquiry points on matters relating to Technical Barriers to Trade in their respective countries, and therefore certification to the ISO 9001 Quality Management System signals a shift to be more stakeholder-driven and customer focused.

“Resulting from this certification, these NSBs have improved their business processes to enhance customer satisfaction and have found more efficient ways of working. These organisations have therefore taken a lead role in demonstrating quality at the national level and also their commitment to continuous improvement,” she said.

In Belize, Director of the BBS, Mr. Jose Trejo, was ecstatic: “The Belize Bureau of Standards is proud of this historical accomplishment, especially since it is the first government department ever to be certified to this particular standard. This sets us apart as the leading institution for standards and quality and positions us as the agent for the development of Belize’s National Quality Infrastructure.

“At the same time, we jointly share this accomplishment with other bureaux in the region who have as well, successfully received certification. This advances the regional effort to develop Regional Quality Infrastructure to the benefit of the people of the Caribbean. The BBS is most grateful for the institutional support that it received from CROSQ and the 10th EDF-TBT Programme in this accomplishment and looks forward

to continue to be an exemplary institution for national and regional development,” said Mr. Trejo, who is also the Chairman of CROSQ.

The BSJ deemed the success “a game changer”. Its Director of Human Resource Management and Development, Mr. Maurice Lewin singled out the commitment by staff that enabled the achievement.

“[This achievement] marks a new day for us here at the BSJ. The current staff has worked tirelessly to secure accreditation in key labs, the publication of Calibration Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) in Mass and now ISO 9001:2008 certification of the organisation’s systems. The foregoing is a testimony that our combined efforts have resulted in the setting of new standards for the organisation,” he said.

In Suriname, Director Mrs. Ingrid de Bel-Simson remarked: “The certification of the SSB has brought a positive change in the organization. In a subtle way, changes have been made in the way things are done. Not only has it proven to be an effective tool to evaluate the entire course of the SSB, it also helped tremendously in the harmonization on the regional level.

“The SSB can take this experience as a case study when implementing the certification program in the future to help other businesses (especially small and medium size) to achieve a level of conformity and harmonization with the world,” she said.

The 10th EDF- Technical Barrier to Trade Programme is currently providing assistance to three other NSBs to achieve a similar certification to the ISO 9001:2015 standard. These agencies include: Antigua and Barbuda Bureau of Standards; Dominica Bureau of Standards and the St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards. It is expected that the remaining three NSBs will be certified by March 2017.

We’re ISO 9001 Certified

Vo l u m e 7 . I s s u e 5 . M a y 2 0 1 6



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CROSQ, the Bureau of Standards Jamaica and two tertiary institutions in that country have embarked on a major education initiative that could see a number of lecturers being trained in metrology in coming months.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the BSJ, the University of Technology and Mico University College in Jamaica, has seen the introduction of a basic metrology course, being led by the BSJ, with technical support through the 10th EDF-TBT Programme.

CROSQ Technical Officer, Metrology, Mr. David Tomlinson explained, “The point of it is to train tertiary level teachers in metrology, to help them to now be able to strengthen their courses … So the idea is that you are going to train teachers, who are going to train engineers and practitioners.

“There is a metrology course at UTech and for years the university wanted to strengthen it and I guess now is the time to do that. So they are training their lecturers to be able to do that, and possibly, some time down the road offer maybe a certificate or associate degree programme with a strong metrology focus.”

He noted that while this initial programme is introductory in nature, there is the potential for further developments with an even stronger metrology focus. Metrology is the science of measurement, and is necessary in all industries and sectors that deal with weights and measures.

The first course, an introduction to metrology, occurred during Metrology Week, May 16 to 20, with at least 15 participants, with additional technical expertise from Chile in the areas of mass and volume. But given the demand, there are already plans being put in place to look at other areas, namely temperature and length, with

another course perhaps in June.

Even as this is taking place, Mr. Tomlinson reported that officers at the BSJ were already involved in adult learning courses, and this new initiative during Metrology Week would be another step in focusing on strengthening education in metrology.

Other NSBs across the CROSQ network were also engaged in various activities for World Metrology Day. These will be featured in the next upcoming SQ Newsletter.

Jamaica Launches New Education Initiative

Technical Specification Goes to COTEDFor the first time in the history of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards & Quality, a Technical Specification, other than a trade-related standard, has reached and been accepted at the 42nd Council for Trade and Economic Development.

