CEO David Jean-Marie and Manager of Internal Audit & Quality Assurance, Charmaine Soo Chan proudly displays the Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9001:2015 certification, making the Port of Bridgetown the first seaport in the English-speaking Caribbean to be accredited with this Quality Management System (QMS) designation. (photo courtesy of the Barbados Port Inc.)
Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) has obtained the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9001:2015 certification, making the Port of Bridgetown the first seaport in the English-speaking Caribbean to be accredited this Quality Management System (QMS) designation.
BPI was certified on February 8, 2022, following a successful audit of the company’s management system by Lloyds Register of Quality Assurance (LRQA).
The scope of this approval is applicable to the provision of marine services and facilities management for cargo and cruise operations at the Port of Bridgetown, and reflects BPI’s commitment to meeting and exceeding the needs of customers and stakeholders while elevating its service excellence levels.
BPI’s journey to ISO 9001:2015 certification began in August 2019, as part of efforts to implement a quality assurance system in support of improved operational efficiency of the Port.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator the Hon. Lisa Cummins, congratulating BPI on the new designation said: “The ISO 9001:2015 QMS stands as an aspirational benchmark in the continuing journey to global competitiveness. Achieving international quality standards in our port operations sends a strong signal locally and internationally that we are committed to streamlining our processes and elevating our service standards to inspire confidence in trade and business facilitation.”
BPI Chairman, the Most Hon. Peter Odle, explained: “To be a premier seaport that is globally visible in cargo and cruise operations, we are called upon to continuously improve efficiency and the offering of quality services. BPI has over time made major strides in enhancing service delivery and professionalism to the benefit of our stakeholders. Today, we celebrate the attainment of ISO 9001:2015 certification, which indeed we have worked tirelessly to attain. I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one for their dedication and commitment to meeting these exacting standards.”
Chief Executive Officer of BPI, Mr. David Jean-Marie, said: “The pursuit of quality management processes has been one of our top priorities over the last two years. Becoming ISO 9001:2015 certified enhances our competiveness as a full service, international trade seaport, and better positions us to meet the ever-changing demands and expectations within the maritime transport sector. Our intention is to keep improving and updating the QMS so that it remains effective and adds value to our business.”
He added: “This designation complements the list of acclamations we have acquired in recent years and reaffirms our commitment to reaching and maintaining international service standards. We are extremely proud of this achievement and extend thanks to the entire Port team for the dedication they’ve shown in working towards the attainment of this certification.”
The ISO 9001 QMS is a framework to standardise business processes, enhance the quality of products and services, improve operational effectiveness, boost productivity, enhance customer satisfaction, and better manage risks in the organisation.
Organisations accredited to ISO 9001:2015 demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements and enhance customer satisfaction.
