Minister Bramble Warns: No-Refund Signs Often Violate Consumer Rights

By Val Matthias. Updated 10:09 a.m., Monday, March 16, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs Fitzgerald Bramble, used World Consumer Rights Day 2026 to spotlight one of the most common violations facing Vincentian consumers: the “no-refund” sign. 

Speaking under the theme “Safe Product, Confident Consumers”, Minister Bramble reminded citizens that the Consumer Protection Act No. 12 of 2020 protects them against unfair practices. “It ensures that when you encounter, for example, a no-refund sign, which is often a violation of your rights under the Act, you have the knowledge to stand your ground,” he said.

The minister stressed that consumer confidence is central to economic stability. “Safe products are the foundation, but confident consumers are the result. When you shop with confidence, our local businesses thrive, our economy stabilizes and our country prospers,” he declared. 

Minister Bramble acknowledged the challenges of small island economies, where reliance on imports leaves consumers vulnerable to inflation and substandard goods. “For too long, some have viewed the Caribbean as a place to offload seconds or near-expiring items,” he warned, adding that vigilance is essential to protect citizens from unsafe products. 

To bridge the gap between legislation and everyday life, the Department of Consumer Affairs will roll out a national public education and awareness programme. This initiative will include a week of activities: church services, radio discussions, town hall meetings, business community walk-throughs, and a solidarity march in Kingstown on March 16. The march will culminate in the launch of a consumer protection guide, designed to simplify legal language and empower citizens. 

Minster Bramble also placed consumer rights in a global context, citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the La Soufrière volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, climate change, and the war in Ukraine. Despite these setbacks, he pledged that the government will continue to strengthen consumer protections. 

“Let us commit to being informed, being fair and being vigilant. Let us ensure that in St. Vincent and the Grenadines the consumer is a protected consumer,” Minister Bramble said , urging citizens to support the planned activities and familiarize themselves with their rights under the Act. 

END