In April 2016, at this most recent meeting of the COTED Ministers within CARICOM, where CROSQ traditionally presents the standards developed for regional acceptance and then national adoption, a Regional Technical Specification for Sodium Hypo-Chlorite Solution (Liquid Chlorine Bleaches) was presented to COTED, by CROSQ CEO, Mr. Deryck Omar and Technical Officer, Standards, Mr. Fulgence St. Prix.

Mr. St. Prix explained that a technical specification is a description of the characteristics of a product, process or services, as far as practicable, by reference to its nature, strength, purity, composition, quality, performance, safety, dimensions, durability, material, mode of manufacture or other characteristics to distinguish it from another article or process.

“A technical specification is one which is usually used by the industry. It is not technically binding on a national standard, but acts as a guideline for industry in developing the product, and it was felt at the time, given the importance of that particular product, that it was necessary. So CROSQ made history by presenting its first Technical Specification,” said the officer.

In this case, that means that the technical specification is accepted by the industry as a guideline for what is acceptable in production of liquid chlorine bleaches.

A technical specification occurs when there is: not enough “required support” or consensus (absence of sustained objection); doubt about whether consensus was achieved; technical developments still taking place on the matter, or another reason precluding immediate publication as a regional standard. A technical specification, however, is not allowed to conflict with any existing regional standard.

The technical officer noted though that the development of a technical specification in the area, does not mean it cannot be developed as a regional standard at a later date; in fact, that is the objective. This option, he said, would be pursued.

Two other decisions of this COTED also saw the acceptance of Regional Standards for Labelling of Goods (Pt 1) – General Requirements, and Labelling of Goods (Pt 2) – Special Requirements for Pre-packaged Goods.

These two standards, once adopted by CARICOM Member States at the national levels, will provide guidelines on the information required on labels of goods (both pre-packaged and generally) that are sold for public consumption. A Regional Standard on Food Labelling is already in place.

Tertiary level lecturers in Jamaica at the Metrology training at the BSJ’s laboratory.



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As the year opened, so did CROSQ’s doors to welcome the newest Chairman of the Network of National Standards Bodies (NSBs), Mr. Jose Trejo, the director of the Belize Bureau of Standards.

Mr. Trejo was elected to the post last October at the Annual General Meeting of the CROSQ Council, where he had previously served as the Vice Chairman beside the then Chairman from Barbados, Mrs. Anthea Ishmael.

The new Chairman underscored the importance of this meeting, noting it had been a while since he had been to the CROSQ Secretariat and he was looking forward to immersing himself in the ongoing development work and the new projects to be unfolded.

CEO, Mr. Deryck Omar led the engagement, immersing the chairman in the current projects of the Network, as well as upcoming developments at the Secretariat.

History was created this year in Guyana, when the Eureka Medical Laboratory in Georgetown received its international ISO 15189 Accreditation.

With support from the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), through the German Metrology Institute’s Regional Quality Infrastructure 4 (RQI4) Project, and further help under the 10th EDF-Technical Barriers to Trade Programme, Eureka had much to celebrate on its 21st Anniversary in March.

CROSQ’s CEO, Mr. Deryck Omar noted that the Accreditation showed that development assistance and cooperative mechanisms in the region were indeed working. Assistance to the laboratory under RQI4 Project included technical assistance through PTB, and under the 10th EDF-TBT through the Caribbean Cooperation for Accreditation (CCA) mechanism. The CCA brings technical expertise to labs seeking to get accredited, usually in the form of mentorship and advice during the process.

The CEO also highlighted the role of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and its certification programme, GYS 170, which was a stepping stone used by Eureka to prepare itself for accreditation.

The relationship was one commented on by Eureka Quality Manager, Mr. Shawn Manbodh, who stated: “The commitment by the Eureka family to deliver quality service and accurate results has led to

stronger links being made with the national certification body of Guyana [the GNBS] who has been certifying our Laboratory since 2001 and I must take this moment to express a heartfelt thanks to the Guyana National Bureau Standards, especially Ms. Candelle Walcott-Bostwick (Guyana’s National Accreditation Focal point representative) for being the source of guidance throughout this entire process.”

The Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC), which was the accreditation body involved, underscored the importance of the results such accredited labs provide.

