Nevis to Establish its Own Bureau of Standards Facility

Partnership with US Embassy and US Southern Command Yields Fruitful Results

NIA CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS (November 25, 2024) – The island of Nevis is set to achieve a major milestone with the construction of its own Bureau of Standards facility scheduled to commence in 2025. This significant step is the result of a partnership between the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) and the United States Embassy in Barbados, along with the U.S. Southern Command.

Facility Design and Construction

The U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command recently completed the design requests for proposal and cost estimates for the laboratory concept designs. The overall budget for the facility is USD $2 million, with the construction proceeding in a phased approach.

Premier’s Enthusiasm

Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Mark Brantley, expressed his enthusiasm about the development, stating, “Through cooperation with the US Embassy and with the U.S. Southern Command, Nevis is now on track to start construction of our Bureau of Standards building here on the island next year.”

Benefits of the Facility

This facility will be the first of its kind on the island, empowering Nevis to conduct local testing of water, food, scales, mold, and other critical quality assurance measures. “It would mean for the first time the island of Nevis now can do its own testing. All that we need to do, we can now do right here on the island of Nevis,” Premier Brantley informed.

Minister’s Commendation

Acknowledging the efforts of the NIA team, Premier Brantley praised the Honourable Spencer Brand, Minister of Disaster Management, for his dedication to the project. “I want to commend The Honourable Spencer Brand and his entire team who have worked hard, partnering with the United States government, to now bring us the USD $2 million investment in our Bureau of Standards.”

Proposed Site and Future Plans

The proposed site for the facility has been identified at Pinney’s Estate. Minister Brand, who met with U.S. Naval engineers during a site visit in September 2023, emphasized the facility’s importance in advancing Nevis’ economic prospects.

Conclusion

The establishment of this facility underscores Nevis’ commitment to fostering local economic development, ensuring quality assurance, and enhancing its ability to participate competitively in regional and international markets.