Consumer Protection Institute launched

Jan 01, 2026 News

…aims to safeguard rights of Guyanese consumers

(Kaieteur News) – A new independent body aimed at advancing and protecting the interests of consumers has been formally incorporated in Guyana.

The Consumer Protection Institute (CPI) has been established to address growing concerns over unfair, misleading and exploitative market practices affecting consumers across the country, the new body said in a press release. The founding members of the Institute are: Ms. Wintress Whyte, Civil Society Activist, Ricky Ramsaroop, businessman, and Christopher Ram, Commentator. These persons will serve as the Institute’s initial Board of Directors pending the appointment of additional directors, representative of consumers interest in Guyana, a press release from CPI said.

From left to right: Businessman, Ricky Ramsaroop; Civil Society Activist, Ms. Wintress Whyte and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram.

“We have formed the Institute in response to the growing range of goods and services available to consumers, the expansion of online and digital transactions, and the difficulties many consumers face with inadequate and misleading advertising, unfair pricing, unclear contract terms, and poor service. Our purpose is to promote and protect the rights and interests of consumers. We will monitor market practices, receive and record consumer complaints, operate reporting and hotline systems, and provide practical information to help consumers understand their rights and how to raise concerns,” CPI added.

The new body said they will review complaints and market information to identify recurring or widespread practices that harm consumers. “Where appropriate, we will engage with regulators, businesses, and policymakers to seek corrective action and improvements in consumer protection law and enforcement. We are independent and non-partisan. We do not decide disputes, replace regulators, or exercise enforcement powers. Our role is to observe, document, and speak out where consumer interests are affected,” the release added.

As part of its initial work, the CPI said it will establish a consumer complaints system and a hotline for reporting issues such as misleading advertising, pricing problems, and service failures. “We will also publish a Consumer Protection Guide setting out, in plain language, the protections available to consumers under Guyana law. We look forward to the support and involvement of relevant sectors of our country. Further details, including hotline information, will be announced shortly,” the body said.

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Christopher Ram, Consumer Protection Institute, consumers, Ricky Ramsaroop, rights

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