The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) yesterday said that it has been taking steps to allay the concerns of businesses in the vicinity of the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC), Lombard Street, where its container scanner is located.
The GRA in a press release said that it wished to formally apologise to all those inconvenienced and is presently in discussion with its sister agencies to resolve all concerns expeditiously, while at the same time meeting its mandate and obligations with international maritime agreements and trade.
In addition to using wardens to relieve traffic congestion, the GRA’s staff at the scanning facility will be on site for as long as is necessary and a booking system will also be introduced to complete scanning of containers, thereby lending to some immediate relief.
The GRA in the statement also assured the general public that the radiation levels of the present “NUCTECH MT1213LT” scanner are well in conformity with the standards recommended by international organisations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Additionally, the components and shielding facilities of the scanner, and the system boundaries allow for the maximum dose of less than 2.5uSv/h within those boundaries.
Radiation dose devices will be in place to allow for constant monitoring. Moreover, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be actively involved to ensure that the said levels are and remain safe. This means that the present site is therefore appropriate for scanning with no immediate threat to the health and safety of persons living and traversing in the area.
