Date:26^th April, 2023

The serene waters of the Caroni River welcomed visitors from across the globe as the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) hosted the 9^th International Organisation for Standardization/Technical Committee (ISO/TC) 309 Plenary Meeting for standards related to good governance.

On Friday 21^st April, Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL) sponsored a tour through the Winston Nanan Caroni Bird Sanctuary where delegates from as far as Nigeria, China, Singapore, Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom proudly displayed their “Destination TT” t-shirts as they glided through the wetland.

The group was thrilled to see a variety of indigenous wildlife which included; flocks of swallows and herons, a flamboyance of flamingos, a few tropical screech owls, various species of kingfishers and a consortium of blue crabs scuttling through the sprawling mangrove roots. As the sun descended into the quiet swamp waters, the visitors were delighted to spot our national bird, the Scarlet Ibis, as its fiery-red plumage lit up the dusk sky.

The ISO/TC 309 delegation arrived in Trinidad on Sunday 16^th April 2023 to work on and expand the ISO 37000 suite of governance-related standards; some of which have already been adopted in some of their respective countries.

At the national level, TTBS has adopted the following standards as Trinidad and Tobago Standards:

• Governance of organizations – Guidance (TTS/ISO 37000:2022)
• Anti-bribery management systems – Requirements with guidance for use (TTS/ISO 37001:2022)
• Whistleblowing management systems – Guidelines (TTS/ISO 37002:2022)
• Compliance management systems – Requirements with guidance for use (TTS/ISO 37301:2022)

Through these standards, organizations, no matter their size, are provided with critical guidance to improve their governance practices, as well as the technical requirements to build management systems to address whistleblowing, anti-bribery and corruption in a systematic way.

The ISO 37000 standards play a transformative role to our national socio-economic development and are cross cutting for public and private institutions.

TTBS is proud to collaborate with the TTL to showcase the natural beauty, flora and fauna of Trinidad and Tobago and our spectacular national bird, the Scarlet Ibis, as we promote Destination TT for further expansion of our tourism industry and improve the overall quality infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago.

-ENDS-

All aboard: International ISO/TC 309 guests, along with local and regional guests are eager to embark on a journey through the swamp.

All smiles: International ISO/TC 309 Plenary delegates proudly display their “Destination TT” t-shirts.