GNBS inspectors assaulted during seizure of substandard electrical products
Two Inspectors of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) were on Friday assaulted by the proprietor of Carrefour Hardware Store on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), when they attempted to remove a quantity of substandard electrical fittings and equipment from the business premises.
Reports are that the inspectors visited the hardware store for routine inspection activities where it was observed that the items did not meet the labelling requirements of the national standards. A statement from the GNBS said that the owner of the business was informed that the items had to be seized and removed, pending corrective actions.
The items that were seized during the West Coast Demerara operation
However, during efforts to seize the substandard items, the female proprietor of the establishment proceeded to obstruct the inspectors from carrying out their function. The proprietor, GNBS said, began to physically assault one of the male inspectors and the Police were called. The proprietor was subsequently arrested, taken to the Den Amstel Police Station and charged.
During the operation, inspectors seized 143 pieces of power supply cords, five pieces of knife switches, 694 receptacles, 188 plugs and 248 lamp holders, from the hardware store.
On Friday GNBS stated that inspectors are empowered under Section 28 of the Standards Act of 1984 and its Amendment of 1997 to, without previous notice, enter any premises, inspect commodities monitored by the GNBS, and request relevant documentation. Additionally, inspectors have the power to seize and detain products which are in contravention of the Act.
