Significant increase in consumer complaints for first half of 2019

Jul 19, 2019 News

Consumer complaints have significantly increased for the first half of 2019 when compared to the same period in 2018, according to Consumer Affairs Unit (CAU), Feyona Austin-Paul.
The significant increase, she said, can be attributed to increased awareness of the Commission and its functions, as well as a large number of complaints from persons affected by the Fly Jamaica incident that took place in November 2018.
According to Mrs. Austin Paul, the Consumer Affairs Unit (CAU) received 388 complaints for the first half of the year valuing $128,897,477 – 137% more than the value of complaints received for the same period in 2018.
On the other hand, as she indicated, the number of complaints increased by 179% when compared to complaints received by the unit in 2018 for the same period.
January 2018 recorded a total of 30 complaints compared to 39 in 2019, depicting a 30% increase. In February 2018, it was 19 complaints compared to 38 in February 2019, declaring a 100% increase. In March 2018, it was 27 complaints, compared to 46 in the same month in 2019 – a 70% increase.
April 2018 recorded 21 complaints as against 54 in 2019, netting a 157% increase. In May last year, it was 22 cases, compared to 124 in 2019, – a 464% increase rate. June 2018 showed 20 complaints as compared to 97 in 2019, a 335% rise.
According to CAU, the Electronics and Auto Industries continue to be the lead areas for which complaints are made. The comparative increase in complaints indicates consumers growing awareness of their rights under the Consumer Affairs, according to CAU sources.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Latest News