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Consumers Urged To Know Their Rights & Read Fine Print

Know your rights! This is the strong message from Acting Public Counsel in the Office of Public Counsel, Douglas Frederick, to consumers and the general public.

During an interview with the Barbados Government Information Service, Mr. Frederick said: “My message to consumers and the public in general is to know your rights, and do not sign away your rights. Do not give up your rights; read the contracts that are placed before you; read the fine print and read those purported waivers that are being put to you by suppliers.

“Read them! It takes time, but consider them and read them because in most cases, people try to hold you to those things that you have signed, even if there are unfair terms, they try to hold you to them.”

The Office of Public Counsel administers the Consumer Guarantees Act, which came into effect on January 16, 2003. This Act provides consumers with adequate protection when they purchase goods and use services for personal, domestic, or household use, or consumption.

If a product is defective, or a service is not provided with reasonable care and skill, the Office of Public Counsel represents the consumer by reaching out to the supplier, so as to hear his or her side, and then mediating, in an effort to reach a resolution that would benefit both parties.

“My message to consumers and the public in general is to know your rights, and do not sign away your rights. Do not give up your rights; read the contracts that are placed before you; read the fine print and read those purported waivers that are being put to you by suppliers.”Acting Public Counsel

The Acting Public Counsel, who has been in that post for the past six months, identified defective major appliances and electronic devices as the main complaints of consumers.

“Almost everybody in Barbados has a cell phone, and, or some electronic device, and we have found that…there have been an increase in those types of complaints…. People normally buy appliances on hire purchase, and if you look at the cash price and the hire purchase price, you will see a serious differential. So, people are spending their hard-earned money, and expect that these products will last, at least for some reasonable time without any defect, and give them good service.

“So, we have found that major appliances and electronic devices are our main problems that people highlight to us. Also vehicles, but we have certain restrictions because our jurisdiction is up to $10,000, so that is a limitation on our department, and it is something that has to be looked at,” he proffered.

Mr. Frederick noted that an increasing number of persons have been contacting the department with various queries, and he attributed it in part to the public awareness drive embarked upon when he took over six months ago.

He welcomed this interest and encouraged more members of the public to call the Office with queries, or if they wish to find out more about the department. However, he indicated that if suppliers breached any of the guarantees, then consumers should reach out to the Office of Public Counsel.

“We are the voice for those people who may not have the skill, the capacity or the resource to really defend or to represent themselves. We are the public’s lawyer. We look out for the rights of consumers, so we are here to serve you, that’s why it’s called the Office of Public Counsel,” he stressed.

Mr. Frederick explained that as part of its infrastructure, the Office of Public Counsel has a Consumer Claims Tribunal, which is equivalent to a magistrate’s court, with the jurisdiction of $10,000.

“It is supposed to be a speedier resolution than actually putting these matters before the magistrates’ civil court, and it is a more relaxed atmosphere than a court. The Tribunal operates on evidence so that your receipts and any correspondence or communication between the consumer and the supplier is sometimes necessary because that is evidence of the transaction. It doesn’t have to be written, it can be oral,” he said.

To contact the Office of the Public Counsel, persons may call 535-2758 or 535-2762, or email public.counsel@barbados.gov.bb.

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Remembrance Day Parade On November 10, 2024

Barbados will remember the servicepeople who lost their lives during World Wars I and II, with the customary Remembrance Day Parade and a short inter-denominational service at the Cenotaph, National Heroes Square, The City, on Sunday, November 10.

The parade will commence at 8:00 a.m. and will be broadcast live on national television and radio.

Several armed and unarmed uniformed groups will be on parade, including the Barbados Defence Force, The Barbados Police Service, the Barbados Legion, the Barbados Fire Service, the Barbados Prison Service, the Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides.

Wreaths will be laid at the Cenotaph by the President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason; Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Chief Justice Leslie Haynes, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.

The service will be followed by an informal inspection of veterans and a march-past by uniformed groups. Members of the public desirous of attending the event are asked to collect tickets from the receptionist at Government Headquarters, Bay Street, St. Michael, from Monday, November 4, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

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Key Reminders When Considering Investment Opportunities

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) is reminding the public to exercise caution when considering investments in Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) schemes. While MLMs may present themselves as legitimate business opportunities, some can be risky or even illegal, leading to significant financial losses.

