Compliance certificate by Consumer Affairs to boost quality of service

The Guyana Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) on Tuesday launched its ‘certificate of compliance’ aimed at protecting consumers and boosting the quality of services provided by businesses.

This certification, which will be issued by the CCAC following rigorous inspection, will force businesses to improve their level of services provided to the public.

This certificate offers some guarantees to the consumer that the company they are doing business with has the approval of the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission.

During the launch on Tuesday at Cara Lodge in Georgetown, Vice-Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Ryan Alexander, said that this is a critical step in ramping up the type of services offered to the general public.

Additionally, Board Member of the Commission, Allizen Welsh-Critchlow, in her feature address said that the certificate is an indication of the government’s commitment to consumer protection.

“A supplier, who is certified or compliant, has the competitive edge since the business gains the reputation of treating consumers in the right and fair manner according to the law. This can lead to long-term growth and productivity and profitability for the business,” Welsh-Critchlow said.

According to her, the Consumer Affairs Act (CAA) reflects aspects of internationally recognized rights.

“The right to basic needs, right to safety, right to information, right to choose, right to representation, right to redress, right to consumer education and the right to a healthy environment. These rights correlate to consumers’ responsibilities of staying informed, reading and following instructions, using products and instructions correctly, speaking out against wrongdoing and lawfully purchasing goods and services.”