THE anticipated enshrining of the “Consumer Affairs Bill” is most heartening. It is necessary and will prove a vital recourse to the ensuring of a proper and legal business culture in Guyana. For too long this aspect of Guyanese life has been neglected, so one has to thank the relevant authorities for such a timely move.
For starters (even though the education aspect will unfold), one must be cognisant of the fact that the Consumer Affairs Bill 2011 fully provides for the promotion and protection of consumers’ interests in relation to the supply of goods and services. This is no matter to be taken lightly. It means that government is undertaking the responsibility of making sure that ‘business be done right’ and this in all areas.
One has to deal with the actual products. Too many times, items are either ‘expired’ or ‘sub-standard.’ Guyanese know that they have been ‘short changed’ for just too long, and that things have been allowed to slide ‘for ever.’ Thus this Bill aims at arresting this decline, and changing ‘business culture.’
Another facet to the Bill is that of actual ‘service.’ Recently, a spate of letters decried the lamentable attitudes that prevail in this sector. Random price hikes, over-loading, jostling, discrimination etc.  So all this should soon change.
Of great news to all Guyanese is the fact that the issue of hire purchase would be catered for in the proposed legislation. Currently, many business entities are ruthless, exploiting the vulnerability of Guyana’s working class citizens. Many times, patrons will lose both money and product because of a ‘no recourse’ situation in their business deals.