Here are some key things to consider before making any investments:

1. Research the Company/Person(s): Thoroughly investigate the background, business model, and reputation of any of the company or persons involved. Verify whether the company or persons associated with the investment are registered and regulated by relevant authorities like the Financial Services Commission.

2. Understand the Business Model: Genuine businesses generate revenue primarily through the sale of products or services, not recruitment of participants. Be wary of models that emphasise recruitment over product sales.

3. Check for Red Flags: Promises of high returns with little effort, emphasis on recruiting others, or pressure to make large upfront investments are warning signs.

4. Consult with Experts: Seek advice based on your financial goals and wherewithal from regulated individuals or companies set up to provide such guidance.

The public is urged to approach all investment opportunities with caution and conduct their due diligence to safeguard their financial well-being.

It is an offence for persons not registered or licensed with the Commission to offer investment advice, sell financial products or deal in securities.

The public is encouraged to notify the Commission of any situations where entities or individuals engage in these practices without being duly registered and/or licensed. (PR/GIS)

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Barbadians Continue To Benefit From UNESCO Training In Cuba

Barbadians continue to benefit from UNESCO training courses in Cuba, despite the country experiencing an island-wide blackout from Friday, October 18.

Three Barbadians are currently in Cuba participating in the Caribbean Cultural Training Hub of the UNESCO Programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, which was organised by the UNESCO Regional Office in Havana, and funded by the European Union.

Historian and Genealogical Researcher, Stacia Martindale, is participating in the course Designing Small Businesses in Heritage Tourism Destinations, while Landscape Architectural Technician, Kodi Husbands, and Assistant Coordinator and Researcher of the Barbados National Register of Historic Places, Rhianna Smith, are participating in the course Introduction to the Management of Integrated Development of Historic Centers.

They shared their experiences of being in Cuba and about the courses they are studying.

Ms. Martindale said: “So far, the experience has been very amazing. I’ve been loving the culture of Cuba and the general experience in class.

It’s really been exciting for me. It’s my first time in Cuba. I think I know quite a bit about Cuba just because I’m really interested in History. I’m actually a History teacher, so to come here, where that history has happened, is really, really exciting for me.”

Mr. Husbands, who is on his second visit to Cuba, shared that the first time he visited was on a vacation. “It really resonated with me. I got to understand the culture a lot more [and] I was able to identify with the people after speaking to them about their experiences and how they live. That’s what inspired me to continue working in sustainable architecture and design, and cater for society and the people, rather than doing it for money.

“So far, I’ve found different methods or techniques and practices which can be useful for back home in my field of architecture. And different ways I can further develop my country, whether it’s towns like Bridgetown, Speightstown, or Oistins. Or even smaller communities like in the East Coast, or in St. George or more rural areas as well,” he remarked.

It is also the second time for Ms. Smith, who previously benefitted from a course in June, this year, at the prestigious International Film and Television School of San Antonio de Los Baños, on the outskirts of Havana.

“This experience has been a lot different compared to when I was in San Antonio. Havana is a lot more active and has a lot more to see. And so, I’ve been able to immerse in the culture in ways that I was not able to the first time around,” Ms. Smith said.

She added: “We have been having some tours where we have been seeing examples of not only the restoration of historic sites and buildings, but also the repurposing of those buildings for uses that really fit the community. For instance, earlier this week we visited a daycare. But it was a day care for the elderly which doubles as a day care for babies, and so on.

“And so, what they are trying to do is to integrate those two generations and, of course, develop a consciousness of caring for the elderly. Things like that have led me to conclude that it’s been nothing short of inspiring so far, and I’m just looking forward to seeing where things go.” (PR/GIS)

Caption: From left to right – Rhianna Smith, Barbados’ Ambassador to Cuba, Dr. Sharon Marshall; UNESCO Director Anne Lemaistre; Stacia Martindale; and Kodi Husbands pose for a photograph