IT MAY NOT be a flood, but the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) is getting more than 300 queries monthly from the public about questionable trade practices.

"On a monthly basis we get in excess of 300 calls, walk-ins and so forth to discuss issues," the FTC's chief executive officer, Peggy Griffith, said.

She made the comment during an FTC public education programme session in Heroes' Square on Friday, handing out leaflets and explaining some issues to people working in, or passing through, The City.

The programme drew attention to guaranteed standards of service set for Barbados Light & Power Company Limited and Cable & Wireless (C&W) Limited, the big telecommunications company. Those standards, and a package on compensation to clients when they (companies) fall short, became effective from Thursday.

Griffith said Barbadians had been raising several issues with the FTC, including deceptive advertising.

"They clearly understand what their rights are, and they are sticking out for their rights," she said.

She also said the FTC was looking to renew
its public outreach programme and incorporate consumer protection issues.

"We want to move out to the Glebe (St George)," she said. "We want to move to Speightstown
and to meet the public on market days, when we can begin to talk to them again about their rights and responsibilities, and further promote the standards of service and what those entail."

The FTC now regulates the power company and C&W, but water and transport are expected to soon come under its flag.

"The Prime Minister has indicated that he would be moving to bring those (utilities) under the ambit of the Fair Trading Commission, and we are awaiting that," said Griffith.

"Once they are under our responsibility, we will certainly be looking to put in place standards of services."

(TY)