“A simple example is your annual blood works. Your test results came back confirming that you are in the best of health. Your doctor sends you on your way with a pat on the shoulder. You see the decision making process is fully reliant on the result generated by the lab. When an accredited lab is used to provide this result as consumers we can be more confident of the accuracy of the result…

“We encourage you to ask the question, ‘How confident am I regarding the reliability of the laboratory that is doing my testing?’ We urge you to use an accredited lab or become accredited if you perform any conformity assessment activity,” urged CEO of JANAAC, Mrs. Sharonmae Shirley.

Eureka is the first medical lab in the country to be accredited; the first medical lab to be accredited by JANAAC, and the first medical lab to be accredited under the CCA Scheme.

CROSQ Welcomes New Chairman

Eureka Medical Lab Making Waves

Staff of Eureka Labs celebrating their accreditation status.

New Chairman of CROSQ, Mr. Jose Trejo addressing staff at the CROSQ Secre-tariat in Barbados during his visit.



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Addressing The Issue Of Quality

Promotional Video Coming For 10th EDF TBTThe thrust for greater awareness of quality infrastructure (QI) and the progress of the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Programme is about to kick into higher gear.

Leading the charge for greater engagement of stakeholders in the quality infrastructure process, and also to highlight some of the successes thus far, CROSQ has embarked on the creation of a series of videos in its effort for increased awareness.

Quality infrastructure refers to the development of standards, metrology (science of measurement), accreditation and conformity assessment (testing, inspection and certification) services.

Given the lack of knowledge about QI across sectors and general public in the region, despite its everyday application in all aspects of Caribbean life, the Marketing Information Knowledge and Education (MIKE) Committee of CROSQ introduced the concept of documenting QI for promotion as well as educational and information purposes. The MIKE manages the awareness and information component of the 10th EDF-TBT Programme.

A team from Jamaica, led by multimedia consultant, Mr. Mark Thomas, is currently engaged in visits to a number of countries to document the development of regional QI across CARIFORUM, that has been enabled by the 10th EDF TBT Programme.

The Programme, one of the largest currently in the region stemming from the Economic Partnership Agreement with Europe, has been focussed on integrating CARIFORUM states into the world economy, fostering greater regional cooperation between states with a heavy focus on trade and the development of QI.

The main objectives of the Programme are to strengthen and harmonise standardisation infrastructure, metrology infrastructure, as well as develop and operationalise regional schemes in accreditation and conformity assessment. Building awareness, strengthening information and communication infrastructure and strengthening the related QI institutions are also among the goals of the programme.

Technical Officer, Communication and Information with the CROSQ Secretariat, Ms. Latoya Burnham said the video series was important

for a number of reasons.

“The videos will enable a number of things. It will add to the dearth of tools to actually spread the awareness and information that is so desperately needed in the regional QI world; it will serve as promotional items for the individual bureaux; it will show the strides we’ve made in developing QI thanks to the 10th EDF TBT, as well as highlight the various way cooperation mechanisms have been working really well for us.

“It’s a tall order, but that is why we are visiting a number of countries to gather information on the development of the various QI areas, and also hear from sectors and businesses that have benefitted from the implementation of quality services and systems. As a region, we are very excited about the potential of this initiative to move us to the next level of awareness,” she said.

The videos are expected to be in CARIFORUM Member States by the end of the year for use and dissemination by the standards bodies.

CARIFORUM Member States under the 10th EDF-Technical Barriers to Trade Programme have sought to address the issue of awareness of quality with the creation of national awards for quality-related improvements in business, as well as trade.

With Jamaica being the only Member State with a National Quality Awards annually, three other countries have embarked on similar awareness raising and promotional initiatives, namely Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana and the Dominican Republic.

One of the initiatives under the 10th EDF-TBT, the National Quality Awards for these three Member States is intended to highlight the benefits of quality infrastructure services and increase demand for such services, while educating and informing users, potential users and the general public about the role quality concerns play in enhancing their everyday lives, as it addresses health and safety concerns. In so doing, it is intended to build a quality culture in the CARIFORUM region.

Late last year, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards convened a National Quality Awards team, to examine the feasibility of having a quality awards in that country, and in February, the team came together to establish categories and criteria for its awards.

Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda hosted a National Consultation with public, private sector and civil society stakeholders to discuss the desire for a National Quality Awards in April. By the end of that meeting, which was opened by Minister of Trade, Hon. Mr. E. P. Chet Greene, the twin-island had settled on the development of a National Quality Awards team and that it would work towards a launch of the Awards by the end of the year. The initiative is also being led at the moment by the Antigua and Barbuda Bureau of Standards, with public and private sector support.

