The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Government anticipates having the Bahamas Bureau of Standards (BBS) fully operational by year-end 2014, aiming to enhance the reputation of Bahamian-made products and ensure this market is not flooded with inferior imports.

Speaking at the closing of the National Standards Forum yesterday, Ryan Pinder, minister of financial services, said the Bureau’s development involved two processes - the work of committees on the technical development of standards, and physical infrastructure such as laboratories for food testing.

Mr Pinder estimated that the Bureau’s creation could cost more than $10 million, although much of this would be derived from grant funding.

“We’re looking to develop most of the capital investment needed through grant funding,” he added. “We have already submitted our grant application for different components of building out the Standards Bureau.”

Mr Pinder said land in the Bacardi Road area was among the locations being assessed for the Bureau’s home.

“The benefits of the Standards Bureau are critical to our national development. A standards system can enhance the reputation of locally-made products by assuring buyers that such products meet specified levels of quality and safety, thereby permitting domestic producers to compete more effectively not only in their own market but also in the regional and international marketplace,” Mr Pinder said.

“The overall increase in trade flows, induced by the establishment of quality standards, would benefit the Bahamas and the rest of the world economy.

“Secondly, such a system can encourage fair competition in the marketplace, and provide necessary consumer protection by preventing unsafe products, or products of inferior quality which can be priced more cheaply, flooding our markets.”

Mr Pinder added: “While we’ve commenced mobilising a Standards Bureau in the Bahamas, we must ensure it is fully operational and is afforded the legislative teeth to ensure full compliance nationally and internationally.

“We have started with key areas that have already been adopted by our regional counterparts and can be easily accepted nationally.”

Mr Pinder added: “Looking specifically at the WTO, we know that full membership and compliance is necessary if Bahamian producers would like to compete on an even field with other international producers.

“Bahamian exporters would find themselves having favourable access to more than 100 countries, giving them an expansive foreign marketplace. While the benefits of WTO seem numerous, the realisation of such benefits will only be achieved by adhering to the principles of the WTO agreement for the development, adoption and implementation of standards,” the Minister said.

“On a governmental level, standards provide the technological and scientific bases underpinning health, safety and environmental legislation, especially when we consider how international standards will impact air, water and soil quality, and on emissions of gases and radiation.

“On a very basic level we must adopt local standards that are enforceable by law. Bahamians should be afforded the same level of health and environmental safety afforded those in the region and internationally.”

Mr Pinder said the disadvantage of not having a Standards Bureau was two-fold, namely endangerment of consumers and lack of protection for domestic industries.

“While not targeting any particular group or agency, we realise that the lack of local standards have left us significantly exposed,” Mr Pinder added.

“For example, let us look closely at the used car industry in the Bahamas. Many vehicles totalled or written off in the United States, no longer deemed acceptable to be driven in the US, are brought into this country, cosmetically repaired and thrust on local consumers.

“If these vehicles are not safe to be driven in the US, why do we feel so comfortable allowing them on our streets? The potential dangers that exist are astronomical. There are safety risks to the buyer and motorists, and financial risks to the buyer, who spends hundreds, if not thousands, on a vehicle that may not last longer than six months to a year; sometimes far less.”