 Standards affect every aspect of our lives. Standards apply to goods and services that we consume every day. A standard is a set of requirements that must be met consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose. International standards are created and managed by organizations like the International Organization for Standardization, ISO. ISO has developed over 22,000 international standards. The Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards is a member of ISO and an affiliate of IEC. SLBS has developed 200 national standards and is in the process of adopting a further 500 standards from ISO IEC as national standards. Standards are important for consumer safety, competitiveness and trade in goods and services. As a small island developing state, it is essential that Saint Lucia has a strong regime of standards to drive growth in productive sectors and ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors. This message is brought to you by the Commonwealth Standards Network.