I REFER to a letter published in the Guyana Chronicle dated Tuesday, January 7, 2014, captioned “Some Shopkeepers accused of Christmastime Fraud” and would like to state that the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) as the agency responsible for the enforcement of the Weights and Measures Act in Guyana had conducted repeated surveillance inspections at shops and markets countrywide, during the last quarter of 2013 to ensure that devices in use were verified and accurate.

During these inspections, a large number of inaccurate and defective devices including scales, masses and measures were seized and removed by Inspectors and Weights and Measures Officers.

Larger markets, including the Stabroek, Bourda, La Penitence and Mon Repos markets, and busy shopping outlets across the country were revisited during the Christmas season to ensure compliance. Further, the GNBS utilised the various media to shared Weights and Measures tips that would ensure that shoppers are acquainted with the necessary guidelines.

However, despite its efforts to curb malpractices, some vendors and shopkeepers remained determined to offer consumers short weights of goods during the busy shopping season, when some shoppers pay little attention to the weighing process and the quantity of goods offered after weighing.

The onus is on the consumers to demand value for their money and inform the GNBS of malpractices they encounter by calling its hotline number 219-0069 or by visiting its Head Office in Sophia and Sub-offices in the various administrative regions. Complaints made against vendors, shopkeepers and other users of scales for commercial purposes would be investigated and the necessary action would be taken.

LLOYD DAVID
Public Relations Officer
for Executive Director (ag)