A multi-agency task force comprising the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), and the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Department (OSH) has convened three meetings to investigate recent incidents involving cooking gas cylinders.
In their most recent session, the group reviewed interim reports from the various agencies and agreed to extend the investigation to include more in-depth assessments at both the retailer and consumer levels. Key areas of focus include the transportation, storage, and usage of the cylinders. Each incident will be investigated separately to determine the likely causes, with the aim of implementing preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
The GNBS and CCAC, in line with their mandates, will spearhead the next phase of the investigation, with ongoing support from the GFS, EPA, GEA, and OSH.
In recognition of the critical need for public awareness, the agencies have stressed the importance of educating the public on the safe handling, transportation, storage, installation, and usage of cooking gas cylinders. Efforts to increase awareness through targeted information campaigns will continue, aimed at engaging all relevant stakeholders across the country.
Authorities remain committed to addressing safety concerns and ensuring that similar incidents do not recur.
