Over 40 businesses in Region Five have been recently certified by the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC).
A CCAC release on Friday informed that the businesses in the Region Five, Berbice area were among the first to receive certification under the CCAC’s recently launched Consumer Affairs Act Compliance Certificate.
It further explained that this certification distinguishes these businesses as being compliant with the laws of the Consumer Affairs Act of 2011. It also signals to consumers that they can confidently shop at these businesses, knowing that their consumer rights would be adhered to.
The first two official presentations were made to Imran and Son & Daughters Variety Store of Upper Corentyne, and A. Ally and Sons of New Amsterdam.
Director (Ag) of CCAC, Anil Sukhdeo, who spoke at the presentations which were held at the business premises of the awardees, congratulated them for their compliance with the Consumer Affairs Act, which he noted, is a tangible expression of their respect and care for the consumers they serve.
The businesses in turn assured of their commitment to offer the best of service to their customers, while encouraging all businesses to comply with the Consumer Affairs Act.
Certification lasts for a period of one (1) year, and periodic inspections will be made to ensure that the qualifications under which the certificates were issued are maintained.
The requirements for certification are: adherence to the refund policy, the display of prices and fees, allowing the return of defective goods, issuance of receipts, warranties, information to consumers, non-display of no- return/refund signs, and layaway policies.
CCAC is encouraging businesses to apply for voluntary compliance via the Commission’s website at https://ccac.gov.gy/ or email info@ccac.gov.gy.
The release informed that the second set of certificates will soon be issued to compliant businesses in Region Four and the other administrative regions.
The Private Sector Commission (PSC) had endorsed the compliance program during the initial launch ceremony. PSC Vice President, Ryan Alexander, spoke of “the pivotal role the certificate plays in the standard of service being offered by suppliers to consumers locally and internationally, especially as Guyana experiences unprecedented growth,” the release added.
