(Stock Image)

Barbados will join the rest of the world in celebrating World Metrology Day on Monday, May 20.

The day commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention in 1875. This treaty provides the basis for a coherent measurement system worldwide that underpins scientific discovery and innovation, industrial manufacturing and international trade, as well as the improvement of the quality of life and the protection of the global environment.

Metrology, the science of measurement, is important. The network of services, suppliers and communications upon which we all depend, rely on metrology for its efficient and reliable operation.

The theme for World Metrology Day 2019 is The International System of Units – Fundamentally Better. It has been chosen because on November 16, 2018, the General Conference on Weights and Measures agreed to one of the most significant revisions to the International System of Units (SI) since its inception. The change will come into effect on May 20, 2019.

Metrology, the science of measurement, is important. The network of services, suppliers and communications upon which we all depend, rely on metrology for its efficient and reliable operation.

The SI is now based on a set of definitions each linked to the laws of physics and having the advantage of being able to embrace further improvements in measurement science and technology to meet the needs of future users for many years to come.

Across the world, national metrology institutes, including the Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI), continually advance measurement science by developing and validating new measurement techniques at whatever level of sophistication is needed.

According to the BNSI: “The solution to the economic problems of Barbados lies in part in enhancing the industrial and export activity. This is only possible if the quality of Barbados’ goods and services is improved to meet international standards and remain cost competitive in the national and export markets.”

The national standard of the unit of mass in the form of silicon sphere and platinum cylinder in D.I. Mendeleyev Institute for Metrology. (Stock Photo)

BNSI, a key agency supporting this country’s National Quality Infrastructure – the institutional framework that establishes and implements the practice of not only metrology, but standardization, conformity assessment services, and accreditation – therefore, plays a critical role in improving the quality of Barbados’ competitive environment.

The BNSI, through the Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce, is currently participating in the development of a comprehensive Metrology Act.

According to the BNSI: “Any country seeking to modernize its metrology system must align its legislation and strategic direction with what is taking place internationally.” 

The new Metrology Act would embrace all aspects of metrology and provide the legal framework for the development of the metrology infrastructure in Barbados.

The BNSI added: “World Metrology Day recognizes and celebrates the contribution of all the people that work in intergovernmental and national organizations throughout the year on behalf of all.”

Barbados National Standards Institution

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