NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) Executive Chairman, Senator Randy Rolle, announced that the Commission’s Complaints and Investigations Department has resolved 11 complaints so far in 2025, recovering a total of $15,664.02. Additionally, investigations are ongoing into 33 other cases, valued at $47,000.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Rolle said:
“So far in 2025, our dedicated Complaints and Investigations Department has successfully resolved 11 complaints, totaling $15,664.02, with 33 more investigations still ongoing, amounting to a total value of $47,000. These figures are impressive and suggest that we will significantly exceed last year’s total of 444 complaints and a dollar recovery of $242,024.50.”
Senator Rolle also highlighted that since taking office at the CPC, his team has been taking strategic steps, both publicly and discreetly, to enhance consumer rights and give consumers a stronger voice. Following consultations with the Bahamas Bureau of Business Standards and Quality (BBSQ), the CPC and BBSQ jointly approached the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to become a member of its International Consumer Policy Committee. The CPC’s application was accepted, and they look forward to collaborating with other members to work towards shared goals that will benefit the broader consumer community. The ISO, an international federation of national standard bodies from over 160 countries, sets global standards for the quality of goods and services.
On the issue of price gouging, Senator Rolle stated: “Price gouging is widely considered an unfair trade practice. It occurs when businesses excessively raise prices, especially during emergencies or periods of high demand, taking advantage of consumers’ vulnerability and hindering their ability to access necessary goods. The CPC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, Bahamas Trade Commission, and Price Control, is working to strengthen the enforcement of laws concerning such violations. The Consumer Protection Act 2023, which grants the CPC its legislative powers, addresses the expectations of providers of goods and services. Price gouging, particularly for items beyond the breadbasket, qualifies as an unfair trade practice, which falls under the CPC’s jurisdiction.”
