HGP Nightly News – Consumer complaints kept the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) busy throughout 2025, with 506 people turning to the watchdog between January and December to seek redress for matters collectively valued at G$509,644,774. In its full statement, the Commission linked the rise in reports to its ongoing public-awareness work, saying consumers are being encouraged to assert their rights while suppliers are being guided to comply with the Consumer Affairs Act (CAA) No. 13 of 2011.
The CCAC said the 2025 total represents a 5% increase over 2024, which implies roughly 482 complaints last year based on the Commission’s comparison. Of the 506 matters lodged in 2025, the Commission said it resolved 428 complaints, which it described as 85%, and secured redress valued at G$156,552,871. The remaining cases, it noted, are still being processed.
On the enforcement side, the CCAC reported 1,331 business inspections across Guyana’s administrative regions. After the initial visits, 176 businesses were deemed compliant while 411 were found non-compliant. The Commission said follow-up work shifted some of that picture: through re-inspections and engagement, it helped 378 of the previously non-compliant businesses reach compliance, but 366 were still non-compliant at the time of reporting.
The Commission said re-inspections and public education remain ongoing as it pushes for stronger compliance. The CCAC also issued 259 compliance certificates nationwide and renewed 75 certificates in Regions 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 10. When it comes to where consumers are feeling the most financial pain, the Commission said the auto, electronics, and construction sectors dominated the complaints list.
The auto industry carried the largest value of complaints, with 156 matters valued at G$312,713,686. Complaints in construction/building materials and services accounted for 65 matters valued at G$131,263,426, while electronics/electrical/accessories and related services recorded 72 matters valued at G$6,345,306. The Commission also reported complaints involving appliance parts/repairs (53 matters valued at G$31,322,947.30) and shipping/online shopping services (29 matters valued at G$6,678,506.58).
Notably, the CCAC said 2025 also marked a legal first for the agency: it filed its first-ever criminal complaint in the Magistrate’s Court against a supplier, a move that ended with the consumer securing redress through a settlement. The Commission said this followed earlier civil litigation work in the High Court in previous years, which also resulted in consumers receiving redress via court orders and settlements.
It added that enforcement will be strengthened where necessary.The Commission also reported receiving one complaint in 2025 under the Competition and Fair Trading Act Cap. 90:07.Consumers can file complaints online at the CCAC’s website, and the agency also encouraged the public to contact it by phone at 219-4410/3 or WhatsApp at 592 625-0557 for inquiries.
