Nassau, Bahamas
On March 31, 2025, key industry leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders gathered at the Courtyard Marriott in Nassau for the National Standardization Strategy (NSS) Stakeholder Engagement Session. Hosted by the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ) with the support of regional and international partners, the event served as a critical platform for discussing the future of standardization in The Bahamas.
A Collaborative Step Towards National Development
The NSS Stakeholder Engagement Session marked a significant step in shaping the country’s quality infrastructure. The discussions focused on how standardization can drive economic growth, enhance trade, and ensure consumer protection. Representatives from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, CROSQ, UNIDO, and the ACP QI Programme played a key role in outlining global best practices and aligning The Bahamas with international standards.
Key Objectives of the Session
The event opened with welcome remarks that emphasized the vital role of standards in sustainability, tourism, climate resilience, and food security. Speakers highlighted how a well-defined NSS can provide businesses with a competitive edge while ensuring public safety and environmental sustainability. The session was designed with the following objectives in mind:
Engaging Discussions and Industry Insights
Participants engaged in insightful discussions on the challenges and opportunities within various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and digital transformation. Industry experts shared perspectives on how standards can facilitate market access, promote business growth, and enhance The Bahamas’ international trade position.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Standardization
As The Bahamas continues to strengthen its national quality framework, stakeholder collaboration remains crucial. The insights and recommendations from this session will directly influence the development of a robust National Standardisation Strategy that benefits businesses, consumers, and the wider economy.
Two significant advancements also signal continued momentum:
These efforts underscore BBSQ’s commitment to advancing a structured and stakeholder-driven approach to quality assurance.
BBSQ extends its gratitude to all participants, presenters, and sponsors who contributed to the success of this engagement. This is only the beginning of a transformative journey towards a more competitive and resilient Bahamas.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to shape the future of standardization in The Bahamas!
On April 1, 2025, the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ)continued development of the National Standardization Strategy (NSS) with a stakeholder engagement session hosted at the Pelican Bay Hotel in Grand Bahama. The event brought together a dynamic mix of stakeholders from business, government, and civil society to shape a unified national approach to standardization—one that will drive economic growth, resilience, and long-term sustainability for The Bahamas.
The NSS is more than a policy framework—it is a transformative roadmap for strengthening the country’s Quality Infrastructure (QI) and aligning with international standards. Developed with support from the Caribbean Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, the NSS aims to ensure that Bahamian goods, services, and systems meet global benchmarks for quality and safety.
From the outset, speakers and facilitators emphasized that standards are not simply technical requirements—they are tools for nation building.
Stakeholders at the Grand Bahama session explored how the NSS will:
Participants also examined the critical role the NSS can play in enabling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to meet international quality standards, expand into new markets, and build investor confidence.
As the national consultation process continues, BBSQ reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the NSS is not created in isolation, but co-designed with input from the people and industries it will serve. Every voice—whether from a government agency, private sector business, or grassroots organization—adds value to a stronger national quality framework.
BBSQ extends heartfelt thanks to the participants in Grand Bahama for their energy and insight, and to our partners—CROSQ, UNIDO, and the ACP Group—for their continued support. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where quality is not just a goal, but a national standard.
On March 23rd, Sonia Noel Inc. and Women Across Borders hosted the Inspire You: Virtual Edition—a transformative event dedicated to uplifting and empowering women through stories of leadership, resilience, and unwavering faith. Among the distinguished speakers was Dr. Renae Ferguson-Bufford, Executive Director of the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ), who delivered a deeply personal and moving testimony.
Dr. Bufford’s journey is one of courage, faith, and the quiet strength of perseverance. In December 2001, she was diagnosed with an endometrial cyst. Doctors prepared her for the worst: if cancer was found during surgery, they would need to remove her womb entirely—eliminating any chance of motherhood.
But moments before the procedure on January 29, 2002, she made a courageous plea on the surgical table:
“Please remove only the left side of my womb. Save my right ovary.”
That bold act of faith resonated deeply with her doctor. After surgery, she was diagnosed with early-stage cancer—but her right ovary was intact. Against all odds, and holding firm to her faith, Dr. Bufford became the proud mother of two sons eight and a half years later. Her story stands as a living testament that miracles do happen—and that faith can triumph over even the bleakest prognosis.
Her testimony touched hearts across the region, offering hope to women who face similar struggles and proving that resilience, trust in God, and perseverance can lead to miracles.
But Dr. Bufford’s journey doesn’t end there. She continues to lead with distinction and purpose on the national and international stage.
As Executive Director of BBSQ, she is a driving force behind the development of quality standards in The Bahamas. Her trailblazing leadership recently earned her a historic achievement—becoming the first person from a CARICOM country elected to the ISO Council, representing Small Island Developing States (SIDS) under Group 4.
She is also the champion of the “Made in The Bahamas” Certification Program, designed to strengthen trust in locally produced goods and create pathways for Bahamian businesses to thrive in regional and global markets.
Dr. Bufford holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Science and Education from Georgia State University, a Master of Arts in Science Education with Biological Research, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. Her strong academic foundation fuels her mission to build systems that empower future generations through quality, education, and innovation.
Her appearance at Inspire You was more than a speech—it was a powerful testimony of grace in adversity, and leadership rooted in divine purpose.
Whether overcoming personal trials or advancing national development, Dr. Bufford embodies faith, excellence, and the transformative power of perseverance.
The Source River Centre,
1000 Bacardi Road,
P. O. Box N-4843,
Nassau, N.P.,
The Bahamas
info@bbsq.bs
+1 (242) 362-1748 – 55
