New entity to replace CAC, FTC

A new entity — the Jamaica Consumer and Competition Authority — is coming to replace the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Fair Trading Commission (FTC). Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill opened the debate on the Jamaica Consumer and Competition Authority Act, 2026, in the Senate last Friday. In his overview of the Bill, Hill explained that the impending merger of the two entities forms part of the public sector rationalisation process. He noted that the Government mandated the merger of the FTC and CAC into a new entity in accordance with Cabinet Decision No 20/18, dated June 4, 2018. “The move will see the establishment of one dedicated entity protecting the rights of consumers and treating with competition matters in Jamaica,” said Hill.

He cited that the FTC currently handles both competition policy and consumer protection issues, while the CAC currently has oversight and enforcement of consumer protection matters. “The merging of the FTC and CAC is a part of the Government’s programme to transform the public sector, which emphasises combining entities that have similar functions to achieve more effective service delivery. Having a single entity that handles competition enforcement and consumer protection matters is common throughout the world and has existed for many years,” said Hill. Once the merger is effected, the two existing entities will be dissolved. Their functions would then be vested in the newly established authority, which will be the responsible entity mandated to administer and enforce both the FTC and CAC Acts. According to the Bill, the authority shall: administer and enforce the provisions of the CAC and FTC Acts; carry out investigations or inquiries on its own initiative or at the request of a…