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GNBS stands its ground in cellular phone issue

Sep 12, 2012 Letters

Dear Sir,
With reference to the article published on September 11, 2012 in the Kaieteur Newspapers captioned “BUSINESSMAN FEELS HARASSED BY GNBS”, the Guyana National Bureau Standards (GNBS) categorically refutes the spurious claims of harassment made by Mr. Sarjoo, proprietor of Isaacs Computer Electronics since the factsdiffer from what actually transpired. The mandate of the GNBS is to ensure that commodities imported and offered for sale are in compliance with established National Standards and not to harass stakeholders.
Regarding the consumer complaint referred to in the Kaieteur News article, it should be noted that the complainant purchased a cellular phone valued $80,000 from Isaaacs Investments which is owned and operated by Mr. Sarjoo. After two days it was discovered that the phone became defective.
On investigation by the GNBS and an independent, certified company, it was discovered that the phone had a manufacturer’s defect and Mr. Sarjoo had agreed to exchange the phone for a new phone. However, upon examination of similar phones offered for sale at Isaaacs Investments it was discovered that these phones were refurbished and not new. This was verified by an independent certified technician in the presence of Mr. Sarjoo’s technician.
Recognising the phones were refurbished; the company was informed and advised to label same asrefurbished.
The GNBS wishes to state that on Friday, September 7, 2012 Inspectors of the GNBS visited Mr. Sarjoo’s business premises in the company of three police officers since he previously obstructed GNBS Inspectors from entering his premisesand executing their duties. The presence of the police officers was merely to allow GNBS Inspectors to carry out their functions as is mandated by the GNBS Standards Act.
In addition, it should be noted that the GNBS Inspectors are not required to obtain a Court order, since section 31of the GNBS Act makes provision and empowers Inspectors to enter any business premises, conduct inspection, take samples etc.
Further, as a result of the actions taken by the GNBS to place the refurbished phones on hold due to the absence of relevant labels, a meeting was subsequently convened by the Director of the GNBS with Mr. Sarjoo and it was agreed that he would contact his suppliers to determine whether the phones sold to him are New or Refurbished and he had agreed to addressed non-conformities highlighted by the GNBS in an effort to obtain a permit to sell cellular phones. Also, Mr. Sarjoo had promised to give the complainant a new cellular phone which would be verified by the GNBS before it was given to the complainant.
To date he has not kept his side of the agreement and he was the one who proceeded to make threats about his lawyer and the power that he has. He was the one who also called the GNBS and verbally abused the inspector. Please note that the GNBS will not be intimidated from fairly and legitimately executing its functions by the likes of Mr. Sarjoo or others like him.
We also wish to caution the media that they should not be taken in by unscrupulous businessmen who set out to defraud consumers.
In conclusion, the GNBS wishes to inform the public that Mr. Sarjoo was not issued with a permit to sell cellular phones, hence, the phones sold at this outlet have been placed On Hold pending the affixing of the correct labels to guide consumers accordingly.
Evadnie Enniss

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