Consumer group vows to tackle rising costs, boost rights in 2025

The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) has unveiled a plan to combat soaring living costs and bolster consumer protections in 2025.

Executive Director Maureen Holder announced a wide-ranging agenda that includes fair pricing policies, modernised legislation, and sustainability initiatives, aiming to ease the financial burden on Barbadian households.

“The rising cost of essential goods and services continues to impact Barbadians deeply,” she said in a press statement.

“BCEN aims to address this issue by advocating for: fair pricing policies to prevent unnecessary price hikes; request stronger market oversight to combat price gouging and foster competitive practices; offer support for local industries to reduce reliance on expensive imports and provide affordable options for consumers.”

The organisation believes these actions will help mitigate the financial strain on Barbadian households and further improve the quality of life.

In response to what she referred to as an evolving marketplace, Holder noted that BCEN is pushing for significant updates to consumer protection legislation.

These updates include addressing online fraud and data privacy, streamlining complaint mechanisms, and enhancing enforcement powers for the Fair Trading Commission.

“In an ever-evolving marketplace, robust consumer protections are vital,” Holder said. “BCEN will be pushing for legislation updates to address emerging concerns such as online fraud and data privacy, streamlined complaint mechanisms to make it easier for consumers to report issues and seek redress [and] enforcement enhancements to empower regulatory bodies like the Fair Trading Commission to act decisively.”

By modernising these frameworks, BCEN, according to the executive director, aims to ensure consumers are safeguarded across traditional and digital platforms.

Consumer education is another key focus for BCEN in 2025 with the organisation planning to expand awareness campaigns about consumer rights and ethical business practices, enhance digital literacy, and engage youth through education initiatives.

According to Holder: “BCEN believes that equipping Barbadians with knowledge will not only improve individual decision-making but also strengthen the economy.”

BCEN is also advocating for sustainable consumer practices as part of its 2025 agenda.

This includes reducing plastic waste and encouraging businesses to adopt eco-friendly operations.

“We envision a future where environmental stewardship goes hand in hand with consumer rights,” Holder said, emphasising the importance of linking sustainability with consumer empowerment.

Financial barriers are another area BCEN aims to address, with the organisation calling for simplified banking requirements, tailored financial products for vulnerable groups, and enhanced credit literacy to combat predatory lending practices.

“Access to financial services remains a critical issue for many Barbadians. More measures aimed at creating a financial system that works for everyone, especially those who need it most, are needed,” Holder said.

“BCEN remains committed to seeking and demanding that banking requirements are simplified to remove barriers such as excessive AML/Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures.”

She also noted a need for greater support for vulnerable groups through what she described as tailored financial products and services, as well as enhanced credit literacy to “help consumers avoid predatory lending and make informed financial decisions.”

As e-commerce continues to grow, she said that the BCEN is prioritising stronger data privacy laws, transparent pricing practices, and accessible dispute resolution platforms to build trust in the digital economy.

Holder further underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors to achieve these goals, noting: “Consumers are the backbone of our economy. When we empower them, we empower Barbados.

“In 2025, BCEN is calling on all Barbadians—government, businesses, and individuals alike—to join the movement for consumer empowerment. By tackling affordability, enhancing protections, and promoting sustainability, BCEN envisions a future where every consumer’s rights are respected, their voices heard, and their needs met.”