Consumers commission steps up enforcement as citizens urged to know their rights

…506 complaints filed in 2025, $156.6M secured in consumer redress

As Guyana joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Consumer Rights Day, under the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers”, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Susan Rodrigues reaffirmed the Government’s commitment protecting consumers amid the country’s rapid economic growth. Speaking on Sunday, in a video message, the Minister said that Guyana continues along a fast-paced development path, consumer protection must remain a priority, ensuring that economic expansion is matched by fairness, transparency and accountability.
“As our country advances along a rapid economic trajectory, the protection of our consumers remains paramount. Growth must go hand in hand with fairness, transparency and accountability. Under our Government, consumer education and protection are clear priorities,” she said. Rodrigues pointed out that consumer education and enforcement is still a central part of the work of the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), which continues to conduct public awareness and school outreach programmes throughout the country. These initiatives aim to ensure citizens understand their rights and know what steps they need to take when those rights are violated. She also emphasised that awareness must be supported by strong enforcements measures.

Complaints, compliance
In 2025, the commission carried out 1,331 inspections across the country to ensure businesses complied with the Consumer Affairs Act No. 13 of 2011. During these inspections 176 businesses were initially found to be compliant while 411 were non-compliant. Following guidance and reinspection, 378 of those businesses achieved compliance, though 366 businesses remained non-compliant. The CCAC issued 259 compliance certificates to businesses that met the required standards, while an additional 75 certificates were renewed across several regions including Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Region Four (Demerara Mahaica), Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Region Nine, (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice). Rodrigues also highlighted the Commission’s role in resolving consumer disputes.
Between January and December 2025, 506 consumers filed complaints with the CCAC regarding goods and services valued at approximately $509.6 million. Of that number, 428 complaints representing 85 per cent were successfully resolved, securing $156.6 million in redress for consumers. The remaining complaints are currently in various stages of resolution.

Five per cent increase
According to the commission, the number of complaints represented a 5 per cent increase compared to the results of 2024, a trend attributed to greater public awareness of consumer rights and increased willingness by citizens to seek assistance. The auto industry recorded the highest number and value of complaints, with 156 complaints totaling $312.7 million in dispute transactions. This was followed by the electronics and electrical sector with 72 complaints valued at $6.3 million, and the construction and building materials sector with 65 complaints worth $131.3 million. Other complaints were related to shipping services online shopping and appliance. The Minister assured citizens that their rights will be protected by the Government. “Let me assure every Guyanese citizen, you have a Government firmly committed to protecting your rights. Together, we will continue building a marketplace that is fair, safe and worthy of your trust.”

Safe and trustworthy marketplace
Meanwhile the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Roger Rogers, said the observance of World Consumer Rights Day serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring a safe and trustworthy marketplace. “This year’s theme, Safe Products, Confident Consumers, highlights the critical role that safety and quality play in the everyday lives of our citizens. When consumers can trust that goods and services they purchase meet the required standards, they are empowered to make informed choices and participate confidently in the economy,” he said.
Rogers explained that the Ministry continues to work closely with agencies such as CCAC and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to strengthen regulatory oversight and promote fair business practices. Through inspections, product testing and monitoring at ports of entry, authorities are working to ensure that unsafe or substandard goods do not enter the local market.
“Working alongside agencies such as the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, we continue to promote product safety, fair business practices and accountability across the marketplace,” the PS added. The CCAC also reported that in 2025 it filed its first criminal complaint against a supplier in the Magistrates’ Courts, which was resolved through settlement and resulted in redress for the affected consumer. The Commission noted that it will continue to strengthen enforcement measures where necessary to protect consumer rights. Chairperson of the Board of the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission, Yolander Persaud-Sammy, also underscored the Commission’s ongoing commitment to protecting consumers and promoting fairness within the marketplace. In a message marking World Consumer Rights Day, she noted that the Commission continues to advance consumer protection through public awareness initiatives, business inspections, certification programmes and the enforcement of the Consumer Affairs Act. She also encouraged businesses to embrace fair practices while urging consumers to assert their rights and utilise available mechanisms for redress when necessary.