ARTICLE PRINTED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS SUN NEWSPAPER
BEGINS
PRESS RELEASE
ARTICLE PRINTED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS SUN NEWSPAPER
The Department of Trade, Industry and Consumer Affairs has been made aware of an article published in the latest issue of the Turks and Caicos SUN newspaper (20 November - 27 November 2020) titled “Consumers advised to complain about the prices of goods and services.”
We take this opportunity to clarify any misunderstanding or uncertainty resulting from this newspaper article. As indicated in our press release dated 20 November 2020, the Department does not have the power to regulate the prices at which goods and services are sold in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Consumer Protection Ordinance makes express provision only, for the Department to act to protect the rights afforded to consumers under the Ordinance. These rights relate to the right to return defective goods, right to replacement or repair of damaged goods, right to return defective goods etc. The Ordinance also imposes certain duties on providers of goods and services e.g. not to make false, misleading or deceptive representations, to provide a receipt for the purchase of goods and services, not to advertise goods or services at a specified price which that provider does not intend to offer for supply etc.
Consumers may therefore submit a complaint to the Department in relation to goods and services purchased in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Department will then investigate the complaint and, the Ordinance may be enforced if a provider of goods or services is considered to have acted in contravention of the Ordinance. In some instances, a provider of goods and services may be liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to $10,000.
Persons are again encouraged to view a copy of the Ordinance at www.gov.tc/trade/consumeraffairs/legislation and to contact the Department of Trade, Industry and Consumer Affairs on
ENDS