GNBS launches third NQA program
Pictured: (LR) Head of Marketing and Communications, Syeid Ibrahim; Communications Officer, Bibi Khatoon; and Head of Certification Department, Al Fraser.
Kaieteur News – Yesterday the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) launched its third National Quality Awards (NQA) program in recognition of businesses for their commitment to quality systems and best practices.
In a press release, GNBS said the NQT, set for October 2021 as part of National Quality Week, will be another opportunity for businesses to demonstrate that they are meeting quality requirements when providing goods and services to consumers .
The Bureau said the NQT provides a comprehensive assessment of businesses adding that it also improves the quality and competitiveness of the products and services offered. He also said that the NQT is building more consumer confidence and satisfaction.
According to GNBS, there are four categories of businesses, which can participate in the awards. These are businesses in manufacturing; financial, tourism and hospitality, professional and other services; small businesses and those in agro-processing. GNBS noted that a small business in accordance with the NQT’s criteria is classified as any business with 25 or less employees, earning $ 60M or less in revenue and owning assets worth $ 20M or less.
Furthermore, it was stated that agro-processors in the NQA are distinguished from other small businesses and put into a separate category to promote and recognize quality in these businesses. Eligible participants are those involved in the production of small-scale agro-processing products such as jams and jellies, sauces, fruit mixtures, salty fish and seafood, juices, packaged eggs, local sweets, chips and others .
“Every business must also have at least one of the following or be in place by the end of the application period: Documented Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Manual / Policy Manual or Best Practice Manual,” noted GNBS.
The application process to participate in the NQT is free of cost. In addition to a completed application form, applicants are required to submit a copy of a valid business registration from the Registry of Deeds, valid tax compliance from the Guyana Finance Authority, and a valid National Insurance Compliance from the National Insurance Scheme.
An assessment of each participating business will be undertaken to determine the winners who will be awarded at the ceremony in October. The deadline for applications is March 31.