Senate backs a single consumer and competition authority

The Senate approved legislation to establish the Jamaica Consumer and Competition Authority on 9 October. The new body was presented as a merger of the Fair Trading Commission and Consumer Affairs Commission, bringing their related functions into one institution.

The debate connected administrative consolidation with consumer protection, fair competition and proportionate enforcement. Ministers also addressed proposed penalties, and the Bill passed with three amendments. Those final changes matter more than an earlier draft or a broad description of the merger.

The government said a steering committee was in place and expected a transition within six months or less. That forecast did not establish that the new authority was already operating, that existing complaint routes had closed, or that the amended scheme had commenced.

Complete JIS Senate report reviewed. Verified event is passage with amendments on 9 October; assent, commencement and completion of the merger were not independently verified. No exact penalty advice is offered.