World Consumer Rights Day
Today, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce joins with all Guyanese and consumers worldwide to observe World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), an annual occasion for celebration and solidarity within the international consumer movement. More importantly, it is a time for promoting the basic rights of consumers; for demanding that those rights be respected and protected; and for protesting the market abuse and social injustice which undermine them.
While last year’s theme was ‘Our Money, Our Rights’, Consumer International has decided to go a step further with this year’s theme focusing specifically on “Consumers for Fair Financial Services”.
This will put the spotlight on consumer issues in the financial sector, as it has been concluded that many consumers are victims of unfair and unethical practices by providers of financial services.
These practices range from hidden charges to irresponsible marketing practices.
Given the significant impact of financial services on consumers’ lives, it is of critical importance that consumers make well-informed decisions and feel confident that they are adequately protected.
Consumers at some point in time will experience poor quality or even unscrupulous practices from businesses or commercial organisations in general. 
Knowing their rights in any given situation will help the consumer to deal with misinformed business or commercial organisations.  This will enable receipt of satisfaction and quality that one is entitled to, in exchange for handing over hard-earned money.
Consumers, whether big or small should be compensated for products or services that are of substandard quality, and should at all times demand this right.
Consumers have been getting a bad deal on financial services for far too long, and in 2010 Consumers International was able to convince the G20 leaders to explore options for enhancing consumer protection in financial services, hence a report on this matter will be prepared and delivered to the next G20 summit in 2011.
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has been protecting and educating consumers through our Consumer Affairs Division. 
This division is primarily responsible for seeking redress and providing protection for Guyanese consumers through legislation, public education, and mediation.  Officers within this division are tasked with ensuring that consumers are given a fair deal when acquiring goods and services. 
The complexities of financial products have made it difficult for consumers to compare and clearly understand what each institution has to offer.  Therefore, during the course of this year, the Consumer Affairs Division will dedicate all energies towards a programme designed to promote financial education, to raise the awareness levels of consumers, and to equip them to make better informed choices.
A variety of activities has been planned in keeping with this year’s theme to ensure that the Guyanese people know their rights as consumers. 
One of our main activities in observance of World Consumer Rights Day this year, will be the hosting of a Student Workshop, targeting the young minds of our great nation. 
The objective of this workshop is to sensitise our youths of their rights and responsibilities as it relates to this year’s theme.
The intended rationale here is to target potential consumers from now, so as they get older, they will be more familiar with consumer issues, and be more equipped to handle different situations.
As we observe World Consumer Rights Day, I wish to commend the consumer organisations and those civic bodies which have been actively advocating and working for consumer rights and also to urge closer co-operation so that together, we can continue to educate and protect the rights of our consumers.
My Fellow Guyanese, March 15 provides us with yet another opportunity to illustrate to consumers, the commitment that this Government demonstrates when striving for consumer protection.
We urge all consumers to demand value for money and for all financial institutions to exercise good consumer practices.