Strengthening Measurement for National Progress: Highlights from BBSQ’s National Metrology Strategy Validation Workshop

On February 19th, 2025, the Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ) convened a successful Virtual Validation Workshop to present and gather stakeholder feedback on the National Metrology Strategy (NMS)—a critical blueprint for advancing the country’s capacity in measurement science.

Hosted via Zoom, this collaborative workshop was part of a broader initiative under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) through the EPA & CSME Standby Facility for Capacity Building. The strategy aims to strengthen The Bahamas’ National Quality Infrastructure (NQI), enhance trade competitiveness, and ensure public trust in measurements that impact daily life.

A National Dialogue on Measurement

The session opened with remarks from BBSQ’s Executive Management Team and featured a detailed presentation of the strategy by the Project Team Leader. The strategy outlines both current challenges and opportunities for growth in legal, industrial, and scientific metrology—offering a roadmap to:

• Upgrade and expand national calibration and testing services
• Strengthen technical human resources and laboratory infrastructure
• Improve awareness of metrology’s role across key industries
• Foster greater alignment with international metrological standards

This work is essential for ensuring accuracy in medical testing, fairness in trade, consumer protection, and industrial reliability.

Workshop Structure and Stakeholder Engagement

The workshop followed a structured agenda that included a project overview, presentation of the strategy, and two rounds of open discussion. Over the course of the morning, stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society engaged in a robust exchange of feedback and questions.

These interactive segments allowed participants to share experiences, identify gaps, and align on the practical implications of the strategy—particularly for exporters, manufacturers, and regulators working to ensure compliance and market readiness.

Participants emphasised the value of:

• Consistent access to calibration services for trade and safety
• Training for technical professionals and business operators
• National education efforts to build metrology awareness

A Strategy Rooted in National Interest

As noted in the formal invitation by Dr. Renae Ferguson-Bufford, Executive Director of BBSQ, the National Metrology Strategy is designed not only to build internal capacity but also to reflect the needs and priorities of Bahamas-based businesses, especially those expanding into international markets.

The feedback collected during this workshop will inform the finalization and implementation of the strategy in the months ahead—ensuring it remains grounded in national development goals and responsive to stakeholder needs.

What’s Next?

With the validation phase complete, BBSQ will begin formal adoption and phased implementation of the National Metrology Strategy, supported by continued stakeholder consultation, international partnerships, and national awareness efforts.

This workshop serves as a model for inclusive, standards-driven planning—and a key step in BBSQ’s mission to advance measurement excellence for the benefit of all Bahamians.

Learn More

For more information on the National Metrology Strategy or to stay updated on implementation efforts, visit: https://bbsq.bs/metrology