From defective phones to home appliances, the Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) has been addressing complaints from consumers about electronic items they buy.
For 2021, the Commission recorded a marginal increase in the number of complaints against the electronics industry, according to Director General Anil Sukhdeo.
He said the Commission resolved 77.7% of the complaints for items with a total value of over $164 million.
Among the leading category of electronic complaints were defective cellphones sold without warranty along with suppliers being resistant to provide compensation.
For last year, Sukhdeo said that the CCAC received more than 500 complaints – with the highest emerging from issues with electronic devices.
And that came as no surprise to the Commission. Sukhdeo cited the high demand for electronic devices especially since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged.
The CCAC aims to ensure that consumers are protected whilst providing a legal framework for businesses to operate. These principles and the operation of the CCAC are guided by the Competition and Fair-Trading Act 2006 (CFTA) and the Consumer Affairs Act 2011 (CAA).
In that regard, Sukdeo stated that the Commission follows the principle of “fair justice” when addressing complaints. He explained that a thorough investigation is conducted with engagements between both parties. If the need arises, the Commission would invite an independent analyst to address the complaints.
He explained as well that usually the complaints end in compensation to the aggrieved consumer but the CCAC can request a tribunal if the issue cannot be resolved in an amicable manner.
And now, for 2022, the Director General stated that CCAC will be ramping up inspections to ensure that businesses across the country are in strict compliance with the Act.
“So it will be us going out there, educating the suppliers about the Act and also educating consumers more about what their rights and responsibilities are as consumers,” he stated.
If you would like to file a complaint with the Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission, you can call them on 219-4410, visit their website, ccac.gov.gy and fill up the complaint form electronically or visit the commission’s office at the National Exhibition Site, Sophia, Georgetown.
