-as national verification exercise continues

THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is once again conducting verification exercises for all measuring instruments used in trade.

As the National Measurement Institute, the GNBS is responsible for enforcing the 1981 Weights and Measures Act.

The exercise started in mid-August and is expected to continue until mid-September, 2026.

During the GNBS’ recent visit to the Lusignan Market, its Senior Inspector Mr Compton Batson explained that the verification exercise is the testing and stamping of measuring instruments, further ensuring accuracy in trade, ensuring that consumers receive their fair amount and that sellers encourage fair trade.

He stated that at the end of the day, everyone wants value for money. This is the end goal. Thus far, the exercise has been a “very smooth and very steady” process.

The GNBS has already visited several markets, and all of the stakeholders brought their devices for verification.

Batson stated that they are verifying the equal arm scales also known as the red balance scales, as well as electronic scales and platform scales.

Explaining how this is done, Batson said, “inspectors of the Legal Metrology Services Department, we work with verified masses, calibrated masses that are accurate to test the stakeholders’ skills. It is a process where we place our masses on the scales and check the reading on the scales to ensure that they compare accurately.”

To those vendors and shop owners who are yet to have their scales verified, Batson encouraged them all to do so, as this process not only ensures that consumers are receiving their fair amount that they are paying for, but also helps the shopkeepers to not rob themselves whenever they are selling.

“New instruments must be verified before being used, and periodic verifications [like] the shopkeepers should have their scales clean and sprayed and serviced before verification, ensure that whenever we do verification that the process is going to be smooth.” Batson related.

The senior inspector said that at the Legal Metrology Services Department, they not only visit markets but also petrol terminals, petrol stations, and verify bulb meters and petrol pumps.

Along with this, they also verify scales for multiple stakeholders such as airlines and many others.
“So, we would encourage all of the stakeholders to have their instruments verified to ensure that whenever they are conducting these transactions that the instruments are accurate,” Batson said.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards says it is pleased to partner with its stakeholders to ensure that there is accuracy in trade.

“Look out for us at the marketplace or shop next to you as we come to verify your scales, masses and measures. Be sure to ensure that those scales are clean and in good condition and that they measure in the metric units of measurement,” the GNBS emphasised.