The Dominican Republic, with the backing of its President, is also examining hosting its first Quality Awards, led by the Dominican Institute for Quality (INDOCAL), early in 2017. Utilising aspects of the successful Jamaica model, similar to the other countries, the D. R. has settled on its outline and is about to ramp up promotions to engage the public.

Addressing quality on a national scale, such as what a National Quality Awards will do, is perhaps the single largest activity that could thrust quality infrastructure into the public limelight.

Videos consultant, Mr. Mark Thomas (head of table) meeting with staff and technical officers to design the country visits for the RQI videos project.



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Equipment To Help NSBs Build CapacityFor the last two years, there has been a regional drive on to boost the capacity of National Standards Bodies to meet their demands and obligations by providing much needed equipment at the national level.

The disbursement of equipment to NSBs began in the area of metrology, with a number of labs being able to access the kind of tools necessary to augment the work they do in the areas of temperature, mass and volume measurement.

There have been deliveries of equipment to The Bahamas, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guyana and Grenada in the area of metrology. Among the equipment have been digital thermometers, temperature data loggers, mass comparators, a pressure gauge, liquid baths, and an ISO Torque Wrench loader.

CROSQ Technical Officer, Metrology, Mr. David Tomlinson explained that even as the training continued to boost the skills of metrology officers across the region, 10th EDF-TBT project leaders were very confident about the need for and use of the equipment in countries.

“We’ve had that discussion, about ensuring that this equipment is utilised in country and that’s one of the things we have been focusing on even through the complimentary CABUREK programme, boosting the skills of our metrology officers, especially those who can become trainers themselves. So in most cases the equipment is already in use and in the other cases, the capacity and skills of officers to use the equipment is continually being upgraded,” he assured.

Most of the equipment is in the area of mass – to enable the calibration of weights and balances; in legal metrology – to allow for the necessary checks of pumps at gas stations and in temperature. Although a lot of the

equipment is basic, Tomlinson said with the training of ten officers it will result in six metrology labs across the region being strengthened by early 2017.

But the delivery of equipment did not stop with metrology. Understanding the need to boost the communications within and among Member States, as well as our CARIFORUM Partner, the Dominican Republic, the 10th EDF-TBT Programme also began examining the needs there too. It has resulted in the last four months in the availability of video conferencing solutions for all 16 CARIFORUM Countries.

This latest development, with each NSB being able to access and offer video conferencing services within coming months as the equipment continues to arrive and be configured, should bring significant advantages to the region.

Technical Officer, Communication and Information, Ms. Latoya Burnham noted that it was part of an overall drive to better manage how NSBs communicate with each other.

“This video conferencing equipment will enable a freer flow of communication between NSBs, and could also help with transportation challenges to attend and access meetings, workshops and other training opportunities, but this is just part of a larger knowledge management scheme we are focusing on. It will be a long process that will call for changes in how we think, how we access and share information. In essence, we will be creating a whole new culture within the network. It’s an exciting time for us and we have to thank the 10th EDF-TBT Programme for its assistance in getting us started,” she said.

A torque wrench loader at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, one of the necessary pieces of equipment delivered to NSBs



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JANUARY: Project Coordinator, Dr. Claire Durant making a presentation to staff and the new Chairman about her laboratory quality management systems programme and its progress.

JANUARY: CROSQ staff busy brushing up on their project management skills during a workshop.

MAY: CROSQ Technical Officer, Metrology, Mr. David Tomlinson engaged in discussions during the metrology educational course in Jamaica.

JANUARY: Technical Officer, Communication and Information, Ms. Latoya Burnham (left) addressing the Antigua and Barbuda Bureau of Standards’ Council in Antigua.

FEBRUARY: CROSQ Technical officers, PTB and INDOCAL technical officers designing the energy efficiency and renewable energy project.

MARCH: CROSQ Technical Management Committee for Standards meeting in Barbados.

APRIL: A cultural presentation at the 28th Meeting of the CROSQ Council in Montserrat.

APRIL: CROSQ Technical Officer, Accreditation and Conformity Assessment, Mr. Trumel Redmond (left) representing the organisation as he presents a plaque to INDOCAL General Manager, Mr. Manuel Guerrero.

AT WORKIt has already been an extremely busy first quarter for the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ). Here is a brief look in pictures at what has been happening across CROSQ Land!



