As part of the scheduled activities for World Consumer Rights Day 2010 (WCRD), the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Consumer Affairs Division, visited Lethem in Region 9 to promote this year’s theme “Our Money Our Rights” as it relates to financial services. This year’s theme highlights consumer issues in relation to financial services, since many consumers have little or no access to financial services.
The visiting team consisting of members of the division and a representative of the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) had an interactive session with the Third, Fourth and Fifth Form students of St. Ignatius Secondary School.
The Director of Information Services GNBS, Evadne Benfield, gave a 20 minute presentation on the structure and details of the GNBS. During her presentation, Benfield gave the students much needed advice.
The Director of Consumer Affairs, Cheryl Tinnis, gave an informative presentation on the inner working of the division.
After the informative presentations, simple questions were asked to determine whether the students understood the information presented. Those students who answered the questions correctly were given prizes.
The students were also engaged in an impromptu speech competition. The participating students were asked to select topics based on the information presented by Benfield and Tinnis. The speeches lasted for three minutes.
Four students participated in the competition, with the winner receiving a trophy and the other students medals.
In observance of World Consumer Rights Day, the Ministry of Tourism embarked on a financial education programme for consumers.  This programme was intended to raise awareness among consumers, so that they can be better equipped to make informed, considered and rational choices in financial services.
The Ministry’s Consumer Affairs Division has been actively involved in supporting and promoting consumer rights in all sectors nationally. Consumer International has also been motivating member states to focus on consumers having access to stable, secure and fair financial services. (GINA)