The QUALITY Link

This 16th episode of The QUALITY Link, comes to you compliments of the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ). Addressing the topic of Standardisation and the Environment, this final episode in this our first series, the BBSQ examines the role standards play in maintaining a thriving and healthy environment.

Join us as we delve into this final episode of our first series of podcasts.

Host:

Ms. Tamara Baker. - Standards Officer, BBSQ

Guests:

Production:

Introductory Music - Corporation Motivation Commercial.wav

Background Music –

Intro and Extro Audio - Mrs. Vernet Fontenelle & Ms. Latoya Burnham

Producer:

Ms. Latoya Burnham, The CROSQ Secretariat

This is a production of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality’s Marketing Information Knowledge Management and Education (MIKE) Committee. The MIKE Committee is one of the Technical Committees of CROSQ which guides the promotion of quality within CARICOM’s National Standards Bodies, and the development of a quality culture in the region.

In this 15th episode of The QUALITY Link, the Dominica Bureau of Standards delves into the work of its National Centre for Testing Excellence and how it has been developing and expanding its services to include the rest of the Caribbean region. With a developing National Quality Infrastructure, the DBOS has focused a lot of its resources on its laboratory services, being able to test to expanded scopes, but also gaining international recognition for some of these services. Come with us as we explore what has been happening.

Host:

Mrs. Naomi Bannis-Sampson – Technical Officer, Standards Development, DBOS

Guests:

•     Ms. Sylvia Lander, Supervisor, Chemistry Laboratory

•     Dr. Ian Lambert, Technical Manager – NCTE

•     Ms. Lou-Ann Jno. Baptiste, Jolly’s Manufacturing, Dominica

•     Ms. Mara Abraham, Officer-in-Charge Dominica Bureau of Standards

Production:

•     Introductory Music - Corporation Motivation Commercial

•     Background Music – Coma-Media

•     Intro and Extro Audio - Mrs. Vernet Fontenelle & Ms. Latoya Burnham

•     Producer – Ms. Latoya Burnham, The CROSQ Secretariat

This is a production of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality’s Marketing Information Knowledge Management and Education (MIKE) Committee. The MIKE Committee is one of the Technical Committees of CROSQ which guides the promotion of quality within CARICOM’s National Standards Bodies, and the development of a quality culture in the region.

The 14th episode of The QUALITY Link Podcast delves into the specifics of country of origin standards and certification mark programmes in our CARICOM region.  The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), which has developed and implemented a successful standards and certification mark programme “Made in Guyana”, sits down to share with the region what is involved and why this is a good approach for countries to adopt in promoting local inputs in quality products.

Host:

• Mr. Syeid Ibrahim – Head of Marketing, GNBS

Guests:

• Mr. Shivraj Ramdat – Business Development Officer, GNBS
• Mrs. Breana Wilson – Business Development Manager (Ag), GNBS
• Mr. George DeFreitas – Marketing Officer, GNBS

Production:

• Introductory Music – Corporation Motivation Commercial
• Intro and Outro Audio - Mrs. Vernet Fontenelle & Ms. Latoya Burnham
• Editing - Ms. Latoya Burnham, CROSQ, and Mr Paul Singh, GNBS
• Producer– Ms. Latoya Burnham, The CROSQ Secretariat

This is a production of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality’s Marketing Information Knowledge Management and Education (MIKE) Committee. The MIKE Committee is one of the Technical Committees of CROSQ which guides the promotion of quality within CARICOM’s National Standards Bodies, and the development of a quality culture in the region.

This episode of The QUALITY Link, features one of the quality infrastructure consultants in the CARICOM country of Haiti. Mr. Saint Ange has worked on several projects with the Bureau of Standards in Haiti (BHN), as well as through the CROSQ Secretariat with firms and individuals in Haiti. Given the challenges our neighbouring country continues to have, we sat down with Marc to talk about how he, and consultants like him, are still trying to press for development of quality there, for goods and services.