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APRIL: A press conference in Montserrat with CROSQ Chairman, Mr. Jose Trejo; Minister of Trade, Mr. Claude Hogan; CROSQ CEO, Mr. Deryck Omar, and Technical Officer, Communication and Information, Ms. Latoya Burnham.

APRIL: Technical Officer of Metrology, Mr. David Tomlinson addressing the CABUREK meeting in Mexico.

INDOCAL Gets AccreditedThe Dominican Institute of Quality (INDOCAL) made history in the region when it recently became the first conformity assessment body to receive accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17065: 2012 standard in the area of product certification for cement.

CROSQ’s Technical Officer, Accreditation and Conformity Assessment, Mr. Trumel Redmond highlighted the Dominican Republic and CROSQ partnership that led to this achievement, under the 10th EDF-Technical Barriers to Trade Programme.

“We are delighted to offer heartiest congratulations to INDOCAL on this signature achievement of the Conformity Assessment Direction’s accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17065: 2012 standard for bodies certifying products, processes and services. This accreditation is also significant as it represents the first of seven Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) supported by the 10th EDF-TBT Programme to achieve accreditation,” said Mr. Redmond, in remarks on behalf of CROSQ at INDOCAL’s celebratory reception in April.

He added: “The cement products certified by the Conformity Assessment Direction are critical for the infrastructural development of the Dominican Republic and the wider Caribbean as a whole. This accreditation will no doubt assist in boosting consumer confidence in these products as well as assisting manufacturers to access potential new markets.”

ISO/IEC 17065 is a quality management standard for conformity assessment bodies that certify products, processes and services. What this means is that INDOCAL can now issue certification for cement products because they have been found competent to the international standard by the Mexican Accreditation Body, EMA.

Conformity assessment is the activity that determines if a product, process, system, person or body meets established requirements. This may be through activities including testing, inspection and certification.

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Trade also had high praise for the Conformity Assessment Directorate of INDOCAL, which received the accreditation.

“The Dominican Republic has signed certain trade agreements such as the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the DR-CAFTA, aimed at promoting products that meet the quality requirements for each market; so that progress in the National Quality Infrastructure, through this type of instrument, helps the Dominican Republic meet the requirements stipulated in trade commitments.

“From this accreditation received by the INDOCAL, we give an important step in the implementation of the Dominican System for Quality (SIDOCAL) step in creating a culture of quality in the Dominican Republic, for this reason, we encourage other institutions to achieve recognition of their competence through accreditation processes,” said Vice Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Enrique

Segura.

Director General of INDOCAL, Mr. Manuel Guerrero commented: “This Accreditation we received today is just the beginning of a series of initiatives and projects we have in INDOCAL with a view to increase the amount of quality services with highly competent technical staff.”

INDOCAL Director Mr. Manuel Guerrero accepting the plaque for the accreditation ceremony

INDOCAL laboratory staff accepting pins for their role in the accreditation process.



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CROSQ is made up of the national standards bodies/bureaux (NSBs) of the 15 Member States of CARICOM, and also works closely with the NSB of the Dominican Republic (INDOCAL) on several strategic projects. Here is a sneak peak of some of the highlight and ongoing developments in quality infrastructure within some of the NSBs of CARIFORUM.

Antigua & Barbuda

Is developing and expanding its metrology capabilities

Is in the process of convening a National Team to develop its inaugural Quality Awards, following discussions held in February and April looking at the feasibility of such an initiative in the country

Will be featured in the May-June Issue of ISO Focus, with an article featuring the Director, Mrs. Dianne Lalla-Rodrigues.

Is about to conclude the development of a Strategic Plan for the organisation,a nd is working on the development of its Marketing and Communications Plan

The Bahamas

After significant capacity building and financial assistance through the 10th EDF-TBT and other projects, as well as national focus and support, the bureau is about to officially launch its new headquarters in June

The bureau recently conducted its first verification service this year at a local abattoir

Is experiencing increasing public demand to talk about quality related issues since it initiated a renewed thrust with the setting up of its new headquarters

Is providing assistance to discussions about a national stem cell policy for the country

Barbados

Participated in Sustainable Destinations Workshop at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre January 19, to develop a tourism plan for Barbados.

Made contributions at a Barbados Coalition for Service Industries-driven initiative for the development of a Quality Service Mark (QSM).

Delivered a presentation at the Barbados Renewable Energy Association’s breakfast meeting on “The Relevance of Standards to the Renewable Energy Sector”, using the topic “The importance of standards to renewable energy systems”.

