by Curvia John
Dominica is strengthening its economic and trade framework with the development of a National Standardization Strategy (NSS), designed to establish a strong, coordinated national approach to quality infrastructure and standards development.
The Dominica Bureau of Standards is this week hosting a two-day consultation as part of a regional initiative led by the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The consultation brings together policymakers, business leaders and industry experts to raise awareness on the importance of standards, validate key research findings and identify national priorities.
Ambassador to CARICOM and OECS, H.E Gerard Jean-Jacques
Representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy, Hon. Dr. Vince Henderson, Ambassador to CARICOM and the OECS, Dr. Gerard Jean-Jacques emphasized the important role of standards in strengthening the country’s quality infrastructure and enabling sustainable socio-economic development.
“Today’s gathering, therefore, underscores the importance of our collective efforts across every sector toward strengthening our economic base and fostering socio-economic development through improved standards—not only locally, but across the Caribbean region. Dominica, as a member of CARICOM, is also part of an active network and expanded framework, both of which have placed significant emphasis on standards over the years,” Dr. Jean-Jacques said.
He commended the Dominica Bureau of Standards for its ongoing efforts in maintaining high-quality benchmarks and acknowledged the crucial support of UNIDO and CROSQ.
“The success of this strategy depends not only on institutions but on the engagement, participation and ownership by all of you,” he said.
“To the stakeholders, your presence here today signals your collective recognition of the need for a focused, evidence-based, and collaborative approach to standards development and implementation in Dominica as a prerequisite to remaining in the equation.”
CEO of CROSQ, Dr. Sharonmae Smith-Walker, also addressed the consultation and reaffirmed the organization’s support for Dominica’s NSS.
“This NSS has to be fit for Dominica,” she stated. “Its objective is aiding Dominica’s economic, societal and environmental growth. The revision of the strategy will help identify high-impact standards to address key gaps in the nation’s regulatory and industrial landscape.”
