During his contribution to the debate in Parliament yesterday, the High Rock representative was very critical of the pending legislation, pointing out that the Minister of Housing is not subject to the Bill even though he sells an essential item, namely housing.
Mr Russell pointed to the many concerns in the business sector regarding the bill. He said it only provides for a complaint to be made by the consumer, and argued that it does not provide for an appeal to the court.
On a point of order, Blue Hills MP Leslie Miller said the Bill in no way prohibits anyone from going through the court system in having redress to any complaint made by any consumer.
He insisted that the Commission is there to assist those persons who cannot help themselves to get redress through the judicial system in The Bahamas.
“The Commission does not make [any] arbitrary decisions in relation to the courts of The Bahamas,” said the Blue Hills MP.
Consumer Affairs Minister Alfred Gray admitted that the Bill is not a perfect one and pointed out that where there are circumstances where further amendments than those which are being foreshadowed will be necessary, the government would be willing to look at what is good for the Bahamian people and make the required adjustments.
However, Mr Russell advocated that the Bill should undergo further review before final passage.
On the other hand, Garden Hills MP Veronica Owens welcomed the opportunity for consumers to be finally allowed to more easily take on banks and contractors who try to swindle homeowners.
She alleged that, “Banks are involved in the racket of ripping off unsuspecting consumers, poor people struggling to own homes and too many attorneys, unfortunately, are afraid to challenge these banks.”
Ms Owens said while the government cannot completely protect consumers, they [consumers] should follow instructions, use good sense, and be fair-minded. She charged that consumers should have the assurance that their interest as a consumer, will get a sympathetic hearing from both government and business and that laws that are supposed to protect consumers will be enforced.
“The right to be heard should be a fundamental part of laws protecting consumers in a democratic nation,” she added. “Consumers are entitled to receive [a] fundamental understanding of the consumer market, so that they can make informed decisions about products and services.”
The bill seeks to emphasise and indeed regulate, the relationship between consumers in our country and the business community.
The Nassau Guardian
