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CAC Secures $22.6 Million in Refunds for Consumers

April 15, 2010

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The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) has secured some $22.6 million in refunds and compensation for customers between April 2009 and March 2010.
Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Karl Samuda, speaking at a recent press briefing at his Ministry’s New Kingston offices, commended the Commission, stating that the level of compensation “gives an idea of the tremendous amount of work that is being done by that agency.”
According to figures released by the Ministry, the CAC handled some 2,138 complaints over the period, 1,834 or 86 per cent of which were resolved.
A total of 49,891 persons were impacted by the Commission’s consumer education programme, and the agency continues to conduct surveys to provide updated information on market prices. During the period, the CAC carried out 79 surveys involving grocery, petrol, hardware, textbook and bank charges.
Meanwhile, the CAC continues to urge shoppers to take a closer look at the prices on items, and to be vigilant in making purchases.
“During this time, we are asking consumers to be even more vigilant than you were before. We ask that you shop around before you actually make your purchase and compare prices,” Chief Executive Officer of the CAC, Mrs. Dolsie Allen told JIS News.
She noted that the agency has been providing the public with information on basic food items “and to let you know where the cheaper prices are in terms of basic food items, in the markets and so on.”
Mrs. Allen implored consumers to arm themselves with information about their rights, and to ask about the return policy of the establishment where they shop.
She is also encouraging shoppers to ensure that they collect receipts when they make purchases. “There are times when persons will say ‘I won’t charge GCT if you don’t collect the receipt and you may think that you are getting a bargain by not paying (GCT) (but) this is illegal. If something happens and you don’t have a receipt, it may be more challenging for you to get redress,” she pointed out.

Last Updated: August 16, 2013

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