WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY 2006

World Consumer Rights Day is Wednesday, March 15, 2006. The Consumer Affairs Commission will mark the day under the theme: Energy: Sustainable Access for All Consumers with a Media Breakfast to be held at the Jamaica Pegasus at 7:30 am.

Leading the participants will be Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology (with Energy), Honourable. Phillip Paulwell and the Minister of Information the Honourable Burchell Whiteman who will speak on the global perspective, national strategies, achievements and challenges facing Jamaica in its current explorations towards providing safe, environmentally secure sources of alternative energy.
Other activities will include a week-long exhibition in Morant Bay, St. Thomas and an outreach in Montego Bay, St. James.

The Consumer Affairs Commission will play its part in informing and encouraging all consumers to conserve energy in all spheres of their daily lives, at home, at school, in the car, in the office and to promote sound environmental habits from the kitchen to the flower garden; among all citizens from the auto mechanic to the hillside farmer. Help Jamaica conserve energy, budget your resources so you can access electricity, legally, and safely. We all can help reduce the burden of US$1.3 billion energy bill through conservation as the government seek to identify safer more sustainable alternative sources of energy.

Access refers to the availability, affordability and sustainability of energy to all citizens.
Access to electricity is basic to alleviating poverty and improving the lives of all consumers.
Access to affordable and safe forms of energy is therefore vital to the development of the entire nation.
Access to sustainable alternative energy sources is a major challenge for Jamaica since we import 90% of our energy inputs. The Ministry of Commerce, Science & Technology (with Energy) is spearheading a number of exploratory forms of renewable energy.

The CAC’s role in this effort is to represent the interests of consumers in the campaign for behavioural change and greater social responsibility towards energy conservation, environmental security and a brighter future.