St. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC -Grenada marked World Consumer Rights Day on Friday by opening an office dedicated to consumers who are aggrieved over or about poor-quality goods and services from companies or sole traders on the island.
Consumer Affairs Minister Claudette Joseph said the COVID-19 pandemic was among the many challenges the government faced after the legislation was approved in 2018.
“The lack of appropriate accommodation, the absence of a director of consumer affairs, and inadequate staff were among the issues that the government faced in the period. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges,” Joseph said during a ceremony to commission the opening of the office.
World Consumer Rights Day is being observed under the theme “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers.”
“Today is an extraordinary day for the government and people of Grenada. In launching this consumer affairs office, we have achieved a historic milestone and turned a corner in how buyers and sellers of goods and services in Grenada interact with each other going forward,” Joseph said.
“This launch of the consumer affairs office is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers across our nation and our dedication and our dedication to empowering consumers by providing them with a platform to voice their concerns and to seek redress for any grievances they may encounter,” she added.
The government said that Mrs Merlyn Horsford-Williams, a former senior executive of Digicel Grenada, will be the Director of Consumers Affairs.
Meanwhile, the St. Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has congratulated Grenada on the initiative, noting that consumers on the island will now have access to a full-service website, which was also launched on Friday.
“This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in Grenada’s commitment to championing consumer rights and ensuring fair and equitable treatment. It also highlights Grenada’s dedication to serving the needs and interests of consumers. This is commendable as it sets a shining example for the remaining Member States of the region to follow,” said OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules.
“Let this new Consumer Affairs Office become a beacon of support, guidance, and advocacy for consumers for the Grenadian people,” he said, adding, “It is a reminder of the fundamental importance of consumer protection and empowerment and highlights the rights of consumers to safe products, fair treatment, accurate information, and the ability to make informed choices.”
The OECS Commission said it was also taking the opportunity to join consumers in the rest of the subregional grouping in reaffirming its commitment to championing consumer rights by recognizing the pivotal role that informed and empowered consumers play in fostering a fair and competitive marketplace.
“Through information/communication technology solutions, advocacy, education, policy, and legislative initiatives, the OECS Commission strives to empower consumers to make confident decisions and hold businesses accountable for ethical and responsible practices,” it added.
It said that the theme for the global observance underscores the importance of ensuring that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies used in consumer-facing applications adhere to principles of fairness, transparency, accountability, and ethical use.
“The OECS Commission stands in solidarity with consumer organizations, advocates, and policymakers worldwide in advancing this critical agenda.
“The Commission also encourages consumers to stay informed about their rights, report unfair practices, and actively advocate for positive change. By working together, citizens can build a more equitable and consumer-friendly world.”
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