ST. LUCIA – Saint Lucian consumers could look forward to an improvement in the services offered by the Consumer Affairs Department.
The department will be armed with the relevant legislative authority, aimed at instilling greater public confidence in Government’s efforts, in the promotion and protection of Consumer interests and welfare.
Consumer Affairs Minister Senator the Honorable Guy Mayers, said some strides have been made in the area of public awareness and education on consumer issues. These he said, have translated to a high level of consumer satisfaction, particularly when consumers lodge complaints at his ministry.
“This certainly augurs well for business/consumer relationships and will help build a stable climate for greater consumer satisfaction, which in the long term can transcend to less conflict and increased consumer patronage. Consumers’ access to information is not a privilege but a social and human right, particularly when this borders on one’s health and safety,” he added.
On Thursday March 15th, Saint Lucia observed World Consumer Rights Day under the theme “An Unethical Drug Promotion”. The theme was selected in an attempt to ensure that corporations become more accountable in drug promotion, and improve consumer access to credible, reliable and transparent drug and health information.
Describing the theme as timely, the Consumer Affairs Minister noted, “Clearly as an importer and consumer of pharmaceutical products, no effort should be spared to ensure that consumers are protected and that they receive the relevant and truthful information in order to make informed choices.”
“In the recent past, my ministry had reasons to issue some advisory on recalled goods. This is a matter that serious attention will be given to as the government seeks to ensure that goods that people consume are wholesome and of a satisfactory quality,” Mayers added.
A United Nations report indicated that counterfeit drugs are a growing global problem. The UN is calling on member countries to tighten up laws to curb the illegal manufacture and sale of false medicines.
