Government moves to protect consumers as the world observes consumer rights

Thursday, March 11, 2010 – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Consumer Affairs, in observing World Consumer Rights day, has been hosting a week-long series of activities to raise the awareness of critical issues confronting local consumers and the global consumer movement.

Minister for Consumer Affairs, Senator the Honourable Tessa Mangal says the government of Saint Lucia is playing its part to purposefully protect and promote the welfare of consumers.

By signing the regional and international declarations such as the EU CONTONOU Agreement and the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the Government is duty-bound to execute its mandate by implementing consumer protection measures at the national level.

“The Theme for this year's World Consumer Rights Day—“OUR MONEY, OUR RIGHTS”--highlights the central and critical role of consumer protection in the modern context. As our country and the world experience economic slowdown against the background of liberalized markets, consumers are getting more conscious of getting value for money. Consumers are demanding quality at a competitive price and it is no longer possible for suppliers to take buyers for granted.”

As part of activities to mark Consumer Rights Day, the Ministry of Commerce partnered with the National Consumer's Association, on Thursday March 11, to facilitate a forum for secondary school students on the current global financial crisis.

President of the National Consumer Association Hubert James has called on the youth to keep abreast with the latest trends in the financial sector in order that they become responsible consumers in the future.

“You are young people, you will take loans, you will buy insurance; in fact, you have insurances that have been purchased for you by your school in case of emergencies. Against that reality, you must find out the value of the insurance and other relevant details. So, information is something that you need to have. You need to be informed and educated.”

World Consumer Rights Day will be observed this year on Monday, March 15, 2010.

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