Parliament has advanced legislation to merge the Consumer Affairs Commission, CAC and the Fair Trade Commission, FTC.
Speaking in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, finance minister, Fayval Williams, says the move will enhance efficiency in the public service.
The FTC and CAC are Jamaica’s two main market watchdogs, both under the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce.
The FTC enforces the Fair Competition Act. It investigates anti-competitive conduct such as price-fixing, collusion between businesses, abuse of market dominance and misleading advertising, with the aim of keeping markets open and competitive.
The CAC administers the Consumer Protection Act. It handles complaints from consumers, helps them seek redress from businesses, monitors prices through market surveys and educates the public on their rights.
The new entity will be known as the Jamaica Consumer and Competition Authority and handle both functions.
Fayval Williams, Minister of Finance and the Public Service.
