– all devices using imperial systems will be seized, destroyed
GUYANA’S adoption of the metric system has started from the top and policy-makers, ministries of government and all government agencies will be working with the 10 administrations regions to implement and enforce this system country-wide.
This was confirmed by Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) Public Relations Officer Lloyd David, who said a large percentage of the countries in the world use the metric system, especially in scientific research, manufacturing and trade.
He noted that the school system had already fully adopted the use of the metric system and the younger generation had a good understanding of its application.
Adding that the system was easy to learn and use because of its decimal nature, David explained that only a few countries still use the imperial system of measurement or a combination of both measuring systems, which will eventually be phased out.
He explained that the GNBS, along with the Ministry of Business, had been urging relevant stakeholders to use the metric system, which is the legal system of measurement in Guyana.
David said all wholesalers and retailers would now have to comply with the implementation of this action plan in order to sell their solid goods in metric quantities.
He said all devices using imperial systems will be seized and destroyed, since the Metric System, which is the legal system of measurement in Guyana, conforms to the Standard International (SI) units including the kilogram that is used to measure mass.
The metric base unit for measuring mass is the kilogram (kg). When the kg is divided by 1000, the result is 1 gram (g) and when it is multiplied by 1000 the result is 1 metric tonne.
Mass (weight): For everyday transactions, especially in the conduct of commerce, there are four commonly used units; the milligram (mg), g, kg and tonne.
Mg is used for measuring very small amounts of substances for example, ingredients in medicines or drugs and some ingredients in recipes.
The g is used for measuring intermediate amounts. For example, 100g of butter, 250g of cheese.
The kg is used for measuring larger amounts, for example, 1 kg of potatoes, 10 kg of bananas, and 25 kg of rice
One kg is equivalent to two pounds, three ounces.
The tonne is used for measuring very large amounts, for example, truckloads of sand or stone, bulk sugar or rice.
The metrification plan approved by Cabinet was prepared by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to promote the use of internal systems of units countrywide.
The metric system was first proposed in 1970 and is the decimal-measuring system based on the metre, litre, and gram as units of length, capacity, and weight or mass.
Consumers, are urged to start requesting solid goods such as rice, peas, onions and potatoes in grams and kilograms. These units should also be used to weigh solid hardware items such as nails, putty and glues that are sold by weight. These goods can be easily and accurately weighed on verified metric devices used in the market place.
Wholesalers and retailers have a significant role to play by packaging and selling their solid goods in metric quantities. Advertise your goods and prepare and display pricelists in metric quantities.
