The Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards joins the rest of the world in the observance of World Metrology Day, on Thursday 20th May 2010. This year’s theme is “Metrology – measurements in Science and Technology; a bridge to innovation.” 

The 2010 theme concentrates on how measurement influences science and stimulates innovation. At a time when the world strives to move on from its recent financial problems, and as Governments work to regenerate sluggish economies, it is believed that science and technology are the engines of economic growth and prosperity. Innovations in science and technology rely on being able to measure correctly and to refer measurements to the same international reference standards. It is generally accepted that a world without accurate measurement is a world where science, technology, trade and society can’t communicate and where error and uncertainty would reign supreme.

In an address to mark the occasion Director of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures Professor Andrew J. Wallard says, “making products and selling them internationally is the stimulus to world economic growth. Economic growth helps developing countries deal with poverty and improves the whole quality of life for their citizens.” 

Metrology is intrinsic to everyday life, BIPM Director says, because the need for accurate measurement covers the whole gamut, of measurement activities in day to day operations across commerce, health and the like, metrology has “a far-reaching impact on a range of people.” As a result he says, the responsibility, is for “care and attention to detail and to precision at whatever level.”

Head of Metrology at the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards Anselm Gittens says “ The SLBS has recognized the importance of measurements in science and technology  to innovation and has facilitated knowledge and technology transfer through the application of metrology  in industry and commerce. “

Saint Lucia’s Metrology Act has been used by other Bureau of Standards in CARICOM (including Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica) as the template to replace existing Weights & Measures Acts in those countries for more modern metrology legislation.

Saint Lucia’s Metrology Act, became law about ten years ago and  allows for the use of the International System of Units or metric system as the preferred legal system of measurement in industry and commerce. 

The Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards is a small national metrology institute with a big footprint and has made considerable progress in the area of metrology, particularly legal metrology or weights & measures.   The Bureau is in the process of expanding its calibration and measurement capabilities to meet national demands.

The Bureau, as an active member of the Inter-American Metrology System (SIM), which is the regional metrology organization of the Americas will  host the Fifteenth Annual General Assembly of this regional metrology organization during the first week of November 2010.