Ms. Althea Matthews, Director, Licensing Certification and Enforcement at The Trade Board Limited (2nd left); Ms. Christina DuHarris, Manager, Licensing at The Trade Board Limited (2nd right); Mrs. Shari Ramsay-Patrick, Acting Customer Service Manager at The Trade Board Limited (1st right); Ms. Nickeisha Drummond, Training & Implementation Support Specialist for JSWIFT at the Jamaica Customs Agency (1st left); and Mr. Richard Rowe, Director of Western Region at the Consumer Affairs Commission (centre) share lens at the Best Practices for Motor Vehicle Importation Webinar held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
Kingston, Jamaica: The Trade Board Limited, an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce, is issuing a call to action for consumers to become more aware of their rights. This pronouncement was made by Mr. Richard Rowe, Director of the Western Region of the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) in an electrifying presentation at the recently concluded, “Best Practices for Motor Vehicle Importation Webinar”, held in partnership with the CAC and the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA).
Mr. Rowe echoed that, “the consumer is the largest economic group and plays a vital role in any market economy. When empowered, consumers can improve economic performance by helping to drive competition and business innovation. However, this is not necessarily the case in Jamaica.”
In addition, Mr. Rowe revealed that “over the past three years, the Consumer Affairs Commission successfully secured $131,112,509.00 in refunds and compensation for consumers, a significant portion of which came from the motor vehicle sector. The Commission has handled 4,390 complaints and successfully resolved 3,532, achieving a resolution rate of 80.45%.”
He also noted that “consumers should be aware of their rights and responsibilities when importing vehicles to ensure that they receive a product that meets Jamaican standards. Empowered and informed consumers help drive improvements in service delivery and compliance within the industry.” He further stated that, "our role is to ensure that consumers and importers are informed and empowered to make decisions that protect their investments and their rights."
As global trade continues to grow, it is more important than ever for consumers to understand their rights and responsibilities when importing motor vehicles. These rights include transparency in pricing, protection against faulty goods, and access to information about the vehicle’s history and condition before purchase.
Mr. Rowe expounded on the eight basic rights of consumers when purchasing used motor vehicles, with a particular emphasis on the rights to choose the importer, information on the model year, delivery of roadworthy vehicles and clear avenues for redress.
“When you make a purchase and there is a problem, you should go back to the vendor. The vendor should do one of three things - repair the item under the terms and conditions of warranty, replace the vehicle with one of similar value or offer a full refund,” he explained.
The Director of Western Region at the CAC further outlined that, “under the Consumer Protection Act of 2005, consumers are entitled to a full redress, regardless of whether or not the vendor has a no refund policy. This Act supersedes any company policy by making provisions for the consumer who is entitled to a repair of the item, replacement of the item or a full refund.”
In affirming the significant burden of responsibility that is tied to one’s rights, Mr. Rowe urged the online audience to be aware of their responsibilities and resign themselves from disinterest and take action.
He contended that “we have a cyaaa badda yaaah attitude, we spend J$500,000.00 and wi cyaaa badda, wi spend 5 million Jamaican dollars and wi cyaaa badda and I have to wonder how much do we need to spend to bother.”
As part of its commitment to ensuring consumer protection, the Consumer Affairs Commission engages in robust public education programmes to raise awareness about consumer rights.
Consumers are encouraged to download the CAC Mobile App for updated consumer information or to lodge a complaint. Other mechanisms to lodge complaints include the “File A Complaint” section of the CAC website: www.cac.gov.jm or via telephone at (876) 619 - 4222. | 