The Guyana National Bureau of Standards’ Bimonthly Newsletter
GNBS IN FOCUS VOLUME 04
JULY - AUGUST 2026 | @GNBSGY.ORG
ISSUE 04
Pg. 01 GNBS commences verification of Tint Meters, Sound Level Meters
Pg. 02 National Standards for LPG Cylinders & Low-pressure regulators to become compulsory
GNBS educates citizens on standards, quality and consumer protection
Pg. 08 GNBS commences first-ever hinterland Internship Programme
Pg. 04 GNBS engages Chinese Association, businesses on National Standards
National Exhibition Complex, Sophia, Georgetown | www.gnbsgy.org
GNBS IN FOCUS
01
GNBS COMMENCES VERIFICATION OF TINT METERS & SOUND LEVEL METERS The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has commenced the verification of Tint Meters and Sound Level Meters, introducing new services aimed at ensuring accurate measurements for regulatory and enforcement purposes. The verification of the devices, which measure Vehicle Visible Light Transmission (VLT) and environmental sound levels, respectively, began on July 13. GNBS Executive Director Trevor Bassoo said the initiative builds on the Bureau’s longstanding partnership with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that measurements used for regulatory and enforcement purposes are accurate and reliable. During the launch of the new services at the GNBS Head Office in Sophia, Georgetown, Traffic Chief of the Guyana Police Force, Mahendra Singh, said the police rely heavily on the GNBS to strengthen the services offered to the public. Other officials who addressed the launch included Head of the GNBS Legal Metrology Services Department, Shailendra Rai; Senior Occupational Safety and Health Officer at the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning, Darwin Bourne; and Head of Air, Noise and Radiation for Technical Services at the Environmental Protection Agency, Michelle Nurse. As part of the launch, the GNBS Legal Metrology Services Department conducted live demonstrations of the verification process for both Tint Meters and Sound Level Meters.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
GNBS IN FOCUS
02
NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR LPG CYLINDERS & LOWPRESSURE REGULATORS TO BECOME COMPULSORY Two National Standards governing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders and low-pressure regulators are set to become compulsory with the aim of strengthening public safety and ensuring quality of LPG equipment is on the local market. The National Standards GYS 264 - Specification for LPG Cylinder and its Storage, Handling and Transportation, and GYS 523 - Specification for Low-pressure Regulators for Use with LPG were reviewed and revised by the GNBS in 2025 following concerns about LPG cylinder explosions and leaks. This process was completed through consultations with enforcement agencies, consumer protection bodies and retailers of LPG. The revisions sought to improve clarity and strengthen monitoring of the importation and sale of LPG cylinders and regulators. The monitoring agencies will be the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and the GNBS. Interested persons are invited to submit representations to the GNBS Executive Director by September 30, 2026. Consumers, importers, distributors and other stakeholders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the standards which are available for inspection at the GNBS Head Office and on the GNBS website: www.gnbsgy.org.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
GNBS IN FOCUS GNBS IN FOCUS
REGION THREE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS BENEFIT FROM ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS TRAINING GNBS conducted a one-day Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Training for 45 healthcare professionals from the De Kinderen Regional Hospital, West Demerara Regional Hospital, and Leonora Diagnostic and Treatment Centre (Leonora Hospital) in Region Three. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Regional Health Officer of Region Three, Dr. Fiaaz Hassan, expressed appreciation to GNBS for facilitating the workshop, while underlining the importance of understanding Root Cause Analysis as an essential tool for identifying underlying issues, strengthening processes, and improving operations across health facilities. Meanwhile, GNBS Head of Corporate Communications, Lloyd David, noted that Root Cause Analysis is one of GNBS' training programmes designed to help organisations effectively manage risks, address nonconformities and improve operational performance.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
09 03
GNBS IN FOCUS
04
GNBS ENGAGES CHINESE ASSOCIATION, BUSINESS COMMUNITY ON ITS SERVICES, STANDARDS GNBS, in collaboration with the Chinese Association of Guyana, held two awareness sessions for the Chinese business community on the importance of standards and GNBS services. Participants learnt about GNBS certification, product inspection, standards development, training, verification and technical assistance services. The session also highlighted how standards enhance quality, safety, efficiency, and competitiveness across multiple sectors. Participants represented businesses in construction, engineering, medical, manufacturing, and commerce, among others.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
GNBS IN FOCUS GNBS IN FOCUS
09 05
TEN COMPANIES RECERTIFIED BY GNBS TSV Delights, East Gate Products, Invernisoft Inc., Nova High Technology Inc., Pure Aqua, Durable Wood Products Inc. and Marcia’s Product were recertified to use the GNBS Made in Guyana Certification Mark on their products, reaffirming their continued compliance with the programme's quality and safety requirements.
