You have… The Right to Basic Needs

There are certain goods and services that you need provided for you in order for you to survive, such as enough food to eat, clothes to wear, a place to live, health care, education and a clean and healthy environment. Every person needs these in order to survive.

  You also have the Right to Safety

There may be items that are produced which may make you ill or harm you in some way, such as medication, certain foods and chemicals and toys. There are even services which are provided which may be hazardous to your life and health. You therefore have the right to be protected from such harmful elements.

In Jamaica, the Consumer Protection Laws that aim to protect the consumer’s right to safety are:

Ø    The Processed Food Act

Ø    The Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Act

Ø    The Food & Drug Act

Ø    The Public Health Act

Ø    The Standards Act

Ø    The Pesticides Act

Ø    The Fertilizer Feeding Staff Act

  You have the Right to be Informed

Whenever you make a purchase, there are certain facts that you must be given to assist you in your decision to buy or not to buy that product or use that particular service. This is the reason why goods have labels and services have guidelines and instructions. Where you do not see labels and are not given enough information to make you feel safe, do not purchase these goods or services without seeking advice from an adult.

  You also have the Right to Choose

There are many different providers of goods and services and many varieties of goods and services to choose from at varying prices. No one should force you to purchase a particular good or service against your wish. You have he right to shop anywhere you chose and purchase whatever you have decided to purchase, unless otherwise restricted. For example, you cannot watch certain movies at the cinema if you are under a certain age restriction. Legal restrictions are instituted to protect you, abide by them.

Where monopolies exist, that is, the only company or institution that offers the particular product or service, you are entitled to satisfactory and quality goods and services at a fair and reasonable price.

You have the Right to be Heard

You may have heard the phrase “..children must be seen and not heard..”, but as a consumer, your interests and concerns must be considered when decisions are made in your country, as these decisions will affect you as an individual as well as you other rights. You can make a difference by asking questions, reading and watching news programmes to inform yourselves about what is going on in your country, so that you can play your part in changing and improving things in your best interest.

You have the Right to Redress

This simply means that if a vendor (provider of goods and services) violates any of your consumer rights, you are entitled to fair settlement of your claims. It involves receiving compensation, for example, money, for any loss or damage caused to you as a result of something you bought. Goods and services as well as the process of the sale, must meet the standards of the law of the land. If any of your rights are violated, you are entitled to free legal service or an accepted form of redress for small claims. This is the role of Consumer Protection Agencies such as the Consumer Affairs Commission. As a consumer, you or your parents can call or visit any of the Commission’s offices, and you will be assisted in having your complaint settled.

The laws instituted by the Jamaican Government to protect the rights and outline the responsibilities of vendors and consumers in sales agreements are:

Ø    The Fair Competition Act

Ø    The Sale of Goods Act

Ø    The Hire Purchase Act

Ø    The Law of Contract

Ø    Common Law

You have the Right to Consumer Education

There are certain skills and knowledge that a consumer must have to help him or her become an informed consumer. An informed consumer is aware of all their consumer rights and responsibilities, the laws that protect them as well as the appropriate action to take when their rights are violated. You have a right to acquire this education from the sources made available to you. Ask your parents to assist you, so that you can become an informed consumer who makes wise shopping decisions, and handles themselves well in the market place.

You have the Right to a Healthy Environment

You have the right to a physical environment that will enhance the quality of your life, such as clean air, water and garbage-less streets. This right involves protection against environmental problems over which an individual person does not control. It acknowledges the need to protect and improve the environment for present and future generations.

In Jamaica, the Ministry of Health and the National Environmental and Planning Agency are two organizations that have the direct responsibility to ensure that the Jamaican citizens’ right to a clean and healthy environment is maintained. The laws instituted to protect this right are:

Ø    The Public Health Act, 1985

Ø    The Water Act

Ø    The Underground Water Control Act

Ø    The Natural Resources Conservation Act

Critical Awareness…That’s your first responsibility!

Consumers have the responsibility to be more alert and to ask a lot of questions about the use of, the price and quality of goods and services they us. Look closely at the items you want to buy. Here are some of the questions you need to ask:

Does it have a label?

The label tells you what materials or ingredients went into the production of the item. This is important information for you to know, so that you can avoid substances to which you may be allergic, or may cause you serious harm.  

Does the label have an expiry date?

The expiry date tells you when the item is no longer fit to be used or consumed. Do not use products which does not state this information clearly or where the expiry date has passed.

Is the name of the Manufacture or Distributor on the product?

The name of the manufacturer or distributor is important to know, as you may need to return it if it is faulty.

What is the store’s policy of redress?

Some stores may have a No Refund, No Exchange policy. This means that if the item stops working, you may not be able to return it for a replacement, repairs or your money back. Do not patronize stores who have this unfair trade practice. According to the Sale of Goods Act, consumers are entitled to a refund if the item sold to them has a manufactures defect (unknown to the consume at the time of purchase) or cannot perform the function for which it was purchased. If you simply change your mind however, you are not entitled to a refund.

Find out also about Warranties and Guarantees. These are documents that outline how long the item should serve you as well as what after-sale services are offered by the vendor.

You have the responsibility to Take Action

This means that you ought to assert yourself and so act to ensure that you get a fair deal. Even though you are a child, your money has value. Stand up for yourself. Say no to poor service and poor quality goods. Demand the treatment to which are entitled. If vendors are abusive of your rights, do not spend your money there. Report such offending companies to any Consumer Protection Agency near you or seek the assistance of a trusted adult.

As long as we remain passive consumers, we will continue to be exploited. Find out what your rights are and exercise them. Be a vigilant consumer.

You have the responsibility to exercise Social Concern

You need to make yourself aware of the impact of your consumption on other citizens, especially disadvantaged or powerless groups, whether in the local, national or international community.

Environmental Awareness…this is another very important responsibility.

You must seek understand the environmental consequences of your consumption. You have a responsibility to conserve the natural resources of your country and to protect the earth for future generations.

You have the responsibility to work in Solidarity with other consumers.

This means organizing as consumers to work together to promote and influence policy decisions, which protect and promote consumer rights and concerns.