BY SHENIA ROBERTS
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Senator and Chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission Randy Rolle
discussed Consumer Rights with a group of older residents during The Bahamas
Telecommunications Company’s recent Safer Internet Program Day of activities.
During the event Senator Rolle gave the seniors more details about their consumer
rights emphasizing that all residents should be aware of the law. According to
Rolle there are eight fundamental consumer rights and he stressed that it is
important for consumers to know their rights when making purchases in The
Bahamas.
He said that consumers have the right to satisfaction, safety, information, choice,
redress, consumer education, a healthy environment and to be heard. Rolle
explained that if any consumer is experiencing a breach of their rights, they can
make a quarry with Consumer Affairs to receive assistance.
Senator Rolle also noted that according to the Consumer Rights Act of 2023
Bahamians are entitled to refunds on any item that has proven to be defective after
purchasing as long as a valid receipt is provided. He emphasized the importance of
this law and knowing when it is applicable. Rolle said “the receipts are very
important in case you have to take back anything. If it’s not working and you keep
the receipt every store is entitled to give you a refund.” He stressed that “this is the
law” and urged both consumers and store owners that these laws will be enforced.
Furthermore, he shared that officials have become more keen of the tactics of
business owners particularly grocery stores as he says they have a tendency to push
dated items toward the front of shelves. He expressed they are known to do this

especially around the end of month when pensioners are paid and usually do their
shopping. Therefore, Rolle advised residents especially senior citizens to shop with
their eyes open and check all expiration dates.
Rolle says the CPC is doing its part and now requires supermarkets and bakeries to
include production dates on their pastries and homemade products. This he says is
one of the many efforts the ministry is making to ensure consumer protection.
The senator also mentioned rent control as he says provisions for a regulated
renting scale are underway.
Mr. Rolle urged all consumers to learn their rights and to enforce them he also
encouraged residents to shop wisely and be vigilant for any possible infractions.