BBSQ Hosts CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality’s 47th Meetings of The Council

NASSAU, The Bahamas — October 25, 2025: The Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ) successfully concluded a week of regional collaboration as it hosted the 47th Meetings of the Council of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) from October 20th–21st, followed by the Excellence in Leadership Workshop from October 21st–24th at the Warwick Paradise Island Resort.

The meetings brought together delegates from CARICOM Member States, regional quality institutions, and development partners to strengthen cooperation and advance the Caribbean’s collective quality infrastructure.

Delivering the keynote address at the Opening Ceremony, Senator Randy Rolle, Executive Chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission, underscored the importance of regional collaboration and preparedness for emerging global challenges:

“This year’s deliberations come at a pivotal juncture for the Caribbean. Global trends in climate change, food safety and security, digital transformation, energy transition, and artificial intelligence are reshaping how nations prepare for the future. We must ensure that our regional quality systems evolve to meet these emerging realities.”

BBSQ Executive Director, Dr. Renae Ferguson-Bufford, described the meetings as both timely and purposeful, noting that the discussions aligned with The Bahamas’ efforts to strengthen its own quality infrastructure and maintain alignment with international best practices.

In his remarks, CROSQ Chairman, Mr. Ezra Ledger, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to harmonising standards across the region, emphasizing that collaboration among Member States remains critical to enhancing trade, innovation, and economic growth.

CROSQ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sharonmae Smith Walker, also spoke on the importance of quality promotion as a central pillar of CROSQ’s mandate, highlighting the need to raise awareness among businesses and consumers about the value of standards and their role in ensuring trust and competitiveness.

Within the Council’s deliberations, presentations were delivered by several key regional and international partners, including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the British Standards Institution (BSI), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), the Pan American Standards Commission (COPANT), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Discussions surrounded supporting and strengthening the regional quality infrastructure to ensure that CARICOM Member States remain globally competitive.

Following the Council sessions, delegates participated in the Excellence in Leadership Workshop, facilitated by The Bridge Consultants (Germany). The interactive sessions focused on leadership development, teamwork, and institutional growth within national standards bodies, contributing to the continued strengthening of regional quality institutions.

The week also provided an opportunity for BBSQ to showcase its ongoing progress in advancing The Bahamas’ National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). Among its current milestones are the upcoming launch of the Industrial Metrology Unit, established under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) to improve calibration and measurement services; the continued rollout of the Made in The Bahamas Certification Programme to promote authentic Bahamian products that meet established standards of quality and authenticity; and the Bureau’s progress toward ISO 9001 certification, reflecting its commitment to operational excellence and quality service delivery.

Through these initiatives, BBSQ continues to play a central role in supporting national development, fostering business competitiveness, and promoting consumer confidence, ensuring that quality becomes an integral part of The Bahamas’ economic and industrial advancement.

BBSQ expressed appreciation to all participants, sponsors, and partners who contributed to the success of the week’s events, including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band, Pastor Ellison Greenslade, Warwick Paradise Island Resort, EMG Production Services, D’Vanya’s, and John Watling’s Distillery.

BBSQ Standards Council Chairwoman, Pauline V. Curry reflected on the significance of the week, stating that the meetings exemplified the value of collaboration and shared progress across the region:

“This week has shown what is possible when we work together with a common purpose. Quality is about building trust, strengthening economies, and creating a better future for our people.”

About BBSQ: The Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ) is a corporate body dedicated to establishing and maintaining the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) in The Bahamas. Through metrology, standards, conformity assessment, and accreditation, BBSQ ensures that products and services meet the highest quality standards, promoting consumer safety and fair trade. BBSQ plays a crucial role in upholding the quality and safety of goods and services in the Bahamian market, fostering a culture of excellence that benefits both the local economy and international trade.

About CROSQ: The CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), established in 2002, serves as the regional hub for promoting efficiency, competitiveness, and trade in goods and services through standardisation and quality assurance. Its membership includes Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.