Consumer Protection And Satisfaction A Government Priority

Minister with responsibility for Consumer Affairs, Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas, is reassuring consumers on St. Kitts and Nevis of the high priority his government is placing on their satisfaction. He also revealed that every effort is being taken to highlight the impact non-existent mechanisms for consumer protection has on society.

Dr. Douglas, the Minister for Economic Development, International Trade, Investment, Industry and Commerce, admitted that St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as the rest of the world, continues to struggle with food scarcity and high pricing of goods and services because of the fallout from the pandemic and the Russia/ Ukraine War. He intimated that consumers are continuously seeking redress under the remit of consumer rights and protection from the financial implications.

The Minister with responsibility for Consumer Affairs gave the assurance that his government is being proactive to address high costs of goods and services and the ramifications on citizens. He revealed that his government will proceed with the re-introduction of the CARICOM Consumer Protection Bill, through a first reading in Parliament.

This, he indicated, will signal the start of national consultative discussions along with movement toward the Bill being adopted for 2023. Dr. Douglas stated that it is time for St. Kitts and Nevis to have greater legislative scope for the issuance of citations for infractions.

Senior Minister Douglas was at the time giving a national address ahead of World Consumer Rights Day, March 15. Several activities, inclusive of a school quiz and the launch of a consumer awareness programme for children, are taking place, over this week, to commemorate the day.