TSV DELIGHTS
INVERNISOFT INC.
PURE AQUA WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
EAST GATE PRODUCTS
NOVA HIGH TECHNOLOGY INC.
MARCIA’S PRODUCT
DURABLE WOOD PRODUCTS INC.
GNBS IN FOCUS GNBS IN FOCUS
09 06
TEN COMPANIES RECERTIFIED BY GNBS Additionally, Gopaul’s Jewellery and Nazeem’s Jewellery were recertified for Compliance with the requirements of GYS 50: 2022, Specification of Gold Articles (12 Karat and 14 Karat).
GOPAUL’S JEWELLERY
NAZEEM’S JEWELLERY
Further, Plastic Products Limited (Gafsons Industries) achieved re-certification under the GNBS Product Certification Programme for its Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipes, in accordance with the requirements of GYS 107:2021 and GYS 99:2021.
PLASTIC PRODUCTS LIMITED (GAFSONS INDUSTRIES)
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
GNBS IN FOCUS GNBS IN FOCUS
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
09 07
GNBS IN FOCUS
08
GNBS MARKETS STANDARDS, SERVICES AT TOSHAOS COUNCIL CONFERENCE GNBS participated in the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, from July 20 - 24. The conference was held under the theme: “Empowering Leadership while Building Sustainable Village Economies through Inclusive Partnership.” The GNBS team engaged village leaders and stakeholders, highlighting its services and the importance of standards to support sustainable economic development within Indigenous communities.
THREE HINTERLAND STUDENTS COMPLETE INTERNSHIP WITH GNBS GNBS concluded its first-ever Hinterland Internship Programme in Regions Seven and Nine, with three interns completing a six-week placement at GNBS sub-offices in both regions. The interns, Rollissa Vankenic of Three Miles Secondary School in Region Seven, and Kellia Douglas and Leandre Williams of St. Ignatius Secondary School in Region Nine, gained valuable workplace experience, practical skills and firsthand exposure to the services provided by GNBS in the hinterland regions. Certificates of completion were presented to the interns by GNBS Inspectors Floyd Jones and Jad Atkinson of Regions Seven and Nine, respectively. Launched in June 2026, the initiative seeks to broaden GNBS’ services across hinterland communities while providing young people in those regions with opportunities to gain practical experience and develop workplace skills.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
GNBS IN FOCUS GNBS IN FOCUS
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
09 09
GNBS IN FOCUS
10
GNBS JOINS GOV’T OUTREACH IN REGION TWO GNBS Executive Director, Trevor Bassoo, participated in the Government's two-day cabinet outreach in Region Two, led by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. During the outreach, government ministers, Members of Parliament and other representatives engaged residents across the region to hear their concerns, discuss community priorities and address issues affecting their livelihoods. The outreaches reflect the government's continued commitment to engaging directly with Guyanese regardless of geographic location, aimed at ensuring that community feedback shapes development planning and the delivery of essential services countrywide.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
GNBS IN FOCUS GNBS IN FOCUS
11 07
GNBS STAKEHOLDER FEATURE - AUGUST
JACOBS JEWELLERY: STRENGTHENING QUALITY, CUSTOMER CONFIDENCE WITH GNBS CERTIFICATION For Jacobs Jewellery, quality is more than a promise; it is an important part of earning customer trust, maintaining a strong reputation and building a sustainable business in Guyana’s jewellery sector. Critical to achieving these objectives is third-party certification, which provides independent assurance that a business consistently produces what it commits to. This is why Jacobs Jewellery sought certification from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) under its Product Certification Scheme and now produces gold jewellery that conforms to the requirements of the National Standard GYS 50:2022 – Specification for Gold Articles. Jacobs Jewellery originated in 1997 as a family business. After being off the market for several years, the business was revived in December 2018 by Steven Jacobs (Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport) as he transitioned from professional cricket. Since its return to the market, Jacobs Jewellery has experienced significant growth, moving from a relatively small operating environment into a larger and more accommodating space, while expanding its customer base and strengthening the quality of its products and services. In 2025, the company decided to pursue GNBS certification to the GYS 50:2022 standard. According to General Manager Dellon Caesar, the decision was driven largely by the company’s desire to increase customer trust and confidence. “When someone purchases gold jewellery, they should be confident that the product they are receiving is genuinely of the quality and karat being represented to them,” he said. Caesar explained that the GNBS was recognised as the most credible institution to undertake the certification process.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
