Traders to be trained on ethical business practices
by Carol Aloysius
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) will launch islandwide awareness
programs next month to educate traders on ethical practices due to the
increasing number of complaints against errant traders. Director General
CAA, J.M.U Douglas told the Sunday Observer that from next month till
January end next year, traders from various organisations would be
invited for discussions and public fora on how they should carry out
business on the basis of accountability to their customers.
He said various Non Government trade organisations and the Chambers
of Commerce would be invited to participate in the awareness-raising
program. "Traders will be educated on Consumer Rights and Protection,
the Consumer Act and laws, penalties for violating it and their
responsibilities in dealing honestly with customers when selling
products. The main focus will be on good business practices", he said.
Investigative officers of the CAA would also visit wayside stalls,
boutiques and retail outlets islandwide to explain to vendors the
importance of adhering to these ethical practices. "We are also
conducting raids on any outlet selling sub-standard consumer products.
If any member of the public has any information on such an outlet, they
should contact the nearest police station or contact us directly", he
said. |