Along with Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, submitted a request to the ACP/EU TBT Secretariat for technical support in the drafting of technical regulations and methods of referencing. The proposal was approved and the project has been scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2016

Belize

Is still in the process of developing its new headquarters and metrology laboratory facilities

Has been seeing an increase in the demand for certification and conformity assessment services

Four of the country’s labs are currently under the process of accreditation, with assistance through the bureau

Has successful completed its ISO 9001:2012 certification

Dominican Republic

Is about to host its third International Quality Symposium later this year

Is developing its National Quality Awards to be hosted early in 2017

Hosted the 10th EDF-TBT Awareness and Information Component consultant, Mr. Christian Keil to assist with a country strategic profile and INDOCAL’s Marketing and Communications Plan

Grenada

Served as hosts to the 6th Face-to-Face Meeting of the Marketing Information Knowledge and Education (MIKE) Committee of CROSQ

Just completed the process of ISO 17025 accreditation and is about to publicly celebrate this achievement

Is also working to launch its very first website this year

Guyana

Is developing a National Quality Awards which it hopes to launch this year

Provided assistance to Assuria Insurance Company in its ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management System Certification

Continues to develop its capacity as a National Accreditation Focal Point, serving as the technical experts in Guyana with relation to accreditation, under the Caribbean Cooperation for Accreditation Scheme, an initiative of the 10th EDF-TBT Programme

Symposium on Accreditation

Minister of Trade, Antigua & Barbuda, Mr. E. P. Chet Greene addressing a national consultation on the Quality Awards concept.NSB Talk



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Haiti

Is developing new laboratory in mass and volume so they are able to respond to national demand

Is currently preparing 15 quality auditors to provide services for small and medium enterprises. These auditors are qualified to the ISO 9001: 2015 standard.

Is also working towards laboratory accreditation to ISO 17025: 2012


Jamaica

Now has four accredited laboratories at the BSJ

Has seen the private sector demand for accreditation services continue to increase

Is looking at the development of a national quality policy

Has launched standards in education, agriculture, food and sports areas this year

Just separated its regulatory division from the BSJ

Montserrat

Served as hosts for the 28th Meeting of the CROSQ Council of Directors

Is further developing its ongoing relationship with the Antigua and Barbuda Bureau of Standards to help build capacity in quality infrastructure

St. Kitts & Nevis

Is launching a project towards ISO 17025 accreditation

Is also building its capacity in Standards Development

Has added two laboratories to the bureau in the areas of energy efficiency and metrology

St. Lucia

Continues to develop its capacity in legal metrology

Is assisting with a national health policy as the country opens a new multi-million-dollar hospital

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Working towards laboratory accreditation to ISO 17025

Suriname

Held a national stakeholder consultation in January to devise a standardisation plan for the next three years

Developed its country strategic profile of Quality Infrastructure with the help of CROSQ and 10th EDF-TBT Programme

Conducted a training workshop on the labelling of products


Trinidad and Tobago

Saw the passing this year of its National Metrology Act

Is in the process of developing an education initiative

Hosted a consultation on Compressed Natural Gas Vehicular Fuel Systems to sensitise about a new national draft standard in this area

Hosted a Fashion UPGRADE course on producing quality garments that meet national and international standards for the garments and fashion industry

The German Government, through quality infrastructure partners, the German National Metrology Institute (PTB), alongside CROSQ and the Dominican Institute for Quality (INDOCAL) in the Dominican Republic, are about to embark on a regional energy efficiency and renewable energy project to set standards for the industry.

The primary objective of the project is to “increase regionally available services of quality infrastructure in the Caribbean, for the use of energy efficient electrical appliances and renewable energy technologies”.

The project itself will involve regional standards for the sectors; conformity assessment frameworks to support energy efficiency and renewable energy systems; and sensitization and public awareness components. By the end of the 18 months for which the project will run, it is envisaged that the region should have a regional labelling scheme for some energy efficient appliances, regional energy performance standards; regional standards for solar water heaters and photovoltaic systems; and conformity assessment frameworks to support for both energy efficiency and renewable energy systems.

A major planning workshop to develop the parameters of the project was held earlier this year in Barbados, with a visit to one solar water heater provider to gather some additional perspectives on challenges within that sector.

Energy On The Quality Agenda

A field trip to one of the local solar suppliers to examine their renewable energy procedures and concerns in preparation for the new energy QI project.