Host: Ms. Latoya Burnham – Technical Officer, Quality Promotions, CROSQ Secretariat

Guest:

Mr. Marc Saint Ange – Consultant and Co-founder, Haiti Association of Quality Management Production:

Introductory Music - Corporation Motivation Commercial.wav Background Music – ComaStudio and AlexiAction Intro and Outro Audio - Mrs. Vernet Fontenelle & Ms. Latoya Burnham Producer – Ms. Latoya Burnham, The CROSQ Secretariat

This is a production of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality’s Marketing Information Knowledge Management and Education (MIKE) Committee. The MIKE Committee is one of the Technical Committees of CROSQ which guides the promotion of quality within CARICOM’s National Standards Bodies, and the development of a quality culture in the region.

The 12th episode of The QUALITY Link, occurs in our month of Accreditation, and as such features a discussion with CROSQ’s Regional Technical Officer for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment, Mr. Stephen Farquharson.

Taking into consideration the theme for World Accreditation Day 2023 – “Accreditation: Supporting the Future of Global Trade”, which was conceptualized by the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) and accepted by the international agencies, we delve into a discussion of how the region has been working to support our quality infrastructure organisations with international recognition. A variety of related topics are therefore examined in this fun and enlightening conversation.

Host:

• Ms. Latoya Burnham – Regional Technical Officer, Quality Promotions, CROSQ Secretariat

Guest:

• Mr. Stephen Farquharson – Regional Technical Officer,  Accreditation and Conformity Assessment, CROSQ Secretariat

Production:

• Introductory Music - Corporation Motivation Commercial.wav

• Background Music – ComaStudio

• Intro and Extro Audio - Mrs. Vernet Fontenelle & Ms. Latoya Burnham

• Producer – Ms. Latoya Burnham, The CROSQ Secretariat

This is a production of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality’s Marketing Information Knowledge Management and Education (MIKE) Committee. The MIKE Committee is one of the Technical Committees of CROSQ which guides the promotion of quality within CARICOM’s National Standards Bodies, and the development of a quality culture in the region.

The 11th episode of The QUALITY Link, features the Dominica Bureau of Standards (DBOS).

The DBOS continues the conversation we started last week on certification, this time looking at national certification schemes in Dominica and how they are increasing confidence in local products and supplies, improving reputation and expanding marketability of local goods, as well as professionals.

Host:

• Ms. Kamisha Dominique – DBOS

Guests:

• Mr. Heinrich Anselm – Technical Officer, Quality, DBOS
• Mr. Augustus Adrien Bannis – Certified farmer, Dominica
• Mr. Kyle James – Technical Officer, Product and Systems Certification, DBOS
• Mrs. Sherma Desiree-George – HR Manager and Quality Manager, DCP Successors Ltd.

Production:

• Introductory Music - Corporation Motivation Commercial
• Background Music – Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos - License code: M8BPBWJDGNA7F2YR
• Intro and Extro Audio - Mrs. Vernet Fontenelle & Ms. Latoya Burnham
• Producer – Ms. Latoya Burnham, The CROSQ Secretariat

This is a production of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality’s Marketing Information Knowledge Management and Education (MIKE) Committee. The MIKE Committee is one of the Technical Committees of CROSQ which guides the promotion of quality within CARICOM’s National Standards Bodies, and the development of a quality culture in the region.

In this, the 10th episode of The QUALITY Link, the CROSQ Secretariat invites the National Certification Body of Jamaica (NCBJ) to the table for a discussion on certification and how that helps to create a competitive advantage for businesses. The NCBJ is the certification unit of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica, and works to ensure manufacturing and service sectors, as well as public and private sector organisations are operating efficiently by having the correct and adequate processes in place. It does this by making sure businesses are conforming to the requirements of various standards, focussing on quality management systems.

