THE Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) says it will focus on financial literacy for World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD), which will be observed on Wednesday, March 15, under the theme ‘Level Up: Manage Your Money’.

Speaking at a JIS ‘Think Tank’ on Thursday, March 9, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dolsie Allen said that the observance allows for focus to be on the needs of the consumer.

She pointed out that the CAC’s theme differs from the one being used internationally.

“We have decided this year that in Jamaica, we will shift our focus a little and look at areas that we believe would be more in line with what we are experiencing now as consumers,” said Allen.

“We want consumers to be well informed as it relates to financial issues; we want you to take your finances in charge. We want, not just to protect you but we also want to empower you as consumers so you can manage yourself well from very early,” she added.

The international theme for the day is ‘Empowering Consumers through Clean Energy Transitions’.

Allen pointed out that there will be several media activities for the day, including a message by the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill that will be published.

There will also be discussions on topics such as credit report, budgeting, understanding interest rates, how to improve your income, debt management/reduction strategies and managing money (safety practices).

The CAC will join the National Consumers League for a church service on Sunday, March 12 at the Moravian Church, located at the corner of North and Duke streets in downtown Kingston. The service will begin at 9:00 am.

“We also will be having some displays and exhibitions at different schools and libraries throughout the island, and we ask that persons visit and ask questions so we can help you to manage yourself to be a little wiser and more prudent,” Allen said.

Meanwhile, director of communications at the CAC, Latoya Halstead, said that consumers should also look out for its ‘Information Corner’, which will be published in The Star newspaper from Monday to Friday.

“Our vision for the consumers of Jamaica as it relates to this World Consumer Rights Day is a consumer who is savvy, financially literate [and] who is able to make decisions that will enable him or her to not only make money but to save money,” she said.

The CAC is an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce. Its role is to enforce the Consumer Protection Act and facilitate ethical behaviour in the marketplace between vendors and consumers.

For further information, persons may visit the CAC’s website at cac.gov.jm; download the CAC Jamaica mobile app; connect with the agency’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter; call 876-619-4222-30 or e-mail info@cac.gov.jm.