GENERAL SCOPE AND PURPOSE

Consumer Corner is a medium through which BARP members can be advised of their rights as a consumer. It will provide guidance and also it will inform the membership of advocacy initiatives on their behalf.

Consumer Corner shall seek to:

(a) develop clear policies and procedures to support complaints made by BARP’s membership about goods and service provision;

(b) liaise with the relevant government agencies on matters concerning consumer protection;

(c) educate consumers of their rights under the laws of Barbados;

(d) collaborate with a range of agencies to ensure consumer protection;

(e) promote the use of complaints procedures as per the relevant legislation;

(f) monitor the number of complaints received about a service provider as well as resolved complaints;

(g) explore the role of the Ombudsman to ensure that complaints made about government services are efficiently addressed;

(h) explore alternate dispute resolution as a means of settling consumer complaints;    

Informative Websites

• To receive useful advice on – Staying Safe, When Free Isn’t Free, general Tips and Advice, the Standards of Service and Competition and the Consumer please go to:   www.ftc.gov.bb/

And then click on: Information for consumers

• To understand more of your rights as a consumer and also to determine where to receive the best prices at the supermarket please go to :

www.commerce.gov.bb/

And then click on : Calculate retail food prices and Consumers know your rights under the Consumers Guarantees Act Chapter 326E

• To educate yourself on the guidelines for legal fees in Barbados please go to: www.barbadosbarassociation.com

and then click on : The Legal Profession Act Cap. 370A

There are no guidelines for medical fees in Barbados at present. However, you may wish to read a report from the FTC on Fee Setting in Professions 11 at:  www.ftc.gov.bb/