VP describes SBS’ service as “blue gold” |11 January 2017

Vice-President Vincent Meriton yesterday visited the facilities of the Seychelles Bureau of Standards (SBS) at Providence, describing the service which falls under his portfolio as “one which is blue gold”.

Accompanied by his principal secretary Alain Volcère, the vice-president visited the service’s facilities, especially the different laboratories where research as well as different inspections and standard tests are carried out. These include on construction material and products, diving equipment, x-ray facilities, electrical products, fuel pumps, weighs and measurements, sea and fresh water as well as food, especially fish destined for export.

While the vice-president commented that the work done was generally important for the economy, he insisted that the function of fish testing for export was “the heart of the Blue economy”.

Mr Meriton also had the opportunity to interact with staff members in their place of work. They took the opportunity to raise challenges they are currently facing. These include lack of staff in certain posts; low salaries in some areas; non-entitlement to overtime, risk and skill allowance while they are exposed to chemicals; need to board ships for sample taking and sign important documents which bear huge responsibility; insufficient working space; and lack of certain equipment. The constraints they say prevent them from meeting rising customers’ demand.

Vice-President Meriton has promised to discuss with relevant authorities like the Department of Public Administration (DPA) to see how to ease the employees’ conditions through a better scheme of service and the Agency for National Human Resource Development (ANHRD) for staff training.

He added that his visit was to give value to the work done – which he says is important to various local industries – and to see how standard can be further upgraded and developed.

“Standards are important to ensure high quality products which reply to international norms and legislations,” he commented, adding that existing laws should be amended where necessary.

He also proposed the creation of two committees – one to review existing laws and the other to define electric product standards.

Before leaving ‘Standard House’, the vice-president had the opportunity to see the clock which sets Seychelles’ standard time.

Speaking after the visit, chief executive (CEO) Andy Ally said it was important for the vice-president to be appraised of the work done by SBS so that he can bring his support to the upgrade of the organisation.

One priority he highlighted is that more of SBS’ laboratories have to be accredited by the South African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS).

“It was important for the VP to see firsthand what SBS offers in terms of service and how it contributes to the economy. It was also important for him to have an aperçu of constraints faced by the organisation and staff, so that he can intervene and offer his support to our projects through the board, cabinet or budget allocation. I think that he has seen that we are not only looking for more staff and equipment as well as better conditions, but that we are really working in maintaining high standards,” SBS chief executive Ally said.

Our photos show VP Meriton interacting with staff during his visit at the SBS offices.