Dear Editor,
The editorial in the Daily Observer edition of January 22, 2015 focused on the National Consumers' League (NCL). We are of the view that this was a timely article which gave us food for thought and we welcome it.
It is a fact that the NCL of the past has done much in the interest of the Jamaican consumer. Although the organisation is now much smaller than former years, it continues to advocate on behalf of consumers, and, being a non-government organisation, can speak on Government policy inimical to the national interest or to that of consumers.
The NCL is affected by many problems, as are many other organisations in Jamaica, some of which are outlined below:
Firstly, the NCL is a voluntary organisation and the members are all volunteers. It is difficult to attract volunteers in Jamaica these days and many other voluntary organisations, such as service clubs, do not attract people to the same extent as they used to.
Secondly, it is difficult to attract funding for projects and organisational support because some of the very same businesses from which we request funding are the very organisations which may become objects of criticism if they commit unfair practices. Fundraising efforts by the NCL do not yield sufficient returns to attract large projects and payment of membership fees is not consistent.
Thirdly, there are more consumer protection organisations and laws which exist today, some which have arisen from the effort of lobbying over the past by the NCL. Unfortunately, most of these are government organisations so they have limitations as already stated. These organisations are fully funded and staffed from the national budget and are now better able to carry out functions which the NCL cannot, but the NCL works with them in matters of common interest.
Fourthly, the NCL finds it difficult to get publicity, since it cannot pay for this, and therefore thanks the radio stations and other media which support the League on a voluntary basis to keep its voice heard nationally.
As you rightly stated in your editorial, Jamaican consumers are not as proactive as they ought to be, and most do not take the time to use their power of boycott, planning and information which are powerful consumer tools and some of their basic rights.
Unity is strength, and the NCL needs more civic-minded people and organisations to volunteer their service. The office is located at 29 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5, Telephone: 926-6388 or natcomle@cwjamaica.com.
As a member of Consumer International, the international body of consumer organisations, the world will celebrate World Consumer Rights Day on March 15. The theme this year is 'Consumers' Right to Healthy Food' which is extremely relevant to us in Jamaica since so many of our diseases are lifestyle related and caused by unhealthy foods.
Trevor Samuels
President
National Consumers' League
natcomle@cwjamaica.com
National Consumers' League needs help to help consumers
-->
The editorial in the Daily Observer edition of January 22, 2015 focused on the National Consumers' League (NCL). We are of the view that this was a timely article which gave us food for thought and we welcome it.
It is a fact that the NCL of the past has done much in the interest of the Jamaican consumer. Although the organisation is now much smaller than former years, it continues to advocate on behalf of consumers, and, being a non-government organisation, can speak on Government policy inimical to the national interest or to that of consumers.
The NCL is affected by many problems, as are many other organisations in Jamaica, some of which are outlined below:
Firstly, the NCL is a voluntary organisation and the members are all volunteers. It is difficult to attract volunteers in Jamaica these days and many other voluntary organisations, such as service clubs, do not attract people to the same extent as they used to.
Secondly, it is difficult to attract funding for projects and organisational support because some of the very same businesses from which we request funding are the very organisations which may become objects of criticism if they commit unfair practices. Fundraising efforts by the NCL do not yield sufficient returns to attract large projects and payment of membership fees is not consistent.
Thirdly, there are more consumer protection organisations and laws which exist today, some which have arisen from the effort of lobbying over the past by the NCL. Unfortunately, most of these are government organisations so they have limitations as already stated. These organisations are fully funded and staffed from the national budget and are now better able to carry out functions which the NCL cannot, but the NCL works with them in matters of common interest.
Fourthly, the NCL finds it difficult to get publicity, since it cannot pay for this, and therefore thanks the radio stations and other media which support the League on a voluntary basis to keep its voice heard nationally.
As you rightly stated in your editorial, Jamaican consumers are not as proactive as they ought to be, and most do not take the time to use their power of boycott, planning and information which are powerful consumer tools and some of their basic rights.
Unity is strength, and the NCL needs more civic-minded people and organisations to volunteer their service. The office is located at 29 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5, Telephone: 926-6388 or natcomle@cwjamaica.com.
As a member of Consumer International, the international body of consumer organisations, the world will celebrate World Consumer Rights Day on March 15. The theme this year is 'Consumers' Right to Healthy Food' which is extremely relevant to us in Jamaica since so many of our diseases are lifestyle related and caused by unhealthy foods.
Trevor Samuels
President
National Consumers' League
natcomle@cwjamaica.com
National Consumers' League needs help to help consumers
-->