Tobagonians are expected to be beneficiaries of strengthened consumer protection and education activities following the recent signing of an agreement between the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was finalised by Permanent Secretary in the Trade Ministry Norris Herbert and the Administrator of the Division of Finance and the Economy Denese Toby-Quashie on November 1, at the Victor E. Bruce Financial Complex in Tobago.
Also present were Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon, Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Finance and the Economy, Assemblyman Joel Jack and the Director of Consumer Protection and Guidance for the Trade Ministry Dexter Morgan.
The MoU outlined arrangements for strengthening the Consumer Affairs Unit at the Tobago House of Assembly.
“These activities will result in collaborations to ensure the resolution of consumer complaints, greater enforcement of existing consumer protection legislation in Tobago with the appointment of a designated officer, the provision of technical support in the research and general capacity building and increased information sharing among consumer protection entities on both islands,’ the ministry said in a statement.
The agreement will cover a three-year period and will support the implementation of the National Consumer Policy launched by the Minister of Trade in March 2018.
“The new National Consumer Policy seeks to promote fair trading practices by businesses and assist consumers in making informed purchasing decisions while furthering the mandate of the Consumer Affairs Division of the MTI. It also focuses the division’s activities on advocating for consumer education, building consumer awareness and resolving disputes,” the statement added.