MSME Operators Encouraged to Have Their Businesses Certified

Executive Director of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ), Stephen Wedderburn, is encouraging micro, small and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) operators to have their businesses certified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), to ensure they are operating at the highest standard.

Addressing the recent Pesticides Control Authority (PCA) annual awards dinner at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in Kingston, Mr. Wedderburn called on small business owners to adopt quality management systems to improve their operations, so as to make them more competitive and efficient.

“I want to remove the misconception that it is only large firms that are able to pursue such systems. MSMEs can easily embrace the quality practices and procedures of these systems,” he said.

“It is incumbent on us in our role as producers that we make every effort to maintain the highest quality in the goods and services we provide. There are always ways in which you can make your businesses better, always processes you can improve, and the Bureau is here to work with you to accomplish this,” the Executive Director said.

Among the standards he recommended is the ISO 14001, which is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS).

The other is the ISO 9001 which is the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS).

Recently, the BSJ was rebranded and will now focus on trade facilitation and business support, instead of regulations.

The new focus seeks to aid Jamaican businesses to become more competitive in the local and export markets through the use of standards.

Mr. Wedderburn noted that a primary mandate of the BSJ’s functions as a support organisation is to assist businesses in implementing standards and quality practices, and in producing quality goods and services.

“If your business needs help in the area of quality, you can come to us for assistance. We are here to be a positive support to the business people of Jamaica. We are no longer into enforcement, but we are into encouragement. We encourage all Jamaican businesses to actively integrate standards and quality systems into their operations,” he said.

The shift in the BSJ’s function is part of recommendations from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)/World Bank, based on a review of the structure and mandate of the BSJ.

This has prompted the Government to separate the BSJ’s regulatory function, which has been transferred to the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA).