Metrology is the scientific study of measurement. (Stock Image)

The metrology capabilities in the laboratories in three Caribbean countries should be significantly enhanced with the launch of a regional project aimed at improving national and regional quality infrastructure across CARICOM Member States.

Director of the Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI), Hadyn Rhynd, expressed renewed optimism for achieving improved output in the delivery of goods and services during the virtual launch today of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the CARIFORUM-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Standby Facility for Capacity Building’s project. 

It is entitled ‘Strengthening of the Regional Quality Infrastructure Programme in Barbados, Dominica, and St. Kitts and Nevis’.

Mr. Rhynd said the organisation’s soils and materials lab would be better positioned to provide the “best assurance that metrology data was generated in a competent laboratory, and it is reliable”.

The BNSI Director stressed: “Clients in the construction sector requesting testing services with international recognition from the BNSI can be confident about the reliability of the results and this stands to increase the utilisation of both local and regional partners, hence increasing the revenue generating capability of the institution and by extension, the country.”

He added that increased metrology capacity would allow services offered by the BNSI to adequately satisfy the growing demands of the construction sector which is critical to the island’s national development at this time.

“Capital works and construction projects are expected to play a major role in rebuilding our economy, as tourism struggles to grapple with the effects of the pandemic. So, many new products and processes and the legislation that governs them depend on good metrology,” Mr. Rhynd underlined.

He also shared that Cabinet had recently approved a new comprehensive metrology bill and when enacted would support the sustainable and inclusive industrial development of Barbadian industries, improving export competitiveness, which is critical to fair trade.

Meanwhile, Director of Projects at the Caribbean Development Bank, Daniel Best, described the Bank-funded project as a targeted intervention that promotes growth; enhances commerce and economic integration and deepens cooperation.

The project, which is the second regional project to be approved by the CARIFORUM – (EPA) Standby Facility for Capacity Building and the CSME Standby Facility for Capacity Building, will see US$874,932, over two years, being invested in technical assistance and equipment and other resources to strengthen the metrology capacity in the three countries.

julie.carrington@barbados.gov.bb

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