In an industry built on standards, integrity, and transparency, one would expect challenges to misinformation to be swift and collective. Yet when faced with the persistent and often provocative critiques from Oxebridge, most Certification Bodies (CBs) have opted for silence—choosing risk avoidance over resolution.
But BluestarCMI, led by Zyrus Oyong, takes a different stance. Instead of stepping back, he steps forward.
Why Most CBs Stay Silent
1. Fear of Retaliation
Oxebridge is known for personal attacks and mocking blog posts. Engaging often leads to being targeted—not with logic, but with satire and smear.
2. Protecting Brand Reputation
Many CBs feel that fighting publicly invites drama and distracts from their client-focused missions. They fear being dragged into conflict that doesn't benefit their business.
3. Lack of Strategic Clarity
Few CBs have a clear plan to counter Oxebridge’s style or defend themselves without escalating tension. Avoidance seems safer than confrontation.
4. Unspoken Political Pressure
Some CBs are part of accreditation ecosystems that Oxebridge criticizes. Speaking out could complicate relations with ABs, clients, or even regulators.
5. Oxebridge Controls the Platform
Paris controls the blog, edits responses, and blocks critics. Fighting someone who moderates the battlefield feels futile.
Why BluestarCMI and Zyrus Oyong Choose to Fight
1. Commitment to Truth
Oyong believes silence enables misinformation. When industry voices don’t respond, public perception leans toward the loudest—even if they’re wrong.
2. Strategic Expertise
BluestarCMI is backed by deep knowledge of ISO systems, documented evidence, and legal insight. This equips Oyong to respond with facts—not emotions.
3. Public Accountability
Zyrus issued a bold challenge: a high-stakes debate on RICL’s alleged violation of ISO 17021-1. The loser walks away from the industry. That’s not noise—that’s integrity.
4. Moral Responsibility
The ISO ecosystem affects global business trust. When that trust is undermined by satire and selective outrage, someone must speak for the professionals who follow the rules.
5. Refusal to Be Silenced
Blocked on LinkedIn? Ignored in blog posts? Oyong doubled down—documenting, challenging, and inviting transparency. Because truth doesn’t fade when it's provoked—it sharpens.
Closing Thought
The ISO community must decide: Are we content with selective watchdogs dictating the narrative unchecked? Or do we rise when silence becomes complicity?
BluestarCMI made its choice. Perhaps it’s time others did too.