The long awaited “Consumer Protection Bill” is set to go before the Eighth Sitting of the Second Session of the Fourth House of Assembly today, May 28. The second and third reading will be heard before the members of the house, and hopefully passed as we anticipate the “higher than average” hurricane season due to begin on June 1st.
Residents of the territory, consumer and business owners alike, have continuously called for legislation that will protect their rights. In the past, the territory was riddled with highly inflated costs during times of natural disasters. This was seen Post-Irma in 2017, and more recently sighted following the onset of Coronavirus pandemic. Other pressing concerns include the sale of expired goods and exorbitant rent prices.
Premier Fahie highlighted that the bill seeks to protect persons on both sides of the spectrum and will address to some degree, rising inflation. It was further mentioned that an amendment will be made within the bill to facilitate same.
The following bills are also scheduled to go before the House today;
- Arbitration (Amendment) Act, 2020
- COVID-19 Control and Suppression (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act, 2020
- Virgin Islands Trade Commission Act, 2019