Bureau of Standards Jamaica Recognises Technical Volunteers

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) joined with the rest of the world in celebrating World Standards Day (October 14) by recognising the work of thousands of volunteers, who have contributed to the development of standards.

A standard is a document that provides requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose.

Here in Jamaica, some 100 technical committee members, who gave freely of their time, expertise and knowledge in developing national and regional standards and commenting on international standards, were recognised by the BSJ at a Technical Committee Appreciation Luncheon, held at Terra Nova All-Suite hotel, Kingston on October 18, 2018.

Speaking at the appreciation ceremony, Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Minister, Hon. Audley Shaw said that the annual event “allows us to laud the efforts and work of our technical experts who contribute to standards development activities, even as we try to encourage other stakeholders to lend their expertise”.

“The world is constantly changing and in order to keep pace and remain competitive, we must develop, adopt and facilitate the use of standards. Standards have pretty much become a way of life for our trading partners.  So, if we do not want to be left behind, we must adopt or adapt,” Minister Shaw stated.

The top three committees were awarded with first place going to the Bamboo Technical Committee, second place to the Electrical Practices and Products Committee and, third place to the Building and Associated Materials Committee.

Certificates of participation were also awarded to the 13 technical committees. The technical committees comprise stakeholders of all levels of society: scientists, academia, consumers, and manufacturers, among others.

World Standards Day is celebrated annually by three international standards bodies namely, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organisation of Standards (ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

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