Bahamas News
BBSQ Launches Mobile Metrology Laboratory Project
By Betty Vedrine
BIS
#TheBahamas, January 15, 2022 – The Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ)officially launched its Mobile Metrology Laboratory project via a hybrid virtual ceremony on Wednesday, 12th January, 2022. It is part of the government’s agenda to enhance the country’s National Quality infrastructure.
The two-year project will increase the services provided to the private sector by the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ). Once capacity is enhanced at the BBSQ, it will also assist with increased competitiveness by the private sector. The project is being supported by the EPA and CSME Standby Facility for Capacity Building managed at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and financed by the European Union (EU).
The project will assist BBSQ in its mandate to expand The Bahamas’ quality-based infrastructure and business environment to support commercial enterprises in producing superior, reliable, safe, and sustainable commodities of high quality for the marketplace.
Minister of Economic Affairs, Hon. Michael Halkitis, attended the ceremony. Expressing his gratitude to the European Union and the Caribbean Development bank for this partnership with The Bahamas, Mr. Halkitis said that the initiative will go a long way to enhance the country’s ability to meet first world standards in trade.
“The government deeply appreciates the efforts of the BBSQ, spearheaded by Dr. Ferguson-Bufford and her team, for the work they have done in seeking grants such as this one to improve the country in the trade sector,” he said. “This initiative will facilitate several steps including the procurement of a consultancy firm, providing infrastructure for the necessary framework, provisions for a public awareness campaign and provide the necessary training for qualified metrologists.”
Director of the Bureau, Dr. Renae Ferguson-Bufford said that the launch marked a major achievement for the country: “Since 2016, the BBSQ has been on a mission to enhance international trade and drive competitiveness of trade in the country. Whether we drive a car, catch a flight, use gasoline or even use an iron, we are all affected by metrology. It is, therefore, of the utmost importance that we utilize it accurately,” she said.
Representing the CDB, was Daniel Best, who said that the new facility will not only improve standards in the Bahamas, but also the region. “I wish to congratulate The Bahamas in launching this initiative. I also wish to thank the EU for funding the project. This project will provide the necessary equipment, capacity support, and institutional strengthening required to further enhance the BBSQ’s ability to expand its platform. It will also positively impact the manufacturing industry, thereby, strengthening the local economy.”
Speaking on behalf of the European Union was Ambassador Marianne Van Steen, who said that the initiative will minimize barriers to trade.
“This much-needed intervention will ensure fairness in trade and will enhance economic activity,”she said. “The EU is pleased to support Caribbean member states in their quest to minimize impediments in providing outstanding products and services.”
The future outlook is that the BBSQ will be able to improve the current business environment and contribute to a more resilient Bahamas as the agency would be able to provide calibration and testing services, which meet internationally accepted and recognized ISO 17025 requirements in mass and volume.
The project will address the immediate needs of the BBSQ and aid in expanding the Bahamas’ quality infrastructure and the business environment. This has potential benefits for both exporters and local businesses ideally increasing the provision of quality, reliable, safe, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. Successful implementation will lead
to an increase in the standards of commodities and processes used in production locally. It will also entrench quality related actions throughout the economy. The initiative which commenced in November 2021 will:
- Aid in the establishment of a sustainable industrial metrology service for current and future needs
- Create a quality management system that meets the requirements for accreditation to the ISO/IEC17025 standard, including training and supporting documentation
- Procure and install laboratory equipment to provide basic metrology services in alignment with technical requirements and train staff in use
- Execute a marketing and communications programme to promote the new services
EPA and CSME Standby Facility
The project was approved for implementation by the EPA and CSME Standby Facility Steering Committee in 2021. The EPA and CSME Standby Facility is a EUR 8.75 million programme financed by the European Development Fund (EDF) and managed by CDB to support projects in Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago (CARIFORUM).
It is intended to build capacity in the region and better position businesses to trade within CARIFORUM and the European Union.
(BIS Photos/Kristaan Ingraham)
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This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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