The Fair Trading Commission (FTC) participated in the CARICOM Competition Commission’s (CCC) Inaugural Competition and Consumer Welfare Conference, held virtually from July 20–23, 2026. The conference brought together competition authorities, policymakers, academics, and private sector stakeholders from across the globe to discuss emerging issues in competition enforcement, industrial policy, and consumer welfare.
The FTC was represented across several sessions throughout the conference, with staff members serving as presenters and panellists on topics central to the Commission’s mandate.
Day 2 – Competition Enforcement Tools
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Ms. Venessa Hall, Legal Officer, delivered a presentation entitled “Merger Assessment in Developing Economies: Practical Challenges and Solutions – A Jamaica Perspective.” Her presentation examined the unique challenges faced by competition authorities in developing economies when assessing mergers and highlighted practical approaches drawn from Jamaica’s experience. Click here to access Ms. Hall’s presentation.
Ms. Michelle Phillips, Legal Officer, participated in the panel discussion “Merger Review in Practice – Investigation, Evidence Gathering, Remedies and Decision-Making.” The session explored the practical realities of merger review, from the initial stages of investigation through to the implementation of remedies and final decision-making. Click here to access Ms. Phillips’ speaking notes.
Day 3 – Industrial Policy, Competitive Neutrality and Consumer Welfare
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
Dr. Kevin Harriott, Competition Bureau Chief, participated in the Business Forum Panel: Private Sector Perspectives on Competition and Industrial Policy for Economic Growth. Dr. Harriott shared insights on the relationship between competition policy, industrial policy, and economic growth, highlighting the role of effective competition frameworks in fostering innovation and market efficiency.
Day 4 – Regulatory Enforcement and Market Analysis
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Concluding the FTC’s contributions to the conference, Mrs. Susan Lawrence-Simms, Senior Legal Counsel, delivered a presentation entitled “Coordination Between Competition and Sector Regulators – A Jamaica Perspective.” Her presentation highlighted the FTC’s collaborative approach to working with sector-specific regulators to promote consistent and effective enforcement across Jamaica’s economy. Click here to access Mrs. Lawrence-Simms’ presentation.
The FTC was also represented by its Executive Director, Mr. David Miller, who currently serves as a Commissioner of the CARICOM Competition Commission. Mr. Miller delivered the closing remarks on the second day of the conference.
About the Conference
The CCC’s Inaugural Competition and Consumer Welfare Conference provided an important platform for regional competition authorities to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and strengthen collaborative relationships across the Caribbean Community. The FTC’s participation underscores its continued commitment to regional cooperation and the advancement of competition and consumer protection policy throughout the Caribbean.
The FTC congratulates the CARICOM Competition Commission on the successful staging of its inaugural conference and looks forward to continued collaboration in the years ahead.