Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission

Free and fair competition in production, trade and commerce in Guyana

Agency Overview

The Competition Commission of Guyana was established under the Competition and Fair Trading Act (CFTA) of 2006. Thereafter, the Consumer Affairs Act (CAA) of 2011 was established, mandating in Section four (4) that: “The Competition Commission established by section 5 of the Competition and Fair Trading Act 2006 is renamed the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission”.
Originally, the Agency was named the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. However, the National Competitiveness Council suggested that the Agency be renamed to Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), so as to encompass a broader scope and maintain regional and international standards.

In August 2009, a decision was taken by the National Competitiveness Council to merge the Competition Commission with a Consumer
Affairs Commission, in keeping with international and regional best practices. This merger was completed with the passing of the Consumer Affairs Act (CAA) in September 2011.

The functions of the CCAC include the following:

  • to investigate complaints by agencies and consumers and determine if there has been contravention of the CFTA and the CAA;
  • to take prescribed actions should there be contravention of the law;
    to eliminate anti-competitive agreements;
  • to provide information to consumers on their rights and to enable them to make informed choices;
  • to advise the Minister on matters as it relates to the CFTA and the CAA;
    to institute, participate in, and/or support proceedings before a Court of Law, including to bring prosecutions where the Commission deems fit.

Mission

To ensure that consumer affairs and free and fair competition are evident in production, trade and commerce in Guyana.

Core Values

  • Integrity:  We conform to moral soundness and honesty when decisions and actions are taken by the Commission.                                                               
  • Professionalism:  We adhere to utmost professionalism when presiding over Commission matters and in engaging with businesses and consumers.
  • Confidentiality:  We are prudent in the privacy and discretion of all cases brought before the Commission.
  • Credibility:  We enforce competition and consumer legislation in its entirety.
  • Impartiality:  Decisions taken by the Commission do not reflect bias, discrimination, prejudice or unfairness.
 

Objectives of Legislations:

The objective of the CAA is to promote and protect consumer interests in relation to the supply of goods and services.

The objectives of the CFTA are as follows:

  • Promote, maintain and encourage competition and enhance economic efficiency in production, trade and commerce;
  • Prohibit anti-competitive business conduct which prevents, restricts or distorts competition or constitutes the abuse of a dominant position in the market; and
  • Promote the welfare and interest of consumers.