Consumers call for protection as World Consumer Rights Day 2020 is observed.
The consumer movement marks 15th March with World Consumer Rights Day
every year, as a means of raising global awareness about consumer rights and
needs. Celebrating the day is a chance to demand that the rights of all consumers
are respected and protected, and to protest against market abuses and social
injustices which undermine those rights.
Here in Grenada, The Grenadian Organisation for Consumer Affairs (GrenOCA)
stands in solidarity with consumers everywhere and especially those who are
experiencing market abuses and social injustices.
GrenOCA is concerned about recent developments within the electricity sector,
where consumers can be considered to be caught in the middle of ‘fight’ between
the Government and the present majority shareholder at Grenlec. The consumer
therefore is not protected and can be severely affected. GrenOCA demands that the
rights of consumers be respected and protected.
As we join with the international community for the observance of WCRD 2020
with the theme “sustainable consumer”, we also call on consumers as a bloc or
body of people to ensure that sustainability be included in national development.
GrenOCA believes that consumer awareness and education are the pillars for
consumer protection.
During the past year we have received several complaints from consumers ranging
from expired goods to very poor levels and qualities of customer services. The
need to bring into force the Consumer Protection Act (2017) is more than
important to consumers here in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
It is with a great sense of relief to consumer advocates – here and in the region – to
the intention of Government to do so by July 2020. No doubt, with a Consumer Protection legislation into force, consumers’ confidence rises, knowing there can
now be redress from many of the injustices being experienced.
According to Consumers International (CI), millions are already feeling the effects
of climate change. Consumers have a vital role to play. Firstly, through their
purchasing power – a global study found that 66% of consumers say they’re
willing to pay more for sustainable brands (a figure that rises to 73% for
Millennials). But also, through their ability to push for system change in supply
chains or changes in regulation. Consumers are already making changes to their
lifestyle to be more sustainable – recycling, reducing food waste and avoiding
unsustainable products, and they can make a bigger impact with further support
from businesses and governments.
CI also noted that a recent survey found 37% don’t know how they can help tackle
climate change and 59% feel they do not get enough support from governments,
and 51% from business.
Governments and businesses must also act to give consumers the information,
choice and the infrastructure they need to live more sustainable lives. Consumers
are critical to the success of any transition to more sustainable consumption but
they cannot do it alone.
World Consumer Rights Day was inspired by President John F Kennedy, who sent
a special message to the US Congress on 15th March 1962, in which he formally
addressed the issue of consumer rights. He was the first world leader to do so. The
consumer movement first marked that date in 1983 and now uses the day every
year to mobilise action on important issues and campaigns.
