News

World Consumer Rights Day - March 15th, is an annual occasion and observation for celebration and solidarity within the international consumer movement. The day is dedicated to highlighting the power of consumers and their rights for a fair, safe and sustainable marketplace for everyone. It is seen as a global opportunity to raise awareness of consumer rights, consumer protection and empowerment.

The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines joined with the rest of the international Community in celebrating World Consumer Rights Day on 15th March, 2022, under the theme “Fair Digital Finance”. In this regard, the Hon. Frederick Stephenson, Minister of the Public Service, Consumer Affairs and Sports delivered an address to the nation to mark the day.

Additionally, the Department of Consumer Affairs and Internal Trade in the Ministry of the Public Service, Consumer Affairs and Sports hosted a mini exhibition in collaboration with various partner Ministries/Departments/Agencies, namely - Customs and Excise Department, and the Information Technology and Services Division (ITSD) in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning; SVG Bureau of Standards under the Ministry of Agriculture, etc; Public Health Department and the Health Information Unit in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment; SVG Postal Corporation under the Ministry of the Public Service, Consumer Affairs and Sports; and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) under the theme “Empowering Consumers for Sustainable Consumption”.

The exhibition was held at the car park next to the Ministerial Building/Post Office Building from 10:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m and highlighted what the Government, through the Ministries/Department/Agencies, is doing to empower consumers for sustainable consumption; and provided valuable information and guidance to aid in better consumer decision making.

The opportunity was seized to remind consumers and the business community of the Consumer Protection Act No.12 of 2020, which, while awaiting Proclamation, promises to shape and reshape the architecture of how both the consumers and business community operate and conduct business.

SOURCE: Consumer Affairs and Internal Trade