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CABUREK, a cooperative instrument created between the Inter-American Metrology System (SIM), the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the German National Metrology Institute (PTB), is proving to be an effective example of knowledge sharing in practice.

Developed out of the “NMI Metrology User Relations” Project, the Capacity Building in Technical and Scientific Organizations Using Regional Experiences and Knowledge (CABUREK) has been bringing together some of the key minds and practitioners in metrology fields from Latin America and the Caribbean to look at ways to enhance cooperation, competitiveness and innovation in this largely technical scientific area. Metrology, simply put, is the science of measurement.

In April, a large group of these technical experts, got together in Mexico for this third phase of the project. CROSQ was well represented through the participation of a number of NSBs. It was an experience, CROSQ’s Technical Officer, Metrology, Mr. David Tomlinson found highly beneficial and from which he said the region was already benefitting.

“Our education initiative with Jamaica, and which is about to take off, grew out of this project … The rationale behind bringing the whole of Latin America and the Caribbean together is that we can share experiences. So you are working and sharing at the same time, so

there might be someone for example in Panama that can say, this is what we did and send you some information and vice versa.”

He explained that there were three major working groups in CABUREK – the first looking at strategy and strategic planning and implementation; the second on a regional training offer, and the third, on health.

“Each overall group has a mandate, but then the individual members have to look at what they can do and are interested in doing nationally. For example, my group, at the end we have to come up with training options in metrology for the region,” he explained, pointing again to a programme being developed with the Bureau of Standards Jamaica and two of that country’s local universities, aimed at training lecturers in metrology.

Each country in the CABUREK initiative has to determine how it will roll out the mandate agreed upon so it makes sense for that country and its own national metrology institute or related quality infrastructure body.

Regional Initiative Looks At Developing Metrology

One of the groups in discussion at CABUREK.



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In an attempt to better assess the needs of Member States, CROSQ embarked on a series of missions early this year to update the quality infrastructure profiles of the countries within CARIFORUM.

Missions were led by the CROSQ CEO, Mr. Deryck Omar to Suriname and Guyana, while other engagements were also held in awareness raising in Antigua and Barbuda. During the trips to Suriname and Guyana, the CEO, and German National Metrology Institute (PTB) Consultant with the Awareness and Information Component of the 10th EDF-Technical Barriers to Trade Programme, Mr. Christian Keil, who is also a country manager under the programme, met with a wide range of stakeholders.

The visits were intended to update the profiles of the countries, examine concerns and demands of the private sector with regard to the QI services needed which would then enable the network to further address the concerns in a strategic way.

Both the Suriname and the Guyana visits included meetings with the public and private sector, as well as extensive engagements with the bureaux in country. Guyana’s extended visit also dealt with awareness raising concerns, assisting the bureau with the development of its

Marketing and Communications Plan, as well as thrashing out areas for the development of a National Quality Awards for the country this year.

The mission to Antigua and Barbuda, involved the CROSQ Technical Officer, Communication and Information, Ms. Latoya Burnham, who assisted the bureau in bringing staff together to collate the information necessary for the development of the Marketing and Communications Plan.

That engagement also included three sessions encompassing external stakeholders, as well as staff, in understanding the nature of knowledge management within the Network, discussions on the formulation of a national awards focussing on the development of quality within the country utilising quality infrastructure services, as well as an awareness session on CROSQ as the Network of NSBs, Quality Infrastructure and the 10th EDF TBT Programme in general.

One of the sessions was able to connect the bureau with a major national player for future discussions on the cooperation that could happen between the two entities.

January is traditionally the time when organisations start to return from the holiday breaks and pick up the pace once again for a new year.

At CROSQ, it was straight back to the classroom for most of the staff when the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Programme hosted a five-day introduction and refresher to Project Management basics, with regional PM expert, Dr. Joseph Khan.

It was a programme specially designed by Dr. Khan and, he admitted, a new approach to designing specific components based on needs presented to him. At the end of the workshop he noted that the targeted nature of the approach allowed for quite a bit of tailoring and moving at the pace of the group he was coaching. It was also a technique he could apply to future trainings.

The CROSQ group trained included technical officers, project coordinators, management, as well as support staff. Areas covered during the training included Strategy Implementation through Programmes, Programme Management, Strategic Management of Projects, Technical Management of Projects, Project Leadership, Stakeholder Management, Project Appraisal, Work Breakdown Structures, as well as the use of Project Management software.

