Increase in Number of Cases Handled and Resolved by CAC

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) handled 1,292 complaints and resolved 893 up to February of the current fiscal year, an increase of 24 and 11 respectively, over the similar period in 2022/23.

The figures were provided by the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dolsie Allen, who addressed a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank.

Mrs. Allen informed that most of the complaints received by the entity spanned three major categories – Other Services, which accounted for 25.69 per cent; Electrical Equipment and Appliances, 25.38 per cent; and Utilities, 13.41 per cent.

“The cases are becoming more challenging, in terms of handling, and so from time to time, we have to seek third-party intervention to have the matters resolved… so as to ensure that they are in favour of the consumer as much as possible,” the CEO said.

With some cases taking a little longer than usual to get resolved, Mrs. Allen assured that “with the few weeks we have left [in the current financial year] a lot of the cases will be closed. We are really pushing to ensure that we do not fall below the mark of the 80 per cent resolution rate that we are accustomed to at the Consumer Affairs Commission”.

In terms of refund/compensation, the CEO noted that $35,110,546.16 was secured on behalf of aggrieved consumers.

Of the sum collected, Motor Vehicle and Parts took the top spot with $20.8 million, while $6.9 and $3.019 million were for Other Services and Electrical Equipment and Appliances, respectively.

Having received 326 requests for advice, the CEO is encouraging consumers to reach out to the entity if they require assistance with handling a case.

To file complaints, persons may visit the CAC’s website at cac.gov.jm; download the CAC Jamaica mobile app; connect with the agency on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; telephone 876-619-4222-30, or email info@cac.gov.jm.

In addition to these, the CAC continues to engage consumers across the island through various outreach activities.

Through a total of 411 activities, 38,262 consumers have been sensitized, so far, for this financial year.

Source: JIS