GNBS TO JOIN OTHER MEASURING INSTITUTIONS TO CELEBRATE WORLD METROLOGY DAY ON 20th MAY

May 17, 2026 Features / Columnists, News

(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) will join other measuring institutions to celebrate World Metrology Day on May 20, under the theme: ‘Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making’. This theme highlights the importance of accurate and traceable measurements in generating objective evidence for informed and transparent decision-making.

The Bureau continues to strengthen its role as the National Measurement Institute (NMI) through regional collaboration, technical capacity building and the advancement of quality infrastructure systems that support trade, industry and consumer protection.

This was highlighted by GNBS Executive Director, Trevor Bassoo, during remarks at the opening ceremony of the Inter-American Metrology System (SIM) Mid-Term Council and Quality System Task Force (QSTF) Meetings held in Guyana for the first time from 11th to 15th May.

In welcoming delegates and experts from across the Americas, Bassoo emphasised that the meetings provide an important platform for member-states to strengthen collaboration, share expertise, and improve regional quality systems that support trade, innovation and sustainable development.

World Metrology Day is celebrated annually to commemorate the signing of the Metre Convention on 20th May, 1875, which established the foundation for a globally coordinated measurement system. It highlights the importance of accurate and traceable measurements in science, manufacturing, trade, health, the environment and policymaking.

“These measurements form the foundation of sound, evidence-based decision-making,” the GNBS ED stated, while noting that professionals within the metrology community understand the critical role traceable measurements play in ensuring that policies are credible and systems remain interoperable across borders.

As the National Standards Body, GNBS continues to maintain and improve measurement standards across Guyana. Through its Legal Metrology Department, the Bureau ensures that weighing and measuring instruments used in trade and law enforcement are accurate and compliant with national requirements under the Weights and Measures Act of 1981.

GNBS conducts verification services for a range of measuring instruments to ensure fairness in trade and consumer protection. These include electricity and moisture meters, fuel pumps, supermarket and shop scales, weighbridge scales, and other commercial measuring devices.

The Bureau has also expanded its industrial metrology services over the years to support local industries through calibration and measurement services that improve quality assurance, operational efficiency and compliance with international standards. GNBS calibrates numerous measuring devices, including thermometers, calipers, micrometers, pressure gauges, ovens, among others.

Bassoo highlighted several areas where regional cooperation has directly strengthened GNBS’ technical capabilities.

In March 2026, the National Institute of Quality of Peru (INACAL) conducted a five-day training programme on the verification of sound level meters. Through this initiative, GNBS Inspectors are now better prepared to verify these instruments in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s enforcement of national noise regulations.

Additionally, the GNBS benefited from specialised training on electricity meter verification through the Dominican Republic’s INDOCAL under the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and the 11th European Development Fund Programme. This training strengthened the Bureau’s ability to verify electricity meters used by the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL).

Further, technical training from Costa Rica on the verification of manometers is also expected soon.

These partnerships continue to strengthen GNBS’ internal capacity while improving the quality and efficiency of services offered locally and regionally.

On the occasion of World Metrology Day, the GNBS is also grateful to the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Government of Guyana for supporting the expansion and development of metrology services both locally and regionally.

For more information on GNBS Legal Metrology services, visit www.gnbsgy.org, call 219-0064–66, or WhatsApp 692-4627.

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GNBS, metrology, World Metrology Day

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