Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 30, 2009 (SKNIS): Residents of St. Kitts are now more empowered and have already begun to take actions to exercise their consumer rights, thanks to information given during Consumer Affairs Week 2009.

According to Director of Consumer Affairs, Mr. Howard Richardson, this is apparent from the number of complaints that began coming in to the Consumer Affairs Department even before the week had concluded.  He said discussions had to be held with Vincent Fough, Consumer Affairs Investigating Officer, about certain types of complaints that had been brought to the attention of the Department for the first time.

The activities held during Consumer Affairs week, were in commemoration of Consumer Day which falls on March 15, and was celebrated under the theme “Junk Food Generation.”

The Director of Consumer Affairs said the week achieved its objective of informing the general public of its consumer rights and he was pleased with the success of the activities which were undertaken.  He mentioned that one of the week’s activities was “No Monkey Business,” a programme produced by the St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service.  The Director said it was very informative and let the general public know about the services available at his department.

He said individuals met him on the street and noted that they were happy that there was somewhere to go to file complaints, while others said they would try to assist the department with its mandate.

Other activities included presentations to schools and manufacturing plants.  Mr. Richardson said that all Consumer Affairs personnel reported that much interest was generated, judging from the large number of questions following the presentations.  Similarly, the presentation on Sugar City Rock’s “Hard Talk” pertaining to the removal of the consumption tax from certain essential items, stimulated much response from the general public.

The panel discussion was mentioned enthusiastically by the Director who described it as very exciting.  He said it demonstrated that even though Consumer Affairs dealt directly with consumers, other ministries had a stake in protecting customers and looking out for their wellbeing.

Panelists were Eulynis Brown who spoke on “The Economics of Proper Nutrition,” Vincent Fough “Common Consumer Complaints and Consumer Rights,” Malcolm Knight “Energy Policy and Implications for the Cost of Living, Ian Chapman “Steps the Agriculture Department has taken to Increase Production” and Arthur Martin addressed  “Consumer Needs and Affordability.”

Director Richardson promised that next year’s Consumer Affairs Week should prove to be even more informative and empowering to consumers.