Saint Lucians will soon have a powerful new tool to defend their rights in the marketplace. The National Consumer Association (NCA) has officially unveiled the winning logo and jingle for its Consumer Connect platform, a major initiative designed to unify consumer protection agencies and provide faster solutions for public complaints.
NCA President Dr. Thecla Fitz-Lewis explained that the platform will serve as a central point of assistance for anyone facing challenges with goods or services.
She stated that “Consumer Connect is a platform which will be a one-stop shop when consumers have an issue. Their concerns or queries will be directed to that platform,” she said, and added that a range of local watchdog agencies will assess the complaint.
According to Dr. Fitz-Lewis, Consumer Connect will route each concern to the appropriate team.
She said the platform will allow “either the National Telecommunications Regulatory Committee, the Signature Bureau of Standards, the Consumer Affairs Department, the National Consumer Association or the National Utilities Regulation Company” to intervene.
She added that once a complaint reaches the correct agency, “some redress could be taken effectively almost immediately.”
The winning logo was created by Kerby George, who said the competition gave him a rare chance to showcase his abilities.
“I saw it as an opportunity as a creative for me to show my skills,” he said. He noted the lack of opportunities available to young artists, adding that “in Saint Lucia, there are not many avenues for creatives.” He said he wanted people to see his work and “to know that I am a creative.”
The launch of Consumer Connect marks a significant step toward strengthening consumer rights, improving communication between agencies, and making the path to justice more efficient.