The Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards (SLBS) is coordinating the staging of a sensitization seminar for stakeholders in the agricultural sector on a new regime of standards and certification for agricultural products.Under the European Union’s Framework of Assistance for 2002 (SFA 2002), a project entitled “Development and Implementation of Standards and a Certification System for Selected Agricultural Products and Training” is being implemented in Saint Lucia. Under this project, existing national standards for selected crops, livestock, poultry and fish products will be revised, draft new standards developed, a certification system established and training imparted to producers/suppliers, inspectors, regulatory personnel and other stakeholders.The project is also expected to play an important role in, improving the quality, safety and competitiveness of locally produced crop, poultry, livestock and fish products.

 June 9th has been designated as International Accreditation Day by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). The value of accreditation has been widely recognized and adopted by economies and societies worldwide. This is reflected in the celebrations planned which range from promotional events and seminars for Industry and Regulatory officials, to press campaigns in over 50 countries worldwide. These awareness-raising events contribute to a greater recognition of accreditation, in particular from national Regulators, who are adopting accreditation as a mechanism to deliver credible solutions that can support or act as an alternative to Legislation. This is borne out by a recent survey of National Accreditation Bodies which reported 68% acceptance levels of accredited services, an increase of 27% since 2002.

 The Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards (SLBS) held a meeting of stakeholders in the Tourism Sector to discuss the draft of a proposed CARICOM Regional Standard for Tourist Accommodation. The standard, developed by the Caribbean Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), addresses the increase in demand for a range of accommodation services, the need to provide quality services consistent with improved visitor satisfaction, safety and security and the promotion of sustainable development and care for the environment.