GUYANA’S growing economy has created opportunities for many to open businesses and supply much-needed goods and services to the populace.

Government has also laid the groundwork for the ease in doing business here and for many in this sector to expand their operations without any hassle or unnecessary roadblocks.

However, some newcomers and long-standing members of the business community may have deliberately forgotten that there exists laws to protect the consuming public which are enforced by several entities.

One of them is the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) which is an arm of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

This entity has been quite active in 2023 having had to deal with consumer grievances to the tune of $481.3 million. The figures for 2021 and 2022 are $157 million and $107 million respectively. These, combined with the 2023 figure, reflect a shocking story and should be of grave concern to all.

These figures send a clear message to businesses that consumers are aware of their rights and are utilising the appropriate channels to seek redress against duplicitous persons who seek to rob them of their hard earned money.

In fact, CCAC which has clearly made an impact through its countrywide public awareness sessions, has taken noted of the 84 per cent surge in the value of the complaints made. Further, for 2023, there was a total of 492 complaints which represents a 20 per cent increase over the number last year.

As expected, the highest number of complaints came from Region Four and the auto industry accounted for the highest value of complaints to the value of $280,399,901.

The law provides for this entity to investigate the complaints of aggrieved consumers and lobby on their behalf with a view of seeking a satisfactory resolution which may include advocating for appropriate action if there was a contravention of the law.

Throughout 2023, the CCAC utilised social media to educate the public about their rights when it comes to refunds, exchanges and contracts with businesses.

Based on the daily rantings, the 492 complaints made last year might just be a fraction of the consumers who have been left disappointed and angry with their purchases or the services provided to them.

Disgruntles consumers also have the option of seeking redress at the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) which ensures that standards are enforced to protect consumers against poor quality products and services and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) which handles complaints coming out of the electricity, telecommunications, water and sewerage sectors. The PUC deals with hundreds of complaints each year and awards millions of dollars in credit to consumers annually.

While it may take time for complaints to be investigated and brought to finality, it must not escape our attention that many have gotten relief.

Businesses and services providers must be held accountable for their wrongdoings. Further, no effort should be spared to ensure that consumers are treated fairly at all times as they are integral to the survival of many businesses and the country’s continuous growth.