Govt Aims to Monetise BSJ’s Scientific Work and Standardisations

Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, says the Government aims to capitalise on the applied scientific work and standardisations developed by the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) to secure greater market access.

“What I want to do is to move even the applied science that the BSJ records to a place where we monetise all those scientific discoveries or applications,” he said.

“I want to ensure that the BSJ becomes a reservoir for great ideas that can be put into packaging, into creating new products and services that can be monetised in Jamaica and exported across the Caribbean, Latin America and indeed to the world,” he said.

The Minister was addressing the BSJ’s Annual Technical Committee Appreciation Luncheon at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston on October 15, where the Bureau honoured 150 technical committee members for their contribution to standards development.

These experts, drawn from National Committees and National Mirror Committees, play a critical role in aligning local practices with international benchmarks. Their work directly supports trade, drives innovation, and fosters sustainable development across various industries in Jamaica.

Senator Hill commended the technical professionals, noting that their work is critical to Jamaica’s economic growth and development.

Executive Director of the BSJ, Dr. Velton Gooden, said that the 150 experts have volunteered their expertise to develop and promulgate standards across a wide spectrum of subject matters including cutting-edge fields such as accessibility in information technology, drones and the circular economy.

“These experts have also represented Jamaica on the regional and international stage ensuring Jamaica’s voice is fully represented and that we are not just standards takers, but indeed, in so many instances including the standards that we make for cannabis, we are standards makers,” he noted.

The luncheon formed part of the BSJ’s activities commemorating World Standards Day.

Observed annually on October 14 by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization For Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), World Standards Day pays tribute to the collaborative effort of thousands of experts worldwide who develop voluntary technical agreements that are published as international standards.

This year’s theme: ‘Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy,’ highlighted the importance of access to low-cost, reliable clean energy in supporting innovation, business development and economic growth.