Modernization of the Barbados National Standards System

closed

To improve the country's capacity in the application and administration of national standards to better meet the challenges posed by the sub-regional integration and the increasing challenges from globalization. The specific objectives are: (i) to enhance the Country's competitiveness, maximizing quality and efficiency, redirecting its policy on standardization to ensure that Barbadians are not exposed to undue risks caused by imports and that local exports are not subjected to unfair competition. This enhancement will be achieved by harmonizing and simplifying current BNSI functions, mainly those related to: the preparation, adoption and promotion of standards; certification of products, services and material; calibration of testing equipment and other technical activities; sale of standards in the local and international market; and inspections; (ii) to strengthen the BNSI's institutional management capacity through the improvement of administrative processes and the implementation of mechanisms for the modernization and integration of the administrative areas. This strengthening will be accomplished by the introduction of a new organizational structure; a planning system; internal control procedures; financing and accounting integrated system; human resources policy including training; and a corporate image program; (iii) to modernize the physical and technological infrastructure of the BNSI. This modernization will be attained by remodeling buildings, laboratory and offices; upgrading hardware, software and telecommunication; and installing new laboratory equipments.