Consumer Affairs Publishes Educational Content

The Ministry of Legal Affairs has announced the publication of additional educational content on the Consumer Affairs website.

A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Legal Affairs is pleased to announce that Consumer Affairs has published a series of additional educational content on its website, www.consumeraffairs.bm, as part of its ongoing endeavours to educate the general public about Bermuda’s consumer protection and landlord-tenant legislative frameworks.

“When the website was launched on 1 September 2023, educational content was published to address the lack of publicly available educational material on topics of concern faced by Bermuda’s citizens. Consumer Affairs adopted a phased approach regarding the website’s development to allow for feedback and suggestions for additional content.

“The Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons, Minister of Legal Affairs, emphasised the importance of the Consumer Affairs Board’s responsibility, as outlined in the Consumer Protection Act 1999, to educate the public on their consumer rights when purchasing goods and services, the rights of landlords, tenants, debtors, and best practices for businesses.”

Minister Kathy Lynn Simmons stated, “These educational resources empower residents to understand their inherent rights within the marketplace and address any concerns they may have with goods and service providers. The aim is to foster a successful marketplace where businesses can thrive and consumers can trust in a transparent and open market. The educational initiatives also allow businesses to familiarise themselves with the consumer protection framework and remain compliant with Bermuda’s governing legislation.”

The Government spokesperson said, “As part of the completion of the second phase of the website, the Consumer Affairs Business & Community Liaison Officer has published the following educational information:

• Consumer Guidance on Construction
• Consumer Guidance on Public Utilities [Electricity and Electronic Communications]
• Consumer Guidance on Motor Vehicles
• Commercial Guidance for Businesses Providing Consumer Goods and Services
• Fiscal Literacy and Money Management
• Fiscal Literacy and Mortgage Management
• Fiscal Literacy and Bankruptcy
• Fiscal Literacy and Insurance

“Consumer Affairs recognises that educational support is important to help protect consumer interests and support Bermuda’s local businesses. In a collaborative effort with the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC], educational information has been posted on the website, which has been tailored to educate small business owners on how to ensure that they operate in compliance with the Consumer Protection Act 1999, the Sale of Goods Act 1978 and the Supply of Services [Implied Terms] Act 1999.

“To address the growing number of consumer complaints received regarding financial services providers, the nature of complaints received and the lack of publicly available educational material, Consumer Affairs further identified the need to ensure that Bermuda’s residents are informed and able to educate themselves on the types of services and terminology used by Bermuda based banks and insurance providers.

“As a reminder, as part of the first phase of the development of the Consumer Affairs website, educational information is available on the following topics:

• Consumer Guidance when Procuring Retail Goods and Services;
• Consumer Guidance Concerning Travel and Hospitality;
• Consumer Guidance on the Identification of Consumer Scams;
• Attendance in Magistrates Court and Due Process;
• Consumer Guidance on Debt Management;
• Consumer Guidance when Interacting with Debt Collection Agencies;
• General Landlord and Tenancy Guidance;
• Landlord and Tenancy Guidance specifically related to Rent Controlled Property; and
• Landlord and Tenant Guidance specifically related to Non-Rent Controlled Property.

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