Int’l standards key to achieving Vision 2030

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS are necessary to move Jamaica forward. The Government strongly guards the standards set to ensure safety and security for all goods and products imported and manufactured in the island.

Each year, the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) leads the rest of the nation in celebrating October

14 as World Standards Day.

The day highlights the service given by persons who develop standards and also educate the population on standards. Indeed, standards development over decades have greatly impacted the world, particularly as we embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We are encouraged to be revolutionary, innovative and dynamic in our creation of new technologies and, importantly, to embrace the changes that will propel this world forward. Our attitudes as a people must reflect openness to the enormous possibilities of our times.

For Jamaica, this means that at the very least, we must recognise the benefits of standards. It is critical that at every level of our society, we incorporate the use of international standards to enhance our planning and implementation of projects to help propel Jamaica to achieving our Vision 2030.

In the management of our public bodies – our agencies, our educational institutions and health facilities; in the design and creation of new communities and cities, in our infrastructural development – whether building new road networks, transport centres or manufacturing plants – whatever we are projecting to do, then we must, of necessity, utilise these many international standards – or face being left behind

in this global space.

INTEGRATED APPROACH

My administration is taking an integrated approach to developing Jamaica. It is born from a vision and a holistic approach to see the creative and imaginative spirit of our people prosper. Our Government is focused, deliberate and intentional as we chart a course to improving every sector in Jamaica. There have been gains made over our years of Independence, though we have not always moved at our desired pace. As prime minister, I am committed, as is my administration, to ensuring that Jamaica is the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business. This commitment requires a greater reliance on international standards if we are to compete globally as the world lives out this Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Let us mark World Standards Day 2018 with optimism that we will set high standards as the hallmark for success.

ANDREW HOLNESS, ON, MP Prime Minister