Small-Ferguson questions massive reduction in fines in JCCA Bill

According to Jamaica Observer (General News), KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Senator Ramon Small-Ferguson has questioned why the Government has moved to reduce fines for breaches of certain provisions under the Jamaica Consumer and Competition Authority (JCCA) Act, 2026. Once established, the authority will merge the functions of 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 JCCA Bill in the Senate on Friday. Small-Ferguson raised his concerns during his contribution to the debate, arguing that penalties are intended to support compliance and help consumers obtain redress. He noted that the bill reduces certain maximum fines compared to those introduced under the Consumer Protection Act in 2012. He pointed out that under Clause 29 of the bill, the maximum fine for refusing, without reasonable excuse, to answer a