Not even the gloomy looking weather on the morning of Friday March 14, 2014 could have prevented consumers from realizing their innate power. Indeed, consumers have power that they are probably not aware of and may not know how to bring it to bear. The power of the consumer is unimaginable.

Such is the power of the consumer that on that day in question, consumers' power was exhibited at the William Peter Boulevard where the two competing Mobile Phone Providers on the island shared the same platform. In full view of consumers, these two Mobile Companies flanked the Consumer Affairs Department's Information Desk set-up to disseminate information in observance of World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) under the theme: "FIX OUR PHONE RIGHTS" as proclaimed by Consumers International (CI).

Information is that in 2005, Lime and Digicel sponsored and were present at a cricketing event at the same time. However, that was not without controversy; and since then these two providers of Mobile Phones, Internet Access, Cable Television etc, were never again known or seen at any public or private event at the same time.

Given this scenario, not in one's wildest dreams could one have imagined that consumers could have done the trick of having these two giants side by side at the same event.

Indeed, it was very heartening to have seen consumers moving from one service provider's booth to the next, without any rancor or animosity, seeking the best deals on the various hand-sets that were on sale on that historic Friday March 14, 2014 morning in down-town Castries.

The Consumer Affairs Department (CAD) salutes and takes its hat off to consumers, who appreciate the Department's work. Consumers are hereby urged to continue to support and rally around the CAD in its quest to bring about a nation of discerning consumers. Consumers, you have the power - use it wisely.

If you have a complaint contact CAD at 452 3141/468 4227/468 4232.

Email damian.monrse@govt.lc

Damian Monrose

Information Assistant

Ministry of Commerce, Business Development,

Investment and Consumer Affairs