“We wanted an independent and credible institution to verify that the standards we were applying internally met the required national standard. Ultimately, certification gives our customers another level of assurance and strengthens the credibility of Jacobs Jewellery,” Caesar added. After demonstrating its readiness, the business successfully received its GNBS certificate in December 2025 for conformity to national standard GYS 50:2022. The National Standard establishes requirements for the manufacture, alloying and testing of gold articles made from 23, 22, 20, 18, 15, 14, 12, 10 and 9 karat gold. While the standard does not specify requirements for the design of gold articles, it addresses the solders used in their manufacture, methods for assaying gold, and requirements for marking and labelling the articles. Businesses interested in becoming certified under the GNBS Product Certification Programme are encouraged to contact the GNBS Certification Services Department for guidance on the applicable requirements and certification process. For more information, contact the GNBS at 219-0064-66, WhatsApp 692-4627, or visit the GNBS website at www.gnbsgy.org.
GNBS IN FOCUS
CITIZENS LEARN OF GNBS SERVICES DURING MINISTRY’S BUSINESS CLINICS IN REG. 9 & 10 GNBS participated in the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce’s Community Business Clinics in Aishalton, Region Nine, and Linden, Region Ten, where over 100 residents learnt about the Bureau's services and the role that standards and quality play in supporting business growth and competitiveness. These engagements reflect GNBS’ ongoing commitment to engaging directly with communities and ensuring that residents have access to information and essential services regardless of location. Some of the questions answered related to the process to sign up for GNBS’ Certification programmes, registration for import and sale of products monitored by the GNBS, and access to training and verification services.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
12
GNBS IN FOCUS
13
GNBS, OTHER CONSUMER PROTECTION BODIES ENGAGE RESIDENTS AT POP-UP EXPO The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) joined the Department of Consumer Affairs, Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), Pesticides, Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) and the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) at a pop-up consumer protection expo at Corriverton, Region Six. Residents and farmers were engaged on their rights and responsibilities as consumers, including the importance of purchasing quality products, checking labels and expiry dates, ensuring fair measurements, and making informed purchasing decisions. The various agencies also shared information about their services and how consumers can seek assistance or report concerns.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
GNBS IN FOCUS
14
GNBS PARTICIPATES IN GOVERNMENT OUTREACH IN LINDEN, REGION TEN GNBS participated in the Government Outreach held at Watooka House in Linden, Region Ten, hosted by Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. During the outreach, the GNBS team directly engaged residents and business owners, providing information on its services while addressing other concerns.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
GNBS IN FOCUS
15
GNBS ENCOURAGES ELECTRICIANS TO PRIORITISE SAFETY & QUALITY Head of the Product Compliance Department at GNBS, Quincy Troyer, delivered brief remarks at the closing ceremony of Youth Challenge Guyana’s Life Skills and Electrical Installation Training Programme at Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown. The participants were trained on electrical safety and workplace practices, electrical tools and equipment, wiring and cable installation, and the installation of switches, sockets and lighting fixtures, among others. Some of these items are monitored by the GNBS Product Compliance Department. Delivering remarks on behalf of the Bureau, Head of the Product Compliance Department Quincy Troyer urged the aspiring Electricians to ensure they use approved electrical fittings and equipment in their career. This is particularly important, he said, because the use of substandard or unsafe electrical products can result in electrical shocks, fires, damage to property and, in some cases, loss of life. The twenty-three (23) aspiring Electricians were trained on July 17 by Head of the Corporate Communications Department at GNBS, Lloyd David who educated them on the Standards requirements for electrical products, calibration and other related services of the GNBS. Further, the HOD encouraged the young men to equip themselves with practical knowledge and industry best practices in readiness for the world of work, providing quality and safe services as they build their individual careers.