On March 15, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) joined other Consumer Protection Bodies nationally and internationally to commemorate World Consumer Rights Day 2023 under the theme “Empowering consumers through clean energy transitions”.
The theme comes at a time when cost-of-living is surging, there is need for drastic responses to energy supplies, and the production of non-renewable energy is adversely impacting the state of our climate globally. It is a time when consumers need to play a bigger role in the drive towards clean energy transition.
On the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day, we cannot ignore the fact that most economies are being affected by a global energy crisis, which has a very significant impact on vulnerable consumers. Clean, affordable energy is a likely solution.
Every year, consumers celebrate World Consumer Rights Day because it aims to raise global awareness of consumer rights, consumer protection and empowerment. This year’s theme is one that nudges the GNBS to consider the development and adoption of standards which support the utilization of clean energy, which include wind, water and solar energy. We rely on stakeholders from within the relevant sectors to propose the development of these standards.
Meanwhile, consumer protection continues to play a major role at the GNBS as the organisation works to deliver its range of services across Guyana. Consumers have the right to be free from hazardous goods and services that could jeopardize their lives and properties; they deserve to receive value for their money.
Since its establishment, the GNBS has been at the forefront of consumer protection through facilitating the development and access to standards and through its various core services which ensure consumers know about the quantity, consistency, purity, strength and quality of goods and services.
The Bureau protects consumers through the verification of weighing and measuring instruments used in trade such as scales, masses, measures and fuel pumps. They are also protected through the testing of Gold Jewellery, PVC Pipes, Concrete Structures and Hollow Blocks.
Meanwhile, under its Product Compliance Programme, GNBS Inspectors monitor seventeen (17) categories of products for labelling and quality requirements. These products include household electrical appliances, cellular phones, gas stoves, electrical equipment and fittings and vehicular tyres.
To further boost consumer confidence, local manufacturers are now being permitted to use the GNBS Approved Made in Guyana Standard Mark and the National Standard Mark on their locally made products, which tells consumers that these products have been tested and comply with the requirements set out in the respective National Standards. This also entices consumers to make wise choices when purchasing.
Consumers need to be able to secure accurate and unbiased information about the goods and services they purchase. This enables them to make the best decisions based on their interests and protects them at the same time.
Over the years, the GNBS has continually reached out to consumers through outreach visits, school lectures and meetings across the country, through radio and television programmes and other initiatives to educate consumers. These awareness opportunities have also helped to garner consumer feedback.
The GNBS maintains its support to other consumer protection bodies – the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) and the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). To celebrate World Consumer Rights this year, GNBS, CCAC and DCA partnered with the Guyana Energy Agency and Guyana Shore Base Inc. to host a World Consumer Rights Day Walk which saw a massive turnout. Additionally, a bumper sticker drive was conducted at the Stabroek Square where bumper stickers with consumer information were affixed to vehicles. This was complemented by a social media live to inform the public of their rights and responsibilities as consumers.
For further information on this subject, contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065 or 219-0064 or visit its website: www.gnbsgy.org
