Dominica Bureau of Standards

📻✨ Standards in the Spotlight

Ever wondered if you’re using the right type of scale for your business? Or how often your scale should be verified? 🤔

This week, we’re diving into a topic that affects farmers, vendors, fisherfolk, shop owners, manufacturers, bakers, and EVERY consumer in Dominica — weighing scales and metrology.

Join us as we break down:
⚖️ The best scales for farming, fishing, construction, retail & home use
🔍 Why verification is important (even for smallholders!)
💡 How often scales should be checked
🟢 What the green sticker means for accuracy & fair trade
🛑 What can go wrong when scales are NOT verified
✔️ Tips to protect yourself as a consumer

Don’t miss this chance to learn how proper measurement protects your pocket, your business, and your customers.

📅 Monday, December 08, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM
📻 DBS Radio

For Immediate Release

CROSQ and Partners Announce New TBT Phase III Project

Regional Quality Infrastructure Development to Receive Major Boost With €3M EU-Funded Initiative

October 16, 2025. Bridgetown, Barbados — The CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), in collaboration with the German National Metrology Institute (PTB) and the Dominican Institute for Quality (INDOCAL), is implementing a new €3 million initiative to strengthen Quality Infrastructure (QI) across CARIFORUM states. Funded by the European Union (EU), through the– Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Support Programme, the initiative will run until November 2027.

Termed the “Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Phase III Project”, the initiative will strengthen regional and national Quality Infrastructure (QI) frameworks and institutions, enhance the competencies of private and public sector Quality Infrastructure organisations, and raise awareness of the value of Quality Infrastructure to the region’s development.

The project will benefit 15 CARIFORUM Member States - Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

Support to national and regional QI systems will include:
• Development of QI-related policies, regulations, and frameworks that align with international best practices,
• Preparation of enterprises and institutions for accreditation and certification,
• Training for public and private sector organisations to strengthen technical expertise,
• Promotion of QI services to increase awareness and uptake among businesses, and
• Implementation of National Quality Awards (NQA) programmes to showcase excellence.

CEO of CROSQ, Dr. Sharonmae Smith-Walker explained that through this initiative, businesses will gain greater ability to meet international standards, expand exports, and gain consumer trust. Governments and institutions will also benefit from stronger regulatory systems, improved policy alignment, and greater capacity to deliver QI services. She further noted that consumers will benefit from safer, higher-quality goods and services across the region.

Mr. Sheldon Jackman, project manager with the EU Delegation to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean remarked on the EU’s continued partnership within CARIFORUM,“The European Union is proud to support this new phase of strengthening Quality Infrastructure in CARIFORUM. By empowering businesses, governments, and institutions to meet international standards, this initiative will boost trade, enhance competitiveness, and deliver safer, higher-quality goods and services to Caribbean consumers.”

Partners (PTB) and INDOCAL, who serve as project managers and project implementers respectively, noted their excitement at collaborating with CROSQ once again, coming on the heels of the successful implementation of the last EU-funded, joint programme.

Mr. Moritz Ackermann, PTB’s Head of Subsection Institutional Partnerships noted they were pleased to build on the achievements of previous EU-funded projects. “By supporting quality infrastructure and strengthening regional trade and economic cooperation in the Caribbean, this follow-up project will have a significant impact on the improvement of trade opportunities, creating new possibilities for enterprises and enhancing their integration into the world economy.”

Eng. Néstor Julio Matos Ureña, Director General of the Dominican Institute for Quality (INDOCAL), noted this project allowed them to build upon previous initiatives that have strengthened the institution and the QI. “This initiative reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and further reinforces the strong ties of collaboration established with organisations such as CROSQ and PTB, whose support has been essential to the development of our capabilities and services.”
The TBT Phase III initiative builds on the achievements of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) TBT Programme, which successfully advanced QI in CARIFORUM. Like its predecessor, TBT Phase III is designed to support intra- and extra-regional trade and boost the competitiveness of CARIFORUM products in global markets.

About the Partners
Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Germany’s National Metrology Institute, is a scientific and technical higher federal authority under the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, with expertise in supporting QI development worldwide.

CROSQ is the regional centre for enabling regional integration, competitiveness and global market access through the development and harmonisation of standards and the strengthening of quality infrastructure in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Headquartered in Bridgetown, Barbados, it is comprised of the 15 National Standards Bureaux of the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

INDOCAL is the National Standards Body of the Dominican Republic, providing services in standardisation, metrology, certification and training in accordance with international practices.
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For more information or for queries, please contact:
Ms. Marsha Dennie
CROSQ Interim Project Coordinator, TBT Phase III Project
Tel: 246-622-7670 | Email: [email protected]

📢 THIS IS YOUR OFFICIAL INVITATION TO ATTEND!

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the heartbeat of our regional economy — but to compete and thrive, certification and standards are key.

