Wilson: Consumer Laws Protect Firms, Too

October 27, 2011

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Senator Kim Wilson last night [Oct. 26] participated in a presentation to local business representatives as part of “Consumer Week”.

Consumer Week — being held from October 24-28 — is based around the theme: “Be a part of our economic growth. Support local businesses.”

Last night’s presentation, called “The Laws and You” was aimed at helping businesses better understand consumer legislation and the role of the Consumer Affairs Department which operates under Sen. Wilson’s Ministry.

She said the department protected Bermuda firms as well as their consumers through its work, creating better-informed customers.

“This past year, they continued their leadership role in consumer advocacy, protection and education thanks to the focused commitment of the dedicated professionals who make up the Board and staff of the Department,” she said.

Minister Wilson addresses business leaders at last evening’s consumer presentation, joined by Rhonda Daniels, Enforcement Officer Consumer Affairs and Honey Adams, Education Officer Consumer Affairs

“We take the role of safeguarding Bermuda’s citizens against unfair practices very seriously, and while handling complaints is a dominant part of the work of the Department of Consumer Affairs, education remains a critical part of our efforts in ensuring informed and responsible consumers and traders.

I” wish to extend my sincere thanks to the members of the Department and the Board for their selfless efforts of advocacy not only for Bermuda’s consumers but for our businesses as well. I am both pleased with and grateful for their achievements in delivering service that has yielded positive results throughout the course of this year.”

The Minister’s Full Remarks Appear Below:

Good evening and welcome to our presentation.

As you are aware this event is being held as part of our Consumer Week awareness efforts. The theme this year is: Be a part of our economic growth. Support local businesses.

Quite simply, we thought that it was important to have this week to not only raise awareness of our responsibilities as smart consumers but to also highlight the importance of supporting local businesses as we endeavor to revitalize and stimulate our economy.

Ladies and gentlemen, this evening’s presentation — The Laws and You — is specifically designed to help businesses understand how the laws affect how they operate.

As you can appreciate the law is something that is very near and dear to my heart, and I am thrilled that we are able to provide this evening’s seminar for you.

Simply put, there are certain laws that exist to make sure that traders deal fairly with consumers. While they exist to protect the consumer, it should be pointed out that businesses also benefit, because these laws:

  • Outlaw disreputable business practices;
  • Encourage fair competition between businesses;
  • And offer businesses better protection from anti-competitive practices.

The three main laws in Bermuda that govern businesses and service providers in how they conduct business with consumers are:

  • Sale of Goods Act 1978 (as amended 2002)  – civil. Sets out the law on sales of goods in Bermuda.
  • Supply of Services Act 2003 — civil. Sets out the law on how services should be supplied.
  • Consumer Protection Act 1999 — criminal. Sets out the law on unfair businesses practices, unconscionable acts and consumer safety.

So this evening you will hear about all of the legislation and how it applies to your organisations.

Finally ladies and gentlemen, just a brief note about the Department of Consumer Affairs.

They are a small team, but they do yeoman’s work.

This past year, they continued their leadership role in consumer advocacy, protection and education thanks to the focused commitment of the dedicated professionals who make up the Board and staff of the Department.

We take the role of safeguarding Bermuda’s citizens against unfair practices very seriously, and while handling complaints is a dominant part of the work of the Department of Consumer Affairs, education remains a critical part of our efforts in ensuring informed and responsible consumers and traders.

I wish to extend my sincere thanks to the members of the Department and the Board for their selfless efforts of advocacy not only for Bermuda’s consumers but for our businesses as well. I am both pleased with and grateful for their achievements in delivering service that has yielded positive results throughout the course of this year.

Ladies and gentlemen, tonight’s forum I believe, is a wonderful way to ensure that our friends in the business community understand their rights and responsibilities. I hope this proves to be a lively and productive exchange, and I look forward to joining in the discussion.

Thank you.

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