New consumer body launched

As Barbadians cry out about the rising cost of living, a new advocacy group has joined the fight to ensure that consumer rights are protected.

The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) was launched on Thursday, at the Bagnall’s Point Gallery, Pelican Village, St Michael, where Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Business Development, Sandra Husbands, announced that the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs of the Ministry of Energy and Business, is proposing the development of Barbados’ first Consumer Agenda for the period 2022 to 2030.

BCEN’s Interim Executive Director Maureen Holder said the organisation was formed in the midst of repeated calls from Barbadians for a strong consumer advocacy body to represent their interests.

She said BCEN, which she made clear is not a political organisation, will not operate as a self interest club, but will strive to be as broad-based and inclusive as possible.

“The real important work now has to start. Some consumer organisations came before us and some will come after us. We do not know what the future holds, but we at BCEN hope to fulfill our obligation to the consumers of Barbados. We have a long way to go and real hard work is ahead of us,” Holder said.

The former radio show host noted that the inequalities of consumer affairs are often as a result of the complex relationship between economics, political, social and cultural factors. She said some of these factors could possibly be mitigated through integrated  policies.

“It may mean revising and removing ineffective policies that do little for consumers. It may mean replacing archaic legislation with new legislation, as well as instilling cultural changes in consumer habits, attitudes and behaviour. These measures could assist with rebalancing the relationship between consumers and suppliers in the marketplace,” Holder said.

The Executive Director added that there is a need for consumers in Barbados to know that they have the capability to provoke the types of structural changes that could lead to improved and more equitable circumstances in the marketplace.

Holder is calling on all interested persons, 18 years and older who want to make a difference in the area of consumer affairs in the country, to become members of BCEN.

Meanwhile, Minister Husbands outlined that the consumer agenda would be uniquely designed to ensure that consumers and businesses are well informed to safe guard consumer rights and interests, especially among vulnerable groups.

She also indicated that the agenda seeks to harmonise and modernise consumer protection legislation.

According to her, it is also intended to “encourage and promote the development of independent consumer advocacy bodies; to initiate and foster collaboration between consumer protection agencies and to encourage the use of standards and codes of practice to strengthen consumer protection to create economic efficiency” she said.

The agenda will also seek to enhance the regularity practices and intervention methods of enforcement officers and assist in Barbados’ economic recovery by strengthening market operation practices of businesses.

Minister Husbands also indicated that along with protecting consumer interests, modern-day consumer advocacy groups, such as the BCEN, will be tasked with educating consumers on their rights and responsibilities.

“Moreover, BCEN and other advocacy groups are to seek to empower consumers with the capabilities to make the best choices. New consumer protection mechanism will be heavily-dependent and influenced by consumer advocacy groups. These organisations will be expected to work assiduously with Government in consumer policy development,” Husbands said.