GEORGETOWN: THE Central Laboratory of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has been accredited by the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC) in what has been described as a landmark achievement for both entities.The GRDB celebrated this achievement with a reception at the Grand Coastal Hotel at Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara.
This reception was attended by Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry, Mr. George Jarvis; former GRDB General Manager, Mr. Jagnarine Singh; JANAAC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mrs. Sharonmae Shirley; CEO of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality, Mr. Deryck Omar; and other officials and members of the GRDB.
Mr. Jarvis, in brief remarks, highlighted that the Ministry of Agriculture is proud of the Central Lab for receiving the accreditation from JANAAC, which he said comes as a big achievement for the GRDB.
This achievement, he noted, opens new horizons for the rice industry and the Central Lab itself, as the lab is now able to issue credible certificates to companies after carrying out food testing.
“The lab has attained the requirements because of the system (that had been implemented) prior to the achievement. Therefore, the persons behind this achievement ought not to be forgotten for their hard work over the years,” he declared.
The CEO of JANAAC highlighted that the accreditation company is ecstatic, as it was its first official accreditation. The CEO said the accreditation company has a vision of being the leading accreditor of international services in the Region.
She noted that the entity is currently the only recognised accreditation body in the Region, and said the GRDB’s Central Lab received the accreditation for demonstrating good performance and scope for food testing.
“This accreditation is the passport to all local markets; which is a big boost to the GRDB,” she declared.
On that note, Executive Director of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Ms. Evadnie Ennis, highlighted that local companies will feel secure now that there is a local body that could get them through the food testing process.
