Local

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.

Government

BILATERAL TALKS HELD BETWEEN PRIME MINISTER MOTTLEYand PRESIDENT OF THE EU

Matters pertaining to further expanding Barbados’ pharmaceutical industry, cyber security, artificial intelligence and its regulation were among the issues discussed yesterday, during a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and President of the European Commission (EU), Ursula von der Leyen.

During the discussions at Ilaro Court, both sides praised their long-standing relationship, as they explored other avenues for cooperation in a number of areas that include, but are not limited to, battery storage; production of precision medicine to help the country in the fight against cancer and NCDs; genomic testing to explore the link between race and NCDs, among other areas.

*Mrs Von der Leyen and Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley*

Mrs Von der Leyen, who is the first EU Commission President to visit the region, expressed her delight to be in Barbados and expressed renewed optimism in the friendship and strategic partnership with the island.

Also present during the meeting with the EU Commission and her team were Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Dr. The Most Honourable, Jerome Walcott; Attorney General Dale Marshall; Minister of Energy and Business, Senator Lisa Cummins; Minister in Finance, Ryan Straughn; Minister with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight; Minister in Economic Affairs, Senator Chad Blackman, and other officials. (PR/GIS)

Local

Local Heroes Honored for Acts of Integrity and Kindness at Special Recognition Event

In a time when simple acts of kindness have the power to restore faith in humanity, two individuals are being honored for their remarkable integrity and generosity.

KindSpire, the local platform dedicated to inspiring and rewarding kindness, is partnering with the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown to recognize Mr. David Rose and Dr. Janeille Zorina Matthews, two individuals whose selfless actions have touched hearts across the island.Today Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 6.30 pm, Kiwanis Club Meeting, Cube Blue Building, Barbados Port Authority Complex

Honoring Acts of Integrity and Compassion

David Rose stumbled upon lost cash alongside a list of unpaid utility bills. Instead of keeping the money, he made a selfless choice— he paid off the stranger’s bills, easing their financial burden.

Meanwhile, Janielle Matthews found an envelope filled with cash in the Cost-U-Less car park.Rather than walking away, she took immediate action to return the money to its rightful owner, proving that honesty still prevails.

Their actions not only restored what was lost but also reminded us of the power of integrity and selflessness. To celebrate their incredible kindness, KindSpire and the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown are hosting a special recognition event to honor David and Janielle and inspire others to follow their example.

Launch of the “Kiwanis Kind Act of the Month” Initiative

In addition to recognizing these everyday heroes, the event will also mark the official launch of the “Kiwanis Kind Act of the Month” initiative. This program, hosted through KindSpire’s website (www.kindspire.app), will highlight. celebrate and reward one exceptional act of kindness each month, encouraging more Barbadians to step up and make a difference. Members of the public can submit their own stories of kindness online, helping to build a movement of goodwill across the island.

Local

Passing of Mrs. Jackie Marshall-Clarke, Manager Corporate Communications & Government Relations

The Barbados Light & Power Company (Light & Power) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Jackie Marshall-Clarke, Manager Corporate Communications & Government Relations.

Jackie passed away peacefully at home after illness.

Light & Power’s management, staff and her immediate Corporate Communications family are shocked and feeling the pain of her passing.

Jackie was a valued and respected member of our team who played an instrumental role in shaping the Company’s voice, fostering meaningful connections, and guiding communications policy with professionalism and grace. She was revered and admired by her colleagues in communications, not only in Barbados but across the region.

Managing Director Roger Blackman said her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence would be profoundly missed by colleagues, associates, and all who had the privilege of working with her.

“We at Light & Power are deeply saddened by the passing of Jackie Marshall-Clarke. Jackie was not just a valued colleague, but also a friend, a mentor to many in the business, and an inspirational leader, whose contributions to Light & Power and the energy sector in Barbados were immeasurable. At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family, and we ask that their privacy be respected as we navigate this difficult period.”

Light & Power extends sincere condolences to Jackie’s family, friends, and loved ones.