Getting Consumer Protection right in the OECS!

Consumers in the Eastern Caribbean can rest assured that their rights in the physical and digital world are being protected. 35 consumer affairs professionals will be trained over a two-week period in January on "The New Era of Consumer Protection 2019 and Beyond". This short course is a collaboration between the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and the University of the West Indies Centre for Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (UWI - CPDLL) as part of the OECS - EU RIGHT Programme.   

The rise of digital transactions has changed the consumer protection landscape. There has been a shift from a traditional consumer protection sphere (physical goods and services) to consumers needing protection in the digital sphere. Public sector officials and officials from consumer affairs organisations will have the opportunity to develop their expertise on current and emerging consumer trends and improve their capacity to address the legal and policy frameworks, consumer empowerment, business guidance, enforcement of laws and issue redress. 

Director General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules, reiterated the organisation's commitment to protecting consumers in the region.

"All of our experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic and our vulnerability to natural disasters have highlighted the need to move in a more decisive way to adopt new technologies and new approaches to consumer protection. This means that consumers will have better representation and new trends in consumer protection can be addressed swiftly and effectively."

The course will provide OECS professionals with the necessary tools to uphold their legal obligations to protect the rights of consumers and enable them to effectively monitor, investigate and address consumer issues within their respective Member States. 

Interim Executive Director and CEO of the Sagicor Cave Hill School Business and Management, Head Department of Management Studies, and Head of the Centre for Professional Development and Lifelong Learning  at the University of the West Indies, Dr. Dion Greenidge emphasised that consumer protection is the cornerstone to pivoting to a more competitive business environment. 

“Consumer protection laws are an important part of a reliable market economy. Consumer protection policies, laws and regulations help increase consumer welfare by ensuring that businesses can be held accountable. This course will offer OECS professionals insight into the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure that consumer protection contributes to the development of dynamic and effective markets for businesses. Moreover, consumer demand drives innovation and economic development as businesses are required to maintain fair prices and good quality of their products and services. Therefore, consumer protection laws enable companies to enhance their profitability, competitiveness and sustainability.”

The course began on Monday January 17, 2022 and will run until Friday January 28, 2022. Participants are registered from the OECS Protocol Member States namely: Antigua and Barbuda; the Commonwealth of Dominica; Grenada; Montserrat; St. Kitts and Nevis and; Saint Lucia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

Editor’s Note

About the OECS

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is an international inter-governmental organisation dedicated to regional integration in the Eastern Caribbean.  The vision of the organisation for 2020-2024 is "A better quality of life for the people of the OECS" and has as its Mission Statement: "To drive and support sustainable development through regional integration. collective action and development cooperation".

About the OECS - EU RIGHT Programme

The OECS - EU Regional Integration through Growth, Harmonisation and Technology (RIGHT) Programme aims to accelerate regional integration in the Eastern Caribbean. It is funded through the European Union’s 11th Economic Development Fund. One component of this programme aims to improve the consumer experience, maintain standards in the OECS business community and encourage the business community to engage in fair and competitive business practices. 

About UWI - CPDLL

The Centre for Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (CPDLL) is an open-enrollment facility that is exclusively devoted to the provision of professional development and lifelong learning opportunities. Housed in the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, CPDLL is aimed at aligning the expertise of some of the most qualified regional and international academics and professionals with the needs of its stakeholders.