$157M back to consumers

Mar 18, 2026 News

…CCAC steps up enforcement with 1,300+ inspections in 2025

(Kaieteur News) – Guyana has significantly strengthened consumer protection, conducting more than 1,300 inspections and securing $157 million in redress for citizens in 2025.

The milestone was highlighted by Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, as the country observed World Consumer Rights Day under the theme “Safe Products, Confident Consumers.”

In her message, the minister emphasised that as Guyana accelerates along its rapid economic growth path, safeguarding consumers remains essential to ensuring development is matched by fairness, transparency, and accountability, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.

The Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) conducted 1,331 inspections nationwide in 2025 to ensure businesses complied with the Consumer Affairs Act. As a result, 259 compliance certificates were issued to companies meeting required standards—recognising responsible and ethical operations.

The consumer protection system also delivered tangible outcomes. Of the complaints lodged, 428 cases were resolved, an 85% success rate. Beyond enforcement, the CCAC ramped up public education through nationwide sensitisation campaigns and school outreach programmes. Students of Leonora Secondary School were among those engaged, gaining insight into their rights under the Consumer Affairs Act No. 13 of 2011 and how to act when those rights are violated.

Rodrigues underscored that awareness must be matched with action. “Awareness alone is not enough. Enforcement is key,” she stated, pointing to ongoing inspections and compliance monitoring. Supporting these efforts, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) continues to play a vital role inspecting, testing, and monitoring goods at ports of entry to prevent unsafe and substandard products from entering the local market.

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Consumer Rights, consumers, GNBS, Susan Rodrigues, World Consumer Rights Day

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