Members of the group admitted it was a very intensive five days of

training, but were enthused with the results, as most received the refreshers needed or the added value of knowledge in specific areas that could redound to the further development of the organisation and their individual skill-sets.

Hands-On Approach At CROSQ

Staff Brush Up On Project Management Skills

The Quality Awards Discussion with officers at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, CROSQ technical support and the Awareness consultant.

Project Management expert, Dr. Joseph Khan (left) overseeing an assignment by one of the groups at CROSQ’s project management training workshop.



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CROSQ Mission StatementTo facilitate trade and competitiveness of CARICOM products and services for sustainable development through implementation of RQI.

For further information, please contact:CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality2nd Floor Baobab Towers,Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados.Tel: 246.622.7670Fax: 246.622.7678Email: [email protected]: www.crosq.org

www.facebook.com/crosq.caricom

@crosqcaricom

This publication is produced with financial assistance of the European Union. This is the sole responsibility of CROSQ, with support from its partners, PTB and INDOCAL, and can under no circumstance be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.

Antigua and Barbuda Bureau of Standards

Old Parham RdP.O. Box 1550St. John’sAntigua & BarbudaT: 268-562-4011 / F: 268-562-0094Website: www.abbs.gov.ag

Bahamas Bureau of Standards

Ministry of Financial ServicesManx Corporate Centre, 3rd Floor, East WingWest Bay StreetP.O. Box N-4843Nassau NPThe BahamasT: 242-328-5071-6 / F: 242-328-8090

Barbados National Standards Institution

Culloden RoadSt. MichaelBarbadosT: 246-426-3870 / F: 246-436-1495

Belize Bureau of Standards

Ministry of Trade, Investment Promotion, Private Sector Development and Consumer ProtectionThird Floor, Diamonds BuildingConstitution DriveP.O. Box 430Belmopan Belize C.AT: 501-822-0446/47 / F: 501-822-2571Website: www.bbs.gov.bz

Dominica Bureau of Standards

P.O. Box 10159 Great Marlborough StreetRoseauDominicaT: 767-448-1685/440-0052 / F: 767-449-9217Website: www.dominicastandards.org

Grenada Bureau of Standards

P.O. Box 2036Queen’s ParkSt. George’sGrenadaT: 473-440-5886/6783 / F: 473-440-5554

Guyana National Bureau of Standards

Flat 15 Exhibition Complex SophiaGeorgetownGuyanaT: 592-219-0062/0064/0066 / F: 592-219-0070Website: www.gnbsgy.org

Bureau Haïtien de Normalisation

Ministère du Commerce et de l’IndustriePort-au-PrinceHaitiT: 509-2228-9491/2230-5804/4890-0147 / F: 509-223-8402/223-5950

Bureau of Standards Jamaica

6 Winchester Road, Kingston 10JamaicaT: 876-926-3140-5 / F: 876-929-4736Website: www.bsj.org.jm

Minister/Trade Economist

Ministry of Agriculture, Trade. Land, Housing and the EnvironmentP.O. Box 272BradesMontserrat MSR 1110T: 664-492-1887

St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards

Ministry of Industry, Commerce andConsumer AffairsBasseterreSt. Kitts & NevisT: 869-465-5279 / F: 869-465-3852

Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards

Bisee Industrial EstateCP 5412CastriesSt. LuciaT: 758-453-0049 / F: 758-452-3561Website: www.slbs.org.lc

St. Vincent and The Grenadines Bureau of Standards

Campden Park Industrial EstateP.O. Box 1506Kingstown VC 0100St. Vincent & the GrenadinesWebsite: www.svgbs.gov.vc

Suriname Standards Bureau

Leysweg No. 10, UitvlugtParamariboSurinameT: 597-499928/9 / F: 597-499926Website: www.ssb.sr

Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards

1-2 Century DriveTrincity Industrial EstateMacoya, TunapunaTrinidad & TobagoT: 868-662-8827 / F: 868-663-4335

Instituto Dominicano Para La Calidad(INDOCAL)

c/ Oloff Palmer esq. Nuñez de Cáceres, San Gerónimo, Santo Domingo, R.D.T: 809-686-2210 Ext. 310 Email: [email protected]

CARIFORUM

Standards Bodies Across The Region

SQ Newsletter (May 2016 edition)

Documents

Transcript of SQ Newsletter (May 2016 edition)