The Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Labour (MCIL) held a Consumer Rights Awareness event in Salelologa, Savai’i, ahead of World Consumer Rights Day, which falls on March 15. The event aimed to educate consumers about their rights and strengthen engagement between businesses and the public.
Minister Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua welcomed attendees, including representatives from various organisations, school principals, teachers, and students. He acknowledged Reverend Misipati Afutiti before addressing the gathering.
“Today’s programme marks the commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day, an occasion dedicated to celebrating consumer rights and standing in solidarity with the global consumer movement,” the Minister said.
World Consumer Rights Day was inspired by U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s address to Congress on March 15, 1962, recognizing the importance of consumer rights. The day was first observed by Consumers International on March 15, 1983, and has since been commemorated annually. This year marks the 27th observance in Samoa.
“The Government of Samoa enacted the Fair Trading Act in June 1998 to protect consumer rights and establish conduct standards for businesses,” the Minister said. “This legislation was later strengthened by the Competition and Consumer Act of 2016.”
The Ministry adopted this year’s global theme, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,” and committed to fostering a stable and competitive trading environment through an outreach program.
“The eight fundamental consumer rights include the right to satisfaction of basic needs, safety, information, choice, representation, redress, a healthy environment, and consumer education,” the Minister said.
He stated that the Ministry hopes attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of their consumer rights and obligations.
“We also encourage feedback to help improve our services,” he said.
The event concluded with the Minister officially declaring the Consumer Rights Awareness Day open.
