Executive director of the bureau, Dr Artnel Henry, told a Gleaner Editors' Forum on Tuesday that the move is part of a restructuring programme, which also includes boosting the staff complement.

According to Henry, in recent years, the bureau has suffered from poor management.

"The BSJ used to be a prominent body," he said. "Because of the management style, the organisation lost quite a number of the competent staff that was there."

Key element

Henry said, a new executive director to be announced by mid-November will be a key element of the restructuring.

The new head will replace Camella Rhone, who resigned in May just over a year after she took over from Dr Omer Thomas.

Henry also said a series of projects would be implemented to motivate and retain the staff, 55 per cent of whom have been at the organisation for under two years.

"When staff are motivated and recognised, there is no problem, especially when management looks after the welfare of employees," said Henry, who has served the Bureau of Standards for 27 years.