A presentation that looks at consumer protection agencies in Jamaica

1. Consumer Organisations
By C. Brown BSc.

2. Consumers need government and other
organisations to help them stand up for their
rights.

3. BUREAU OF STANDARDS

4. The Bureau of Standards Jamaica is a statutory
body established by The Standards Act of 1969
to promote and encourage standardization in
relation to commodities, processes and
practices.

5. However, over the years, its role has expanded
to include the provision of services in relation to
conformity assessment (certification, inspection
and testing, and calibration) and metrology.

6. Its main activities include:
• facilitating the development of standards and other
requirements to which particular commodities, services,
practices and processes must comply
• monitoring for compliance
• conducting tests and calibrating instruments
• certifying products and management systems
• providing industrial training
• promoting research and education in standardization

7. CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMISSION

8. The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC)
established to inform, educate and empower
consumers to protect themselves in the
marketplace.
The Commission’s objective was refocused to
equip consumers to make informed decisions
within a market driven economy and to be their
main advocate if things went wrong.

9. The work of the Commission is three pronged:
• engagement in market research
• provision of complaint resolution services
• execution of a vibrant consumer education
programme
• Publications on consumer affairs
• Exhibitions and displays of consumer rights

10. OMBUDSMAN
The Hon. Donna Parchment-Brown

11. KEY FACTS ABOUT THE OFFICE
• The ombudsman is authorised to carry out
investigations relating to issues that constitute or are
likely to constitute a breach of any “agreement, code or
arrangement… in force between or among political
parties in Jamaica” or are “likely to prejudice good
relations between the supporters of various political
parties.” The ombudsman may investigate complaints
brought forward by “any person or body of persons,
whether incorporated or not.” However, he cannot
hear complaints from public service organisations or
local authorities. Complaints to the Political
Ombudsman must be made in writing.

12. • The Ombudsman is a government official who
protects the rights of citizens who may suffer
any kind of injustice from dealing with a
government agency or a government official.
For example, the Ombudsman will investigate
the death of a loved one due to the
negligence of a public hospital.

13. • The person appointed Political Ombudsman
holds office for a period of seven years. At the
end of this time, he may be re-appointed for
an additional five years, after which no
additional re-appointment is permitted.

14. • The Political Ombudsman may be removed
from office only for inability to discharge his
duties, whether due to physical or mental
illness or for misbehaviour. He may also demit
office upon turning 70 or request to be
relieved of his duties by the Governor General
at any time prior to that.

15. • The Political Ombudsman cannot be
a member of the Senate or the House
of Representatives or an undischarged
bankrupt (still involved in court proceedings
related to bankruptcy). A person is also
disqualified if he has been convicted of any
offence involving a breach of standards of
justice, honesty, or good morals.

16. • The Political Ombudsman cannot be
a member of the Senate or the House
of Representatives or an undischarged
bankrupt (still involved in court proceedings
related to bankruptcy). A person is also
disqualified if he has been convicted of any
offence involving a breach of standards of
justice, honesty, or good morals.

17. Major roles:
• Investigating malpractices
• Investigating malaadministration
• Investigating injustices