The Department of Trade, Industry, and Fair Competition is responsible for the promotion and enforcement of the TCI Consumer Protection Ordinance.
In an effort to introduce the Ordinance to its stakeholders, the Department launched "The Consumer is King" Campaign in December 2021. As a follow-up to the Launch, the Department organized an inter-island campaign, where brochures and other pertinent material concerning the Ordinance were distributed to consumers across the TCI. Additionally, the Department launched a 'Did You Know' initiative, where key provisions of the Ordinance are shared in an easy-to-understand way on social media, on radio, and in retail outlets.
Between August 15 and August 26, 2022, the Department of Trade implemented “The Consumer is King” Compliance and Enforcement Drive. The objectives of the Drive were as follows:
- To educate providers about their duties to consumers under the Ordinance;
- To ensure that businesses are complying with the provisions of the Ordinance; and
- To apprise providers of the penalties for violating the Ordinance.
The Compliance and Enforcement Drive reached over 300 businesses throughout the islands, which included hair salons, major retail stores, mom and pop shops, repair shops, auto dealerships, and law offices.
The Department of Trade Team visited South Caicos on August 15, 2022. A seminar was held with officials and business owners, which was followed by walk-ins to several businesses. On August 16-17, 2022, the Team conducted walk-ins across Grand Turk and distributed pertinent information for businesses in Salt Cay via its District Commissioner. On August 18, 2022, providers from North and Middle Caicos were invited to a seminar, which was followed by walk-ins to several businesses. Additionally, from August 22-26, 2022, the Team conducted walk-ins across Providenciales.
The Department has further extended its reach by meeting with officials from several associations, including the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), the Turks and Caicos Islands Restaurant Association, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Taxi Association. Plans are also underway to visit other relevant umbrella organizations as well as to participate in their general meetings.
The Department of Trade will continue to monitor businesses establishments across the islands and will conduct inspections to ascertain that there is full compliance with the Ordinance.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Ordiance and to ensure that your business is compliant with its provisions, contact the Department of Trade on 338-3703 or visit us on www.gov.tc/trade.
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