Host: Ms. Latoya Burnham – Technical Officer, Quality Promotions – CROSQ Secretariat

Guests:

• Mrs. Shelly-Ann Brown – Team Leader, NCBJ
• Ms. Diane Allison – Operations Officer, NCBJ

Production:

Introductory Music - Corporation Motivation Commercial

Background Music – ComaStudio

Intro and Outro Audio - Mrs. Vernet Fontenelle & Ms. Latoya Burnham

Producer – Ms. Latoya Burnham, The CROSQ Secretariat

This is a production of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality’s Marketing Information Knowledge Management and Education (MIKE) Committee. The MIKE Committee is one of the Technical Committees of CROSQ which guides the promotion of quality within CARICOM’s National Standards Bodies, and the development of a quality culture in the region.

The 9th episode of The QUALITY Link, features the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), and a discussion on the national quality awards. As one of three member states in the CARICOM region which has a national quality awards, Guyana this week explores the process of creating a national quality awards, the considerations therein, the potential benefits and so much more in this month’s podcast .

Host:

Mr. Syeid Ibrahim – Head of Marketing, GNBS

Interviewee:

•Mr. George DeFreitas – Marketing Officer, GNBS

•Ms. Aishah Hussain – Marketing Officer, GNBS

•Mr. Tyrone Rambacchus – Business Development Officer, GNBS

Theme music and audio:

•Music - Corporation Motivation Commercial.wav

•Background Music – 

•Intro and ExtroAudio - Mrs. Vernet Fontenelle & Ms. Latoya Burnham

•Producers – Ms. Latoya Burnham, The CROSQ Secretariat and Mr. Paul Singh, Guyana National Bureau of Standards

This is a production of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality’s Marketing Information Knowledge Management and Education (MIKE) Committee. The MIKE Committee is one of the Technical Committees of CROSQ which guides the promotion of quality within CARICOM’s National Standards Bodies, and the development of a quality culture in the region.

The 8th episode of The QUALITY Link, features the Barbados National Standards Institution (BNSI), and a discussion on Customer Service and Standards. In this discussion, the Barbados national standards bureau engages three guests on the topic of what customer service is and how standards have aided in the improvement of relations with customers.

The interviews feature officers of the BNSI, but also incorporated a private sector businessperson who could speak to the value of customer service and what customers have come to expect from the business, especially in relation to addressing their issues and concerns.

Host:

• Ms. Michelle Rudder-Durrant – Clerical Officer, Barbados National Standards Institution

Interviewee:

• Ms Alicia Maloney – Information Officer, BNSI
• Ms Kathie Daniel – CEO, Southpaw GrafixInc.
• Ms Kelly St Hill – Chair, Customer Service and Satisfaction Development Committee, BNSI

Theme music and audio:

• Music - Corporation Motivation Commercial.wav
• Background Music – Acoustic Vibe by RomanSenykMusic
• Intro and ExtroAudio - Mrs. Vernet Fontenelle & Ms. Latoya Burnham
• Producers – Ms. Latoya Burnham, The CROSQ Secretariat & Ms. Alicia Maloney, BNSI

This is a production of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality’s Marketing Information Knowledge Management and Education (MIKE) Committee. The MIKE Committee is one of the Technical Committees of CROSQ which guides the promotion of quality within CARICOM’s National Standards Bodies, and the development of a quality culture in the region.

This seventh episode of The QUALITY Link, is presented by The CROSQ Secretariat, and features a discussion on the concept and practice of Quality Promotions. As one of the newest developing areas of quality infrastructure (QI), Quality Promotions refers to the development of a quality culture, utilising the disciplines of marketing, communication, awareness raising, and education.

Host:

Ms. Latoya Burnham – Technical Officer - Quality Promotions, The CROSQ Secretariat

Interviewee:

•Mr. Deryck Omar – Chief Executive Officer, The CROSQ Secretariat

Theme music and audio:

•Introductory Music - Corporation Motivation Commercial

•Intro and Outro Audio - Mrs. Vernet Fontenelle & Ms. Latoya Burnham

•Background Music - ComaStudio

•Producer – Ms. Latoya Burnham, The CROSQ Secretariat

This is a production of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality’s Marketing Information Knowledge Management and Education (MIKE) Committee. The MIKE Committee is one of the Technical Committees of CROSQ which guides the promotion of quality within CARICOM’s National Standards Bodies, and the development of a quality culture in the region.

