The Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality (BBSQ), officially opened COPANT Week 2026 on April 28, at Atlantis Paradise Island, welcoming regional and international leaders in standards and quality infrastructure for a week of collaboration and strategic dialogue. COPANT (Comisión Panamericana de Normas Técnicas), is the Pan American Standards Commission, a regional organization that promotes the development of technical standards in the Americas.
Held under the theme “Resilience, Sustainability, Quality – Together,” the opening ceremony signalled the start of a series of high-level discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across the Americas and advancing the frameworks that support trade, consumer protection, and innovation.
Delegates from across the region—including national standards bodies, government representatives, and international partners—convened to address key priorities shaping the future of quality infrastructure and sustainable development.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Renae Ferguson-Bufford, Executive Director of BBSQ, underscored the vital role standards play in everyday life and economic development.
“Standards are the foundation of trust—ensuring that the products we use are safe, that businesses can compete globally, and that economies can grow sustainably,” she said.
Also addressing the ceremony, Mauricio Céspedes, President of the Pan American Standards Commission, highlighted the importance of regional alignment and collective action.
“Our work as a region is strengthened when we align around shared standards—enabling resilience, supporting sustainability, and driving quality across borders,” he noted.
Hosting COPANT Week 2026 reinforces The Bahamas’ role as a hub for regional collaboration and demonstrates its continued commitment to strengthening quality infrastructure in support of economic growth and consumer protection.
The opening ceremony featured vibrant cultural staging offering delegates a warm welcome while setting the tone for a dynamic week of technical sessions, policy discussions, and partnership-building.
In its workshops, COPANT 2026 delegates focused on expanding standards development and sustainability frameworks, and enhancing regional cooperation.
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