The Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ) continues its commitment to excellence and global standards with the successful completion of a three-day Internal Auditing Workshop, held from April 22–24, 2025. This essential training was aimed at empowering BBSQ’s technical staff with the tools and knowledge needed to conduct effective internal audits in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025 standard.
The workshop was made possible through the support of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) EPA CSME Standby Facility, a regional initiative designed to strengthen trade and competitiveness through institutional capacity building.
BBSQ was honored to welcome Mr. Devindra Chattergoon, Lead Facilitator and Quality Management Expert from OCA Global, whose deep knowledge and practical guidance made the sessions both interactive and impactful.
The ISO/IEC 17025 standard is the international benchmark for testing and calibration laboratories, ensuring they operate competently and generate valid, reliable results. As defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard “enables laboratories to demonstrate that they operate competently and generate valid results, thereby promoting confidence in their work both nationally and around the world.”
For BBSQ, aligning with ISO/IEC 17025 is not just about compliance—it is about establishing trust in our national measurement systems and reinforcing the role of metrology as a foundation for quality infrastructure. The training represents a significant step forward in preparing the organization for the accreditation and operation of its Metrology Laboratory, a key component of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI).
The training was structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of internal audit procedures tailored to ISO/IEC 17025. Key topics covered included:
Through practical exercises and case-based scenarios, staff gained hands-on experience in the auditing process—from audit preparation and execution to reporting and follow-up.
The Internal Auditing Workshop was not just about enhancing individual competencies; it was a strategic investment in the institutional strength and sustainability of BBSQ. Internal audits are essential tools for continuous improvement, and having a skilled team of internal auditors helps ensure that all processes within the laboratory are functioning as intended, are fully documented, and are consistently aligned with international standards.
Participants came away with a renewed understanding of their role in safeguarding quality and accountability—two cornerstones of the BBSQ mandate. By promoting a culture of quality and competence, BBSQ is actively laying the groundwork for future accreditation and international partnerships.
As BBSQ progresses toward full implementation of its National Metrology Laboratory, activities like this workshop are crucial for maintaining a high-performance, standards-driven environment. The Bureau is proud to continue working with regional and international partners, like the 11th EDF EPA CSME Standby Facility and OCA Global, to bring world-class expertise to The Bahamas.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Devindra Chattergoon, all participants, and the supporting agencies for their contributions to this success. Together, we are building a future where quality is not just a standard—but a national strength.
Stay tuned for more updates as BBSQ continues to lead the way in quality infrastructure and institutional development.
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
