St. John’s, Antigua – The Consumer Protection Bill 2025 has received bipartisan support in Parliament, with both government and opposition MPs emphasizing the need for strong enforcement and consumer education to ensure its effectiveness.
During the debate, MP Paul Chet Greene outlined the bill’s extensive provisions, highlighting its comprehensive updates compared to the Consumer Protectionand Safety Act of 1988. He noted that the bill, which aligns with CARICOM regulations, introduces a Consumer Guidance Council and a Consumer Faith Tribunal to oversee consumer rights and dispute resolution.
“The bill is replete with protections for consumers, covering issues such as deceptive advertising, unfair trade practices, misleading pricing, and product recalls,” Greene stated. He stressed that businesses would be legally required to provide clear product information, accurate pricing, and ensure fair contractual terms. The bill also introduces regulations for online shopping, ensuring that consumers who purchase from overseas vendors are not left without recourse.
However, opposition MP Richard Lewis raised concerns about the practical implementation of the bill, emphasizing that enforcement must be a top priority.
“Many times we pass legislation, but enforcement becomes a problem,” Lewis stated. “Enforcement agencies will be critical in this. Consumers must be educated about their rights, and businesses must be properly informed about their obligations.”
Lewis pointed to Clause 49, which mandates that all product labels must include English descriptions, as a particularly significant provision. “We see items in supermarkets labeled in foreign languages with no English translation. This bill ensures that consumers can make informed choices,” he said.
He also highlighted Clause 55, which requires businesses to honor the lowest displayed price if multiple prices appear on an item. “Too often, consumers get to the checkout only to be told that the price on the shelf was incorrect. This bill now protects them,” Lewis added.
Both MPs agreed that while the bill is a step forward, its success depends on rigorous enforcement and public education campaigns to inform consumers and businesses about the new regulations.
The bill, which contains 146 clauses across 14 parts, aims to modernize consumer protection in Antigua and Barbuda, bringing the country in line with international best practices.
With Parliament expected to pass the bill, attention will now turn to the Department of Consumer Affairs and its role in ensuring that the protections outlined in the legislation are effectively implemented for the benefit of all consumers.