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
GNBS IN FOCUS
16
GNBS IN FOCUS
17
GNBS PARTICIPATES IN UNCAPPED MARKETPLACE GNBS Marketing and Technical Officers participated in the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) Uncapped Marketplace, held at the National Stadium, Providence during August. The GNBS team engaged with agro-processors and businesses certified under the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Certification Mark Programme. During the event, agro-processors and other exhibitors were informed about the range of services offered by GNBS to support business growth, improve operational efficiency, and promote quality and excellence. These services include standards development, testing, certification, and other technical services.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
GNBS IN FOCUS
18
FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS YOUTH MINISTRY TOURS GNBS Youths from the Fighting Temptations Youth Ministry of Nurney Village, Region Six, visited the GNBS on Tuesday, August 18, where they gained valuable insights into standards, GNBS services, measurement systems and consumer protection. The educational visit included guided tours of the GNBS laboratories, giving the youths an opportunity to learn firsthand about the Bureau’s work in verification, calibration and testing, while gaining a better appreciation of the importance of standards and accurate measurements in everyday life.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
GNBS IN FOCUS
19
GNBS COLLABORATES WITH GTA TO HOST TWO-DAY FOOD SAFETY TRAINING The GNBS, in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), hosted a two-day Food Safety Prerequisites Training on August 19 and 20 in Georgetown. The training, facilitated by GNBS Technical Officers Maya Brandon and Hema Boolanauth, engaged 27 participants from the tourism and hospitality sector.
Participants strengthened their understanding of essential food safety requirements and practices related to food preparation, handling, hygiene, and service, equipping themselves with the knowledge to promote safer food practices within their establishments.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
GNBS IN FOCUS
20
GNBS CONNECTS WITH BUSINESSES & CONSUMERS AT ESSEQUIBO EXPO The GNBS engaged entrepreneurs and consumers at the Essequibo Expo 2026, hosted by the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) at the Anna Regina Secondary School Ground. The expo provided GNBS and its sister agencies with an opportunity to showcase their services and support available to businesses. Through interactions with exhibitors and visitors, GNBS representatives provided guidance on standards and certification requirements, while encouraging businesses to strengthen their quality practices. Meanwhile, consumers were encouraged to become more informed about the quality and safety of products and services.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
GNBS IN FOCUS
EMANCIPATION DAY 2026 CELEBRATED BY MIN. OF TOURISM, INDUSTRY & COMMERCE, SUB AGENCIES The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce hosted an Emancipation Day Event at the National Exhibition Centre to celebrate the rich heritage, resilience, and enduring contributions of AfroGuyanese to Guyana's history and development. The event was attended by Minister Susan Rodrigues, Permanent Secretary Roger Rogers, staff and guests ahead of Emancipation Day 2026. The programme featured a spoken-word performance, a musical rendition, and an energetic drumming interlude that highlighted the vibrancy of African culture and traditions. Following the presentations, everyone enjoyed traditional African dishes, providing an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and richness of African culinary heritage.
WWW.GNBSGY.ORG
21
Our Office: Track MB, Block B, National Exhibition Centre, Sophia, Georgetown, Guyana Contact Us: Call: +592-219-0064/65/66 WhatsApp: +592-692-GNBS(4627)
Find Us Online: www.gnbsgy.org