As the island prepares to observe World Metrology Day, Chairman of the Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI), Ryan Brathwaite, has highlighted the importance of quality infrastructure to our daily operations.
Acknowledging this year’s theme Measurement for Health, Mr. Brathwaite, in a statement, noted that metrology was “critical in the effectiveness of a country’s health care system, specifically in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic”.
“We rely on accurate determinations on the number of new positive cases, which is closely matched to the resources deployed across our isolation facilities. Similarly, we rely on accurate determinations of the number of successful vaccinations administered, as this information feeds into the effective planning and management of our overall health-care system,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Brathwaite explained that the BNSI has responsibility for the island’s quality infrastructure, noting that it contributed to governmental policy objectives in areas such as industrial development, trade competitiveness in global markets, efficient use of natural and human resources, food safety, health, the environment and climate change.
He said: “Such recognition is of critical importance to enable access to foreign markets at a time when Barbados is repositioning to increase the exports of goods and services. This is a critical element in promoting and sustaining economic development, as well as environmental and social well-being.”
The BNSI Chairman said the institution remained committed to the development of Barbados’ national quality infrastructure, and was looking forward to the enactment and implementation of the proposed National Metrology Act.