Rights of a Consumer Tourist in Jamaica

The Right to Choose

• Consumers traveling to the country of Jamaica have the right to choose products they are going to buy. The Jamaican Department of Consumer Affairs states that no retail outlet should force you to make a purchase. Tourists have the right to shop wherever they deem fit while in Jamaica, and after purchasing an item, they must be satisfied of the purchase they have made.

  The Jamaican Department of Consumer Affairs adds that tourists should be aware that they must also follow the local and international laws. For example, if a movie theater is playing a show that is intended for patrons who are aged 21 years or older people under that age do not have the right to view the show.

The Right to be Informed

• As a consumer of Jamaica, you have the right to be informed about the product before purchasing it. Many goods in the country are required to be labeled that can help the consumer decide on the quality and effectiveness of the goods. If you come across a product that does not have a label, be cautious when buying it. Keep in mind that even when purchasing an item that does not have a label, you are still protected by your rights as a consumer.

The Right to Redress

• The right to redress allows consumer tourists to follow-up with vendors that have violated any rights during the purchase process. This means that you are entitled to compensation, such as returns and money back opportunities, if you are not entirely happy with your purchase.

  Jamaica has implemented many laws that protect tourist consumers, such as the Fair Competition Act, the Sales of Goods Act, the Hire Purchase Act and the Law of Contract Acts. These laws help outline responsibilities of both the vendor and the consumer.

  The Sales of Goods Act mandates that any sale agreement can be completed via a written or oral contract. The act discusses how the consumer has the right to a refund or exchange if a new item they have purchased does not work or is not of reasonable quality.

  The Hire Purchase Act discusses that the consumer does not own the goods until they have been paid for in full. In terms of the agreement, the consumer is required to take care of the items until they have been paid for in full.