The Tribune

STATE Minister for Investments Khaalis Rolle plans to put The Bahamas at the forefront of global developments.

“It is imperative that we implement and maintain a proper standards bureau in The Bahamas that can effectively prepare, promote and generally adopt standards on a national, regional or international basis,” he said at the opening of the first National Standardisation Forum, held at SuperClubs Breezes.

“These standards relate to processes, services, and practices and shall exercise such other functions as may be prescribed,” said Rolle.

He said an Act of Parliament officially established a Bureau of Standards in 2006, and that it’s now time to commence mobilisation.

The government will be moving full steam ahead to ensure this body is being operated effectively, he said.

Rolle said the Act sets out a number of provisions including the establishment of a standards council, the development of voluntary and compulsory standards, the use of a standards mark and a compliance programme.

He said The Bahamas can ill afford to be left behind when it comes to a standards bureau.

“Not only is it critical to our citizenry, but also to ensure that The Bahamas adheres to regional and international standards that must be adopted in order for us to effectively participate in trade agreements such as the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

“For us to fully understand the significance and value of a proper Bureau of Standards in this country, we must look at the benefits of having one and the challenges that result without its existence,” said Mr Rolle.

He pointed out that at its most basic level, standards can lead to cost savings and optimise operations; thus improving the bottom line. Minister Rolle said that John Wilson, a leading economist at the World Bank, asserts that global standards can boost commerce and can lead to job creation, which is a key priority for governments worldwide.

He said The Bahamas, like countries in the region, is experiencing a slow rebound of the economy after the global recession.

“Our key industries of tourism and finance will always be this country’s bread and butter; however, we must now be more innovative in our approach to attracting greater economic growth locally.

“The proper functioning Bureau of Standards and the implementation of global standards can boost commerce by lowering trade costs, promote linkages with other sectors, and further open up The Bahamas to foreign markets,” said Rolle.

He said by having national and global standards, The Bahamas is now in a better position to compete internationally, thus boosting the possibility for job growth locally.

Mr Rolle said The Bahamas has signed on to trade agreements, which to participate in, must have an established standards bureau.

Rolle said in March 2009, the Government began the formal process of acceding to the WTO and is expected to have in place the legislative and administrative provision, establishment of a National Notification Authority, and Enquiry Point before becoming a full member.

In addition, he said in 2006, The Bahamas became a member of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), which is the principle vehicle for regional harmonisation of standards and standards related activities, as well as technical cooperation with the European Union and other trading/development partners. “Our full participation in WTO and CROSQ hinge upon the establishment of this standards bureau, but without its full implementation and operation; we remain unable to enjoy the full benefits of membership.

“The same compliance standards exist for EPA and TBT. Therefore, despite signing on to these agreements, The Bahamas still has not been able to take full advantage,” said Mr Rolle.

“Effectively, we are being somewhat prohibited by this particular barrier to trade, which may have a negative impact on our local industries and their ability to compete regionally and internationally. While the economic benefits of a standards bureau are paramount, the societal benefits within the country are also critical. We must ensure that the goods and services that enter and are produced in this country are of the highest standards.”

Mr Rolle said a national standards bureau is also an essential component of the domestic regulatory regime, fulfilling the role of regulator for many products and services.

“Having a bureau can be beneficial to countries, such as ours, that have limited government infrastructure and human capital.

“National standards can be adopted to support regulation so that minimum health and safety standards are created for those in our country. We must protect our citizens from the scourge of inferior products that are allowed to enter the marketplace,” said Mr Rolle.