Georgetown – Subsequent to an announcement by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) of a proposal to ban the importation of used tyres into Guyana, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad has assured that no such action will be taken.
The Minister stated that contrary to reports emanating from the GNBS, there is no evidence that used tyres are the cause of road accidents.
He noted that the Ministry has received numerous complaints from private individuals and the various Mini-bus Associations expressing concerns with the recent statements by the GNBS to ban the importation of used tyres.
The Minister said that importers of tyres have been lobbying for a ban on the importation of used tyres, while importers of used tyres are claiming that they provide a much needed service.
The Minister stated that there is concern at all ends, including from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which is concerned with the dumping of used tyres from Europe and North America into countries like Guyana, but restated that he is unaware of any accidents caused as a result of using them.
The GNBS in recent statements to the media noted that used tyres are one of the primary causes of road accidents, hence its proposal of a ban on its importation.
The agency also called on the Guyana Police Force’s traffic department to ensure that tyres are meeting the necessary requirements for road use.
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