The sixth episode of The QUALITY Link, features The Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ), and a discussion on metrology - the science of measurement.

The interviews featured examine the development of metrology in The Bahamas, led by the national bureau of standards. As the newest bureau in the network, with headquarters opened in 2018, The BBSQ examines the work it has been undertaking, and also sets straight where its mandate and obligations lie, in relation to the development of QI in the country. It also examine how measurement fits into daily life for Bahamians.

Host:

Ms. Shabethany Sawyer – Standards Officer, BBSQ

Interviewee:

•Ms. NicolletteBurrows – Metrology Inspector, BBSQ

•Mr. Brendan Johnson – Metrologist, BBSQ

Production:

•Music - Corporation Motivation Commercial.wav

•Intro and Outro Audio - Mrs. Vernet Fontenelle & Ms. Latoya Burnham

•Editing – Ms. Shabethany Sawyer & Ms. Latoya Burnham

This is a production of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality’s Marketing Information Knowledge Management and Education (MIKE) Committee. The MIKE Committee is one of the Technical Committees of CROSQ, which guides the promotion of quality within CARICOM’s National Standards Bodies, and the development of a quality culture in the region.

The fourth episode of The QUALITY Link, features the St Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards (SKNBS), and a discussion on National Standards Bodies (NSBs) and Trade.

The interview featured looks at what how trade works in the world of quality infrastructure and the many ways trade is aided by the developments in quality. It also looks at the implications for business and quality institutions, like NSBS and the work they do. So join us for insights into this month’s topic on The QUALITY Link.

Host:

Ms. Carissa Franks-Benjamin – Communication Officer, SKNBS

Interviewee:

•Mr. Stuart LaPlace – Director, St Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards

Theme music and audio:

•Music - Corporation Motivation Commercial.wav

•Background Music – Direction Current.wav

•Intro and Extro Audio - Mrs. Vernet Fontenelle & Ms. Latoya Burnham

This is a production of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality’s Marketing Information Knowledge Management and Education (MIKE) Committee. The MIKE Committee is one of the technical committees of CROSQ which guides the promotion of quality within CARICOM’s National Standards Bodies, and the development of a quality culture in the region.

The third episode of The QUALITY Link, features the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards (SLBS), and a discussion on how quality infrastructure is intersecting with the recent opening up of the cannabis industry in the Caribbean Region. The interviews featured look at what the SLBS has been doing, and other local partners who are equally involved in the industry.

Host:

• Mr. Marciano Busby – Communication Officer, SLBS

Interviewees:

• Mr. Verne Emmanuel, Director, Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards,
• Dr. Marcus Day, Director, Caribbean Drug & Alcohol Research Institute
• Mr. Dylan Inglis, Legal Liaison for the Cannabis Task Force and Ministry of Commerce

Theme music and audio:

• Music - Corporation Motivation Commercial.wav
• Audio - Mrs. Vernet Fontenelle & Ms. Latoya Burnham

This is a production of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality’s Marketing Information Knowledge Management and Education (MIKE) Committee. The MIKE Committee is one of the technical committees of CROSQ which guides the promotion of quality within CARICOM’s National Standards Bodies, and the development of a quality culture in the region.

This is a hint of what our podcast will feature for each episode.

This podcast series is produced by the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), headquartered in Barbados. CROSQ is the regional arm of a network of National Standards Bodies in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Each month one of the 15 bureaux of standards, plus the CROSQ Secretariat will air a new episode of The Quality Link!

We will tackle topics and issues of importance to the development of quality infrastructure (standards, metrology, accreditation, conformity assessment and quality promotions) within our region and give you specific insights about how things work and are developing on our end. So join us on the third Thursday of each month for a new episode.