What really is the role of the Consumer Affairs Commission?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Having lived in a foreign country, you return home and are quickly reminded of where you are. Only in Jamaica!

For several months, I spent less than JMD $10,000 to ship items to Jamaica, mainly toiletries. In fact, one of my shipments weighed 19 lbs and cost less than $10,000. Suddenly, after moving to a new parish and changing courier services, I was asked to pay JMD $44,409 for a 15 lb shipment. That amount has since been reduced to $37,821.

Naturally, I questioned the charges and contacted the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), only to be told that different companies have their own policies and that, once a shipment exceeds USD $100, charges apply. I was also told that shipping companies are not regulated in terms of what they charge and that this is apparently not the CAC’s responsibility.

So my question is: what exactly is the purpose of the CAC?

Even if these are customs charges, why was one company charging me less than $10,000 for months, including for a 19 lb shipment, while another charged JMD $44,409 for a 15 lb shipment and then reduced it to $37,821?

Consumers have a right to question charges, especially when there is such a significant difference between companies. Who is responsible for ensuring that consumers are not being taken advantage of? Why should it be so difficult to get answers?

We return home hoping things have improved, only to be quickly reminded of where we are.

IRRITATED CONSUMER