Be part of the upcoming Regional Webinar, hosted by CROSQ’s Marketing, Information, Knowledge Management and Education Committee:

_“Partnerships for Quality: Strengthening MSMEs through Standards and Certification”_

🗓 Wednesday, 29th October 2025
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon (AST)

Hear from regional experts, certification bodies, and MSME voices from across the Caribbean as they share how standards and certification open access to wider markets, build trust, and support long-term growth.

🎤 Featuring presenters from:
✅ Guyana National Bureau of Standards
✅ Belize Bureau of Standards
✅ QSSI Global, Jamaica
✅ CROSQ
✅ MSME testimonials from Belize and Suriname

👉 Register now:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/KMR485gqmT5ain7KOdpaqYA [1]
📌 Let’s strengthen our MSMEs — together!

🌍✨ World Standards Day 2025 ✨🌍

Theme: “Shared Vision for a Better World – SDG 17: Partnerships for All”

Each year on October 14th, the world celebrates World Standards Day — a time to recognize the collective effort of thousands of experts, organizations, and partners who develop and use standards to make the world safer, more efficient, and more connected.

This year’s theme, “Shared Vision for a Better World – SDG 17: Partnerships for All,” highlights the power of collaboration. It reminds us that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — from clean energy and safe food to innovation, trade, and climate action — depends on strong partnerships built on shared standards and trust.

Here in Dominica, the Dominica Bureau of Standards joins the global community in celebrating the role of standards in driving our national vision of becoming the world’s first climate-resilient nation.

Through cooperation with regional and international partners, standards are helping us:
✅ Strengthen resilience and sustainability across all sectors
✅ Improve the quality and safety of goods and services
✅ Build trust in trade and consumer protection
✅ Foster innovation and support small businesses

Standards connect us — from local producers to global markets, from community projects to international goals. When we work together through partnerships and shared vision, we create a stronger, safer, and more sustainable future for all.

💚 Let’s celebrate World Standards Day 2025 — and the partnerships that make quality, resilience, and progress possible!

📻✨ Another important discussion on Standards in the Spotlight!

Join us on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM on DBS Radio 88.1 FM as we prepare to observe World Standards Day 2025 and talk about progress made on the development of a National Standardization Strategy for Dominica 🇩🇲.

🎙️ Guest: Mrs. Naomi Bannis-Sampson, Technical Officer for Standards Development, DBOS

Tune in to learn:
✔️ Why World Standards Day matters
✔️ How standards shape our daily lives and economy
✔️ What the new National Standardization Strategy means for Dominica and how stakeholders can get involved

Don’t miss it! 🌍📑

We were inspired to join the Public Service Sneakers 👟 Day as part of Caribbean Wellness Month.

Staff members rocked their sneakers and pledged to increase physical activity even at the office.

We are taking small steps🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️for big results in the long run 🏃🏽‍♂️ 🏃🏽‍♀️. We hope that you will too.

📻📡🌿✨ Standards in the Spotlight! ✨🌿📻📡

Join us on Monday, September 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM on DBS Radio 88.1 FM for an important discussion on:

“Environmentally Friendly Single-Use Food Packaging.”

As the Independence season approaches, vendors, restaurants, and agro-processors are expected to be stocking up on food packaging. But did you know that only certified biodegradable packaging is approved for use in Dominica? 🥡✅

🎙️ Our guest: Mr. Heinrich Anselm, Technical Officer for Quality in the Certification Unit of the Bureau, will explain the Biodegradable Certification Programme, why the Certificate of Approval is required, and how it helps protect both your business and our environment.

Don’t miss this timely conversation!

📻✨ We’re back with another episode of Standards in the Spotlight!

Join us on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM on DBS Radio for an important discussion:
“Label It Right! Understanding Compulsory Labelling Requirements.”

With the busy Independence season approaching, it’s crucial for vendors and local processors to ensure their products are labelled correctly. 🏷️✅

🎙️ Guest: Ms. Angelique Dorival, Technical Assistant – Standards Compliance/Inspection Unit, DBOS

Tune in to learn:
✔️ What information MUST appear on food and goods labels
✔️ Common mistakes to avoid
✔️ Why proper labelling protects both consumers and businesses

Don’t miss it!

📢📣 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT 📢📣

Please be guided accordingly.

Important announcement ‼️

🧫 Job Opportunity Alert! 🧪

The Dominica Bureau of Standards is seeking a qualified and suitable individual to fill the position of SUPERVISOR for our Microbiology Laboratory!

If you're passionate about science, quality, and public health, this role is your chance to lead.

📌 Deadline: Tuesday July 08, 2025

📄 Apply here: https://dominicastandards.org/media-centre/news-events/vacancy-announcement-supervisor-ncte-microbiology-laboratory

🚨 We're Hiring! 🚨

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for quality, standards, and national development? The Dominica Bureau of Standards invites suitably qualified persons for the position of DIRECTOR.

📌 Deadline: Monday, July 21, 2025

📄 Learn more & apply: https://dominicastandards.org/media-centre/news-events/vacancy-announcement-dbos-director-2025