May 20, 2016: The Consumer Affairs Division (CAD) has embarked on an extensive education drive to ensure that consumers are aware of their rights and responsibilities. Given that we live in a free market economy, and a world driven by consumers, the power is yours to make educated choices.
The first quarter of 2016 saw the resolution of complaints (at a value of $893,233.92) on behalf of consumers, by CAD. A total of one hundred and ninety-two (192) complaints were received during the period January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016, with fifty-seven (57) being closed as at March 31, 2016. Of the one hundred and ninety-two (192) complaints, one hundred and one (101) were reported at the Port of Spain office, fifty-two (52) at the San Fernando office, fifteen (15) at the Arima office, eleven (11) at Couva office, seven (7) at the Penal office, five (5) Point Fortin office and one complaint was reported via email. Compared with the previous year, January – March 2015, there was a decrease of 14.3% in reported complaints.
The category with the most complaints for the first quarter of 2016 was Category D– Electronic Equipment with fifty-nine (59) complaints of the total. This was followed by Category B – Major Appliances with forty five (45) of the total number of complaints. Other categories with a significant number of complaints were Category J – Construction & Hardware, with eighteen (18) complaints and Category A – Motor Vehicles and Accessorieswith thirteen (13) complaints.
The Division also received and treated with a total of six hundred and seventy-eight (678) enquiries for the period.
As we seek to continue providing redress where redress is due for the consumers of Trinidad, we continue on our drive to educate you, the consumers to make informed purchases.
We invite you to reach out to the Division and request a visit, to be educated about your rights and responsibilities. Contact us at 800-477, Facebook keywords consumeraffairstt or email us atconsumeraffairstt@gov.tt
