Events Calendar

The FTC released its latest report: “Accommodating Ride-Hailing Platforms in Public Passenger Transport in Jamaica”

This comprehensive study explores the economic, social, and regulatory impacts of ride-hailing services such as Uber, inDrive, Ride Jamaica, and 876OnTheGo. It addresses key public concerns around safety, fairness, and competition, compares these platforms with traditional taxi models, and proposes a balanced framework for integrating technology-driven mobility into Jamaica’s transport system.

Read the full report here

FTC participates in the Office of Public Procurement Policy’s Procast podcast

The FTC’s Executive Director, Mr. David Miller, recently appeared on the Office of Public Procurement Policy’s Procast podcast to discuss “Ethics & Fair Play in Public Procurement.

In the conversation, Mr. Miller emphasises why competition is critical to maintaining integrity in public procurement. He explains how practices such as collusion, bid rigging, and corruption drive up project costs, disadvantage MSMEs, and ultimately burden taxpayers.

Mr. Miller also underscores the importance of strong competition law enforcement, advocacy, and inter-agency collaboration to prevent these issues and strengthen public procurement systems.

Click here to watch the full podcast on the FTC’s website or follow this link to the Ministry of Finance Jamaica YouTube channel.

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Fair Trading Commission’s World Competition Day Message

View message from Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment And Commerce

On this World Competition Day 2025, the Jamaica Fair Trading Commission (FTC) proudly joins the global community in reaffirming our commitment to fair, open, and competitive markets — the pillars of national growth, consumer welfare, and sustainable innovation.

This year’s theme, “Artificial Intelligence, Consumers, and Competition Policy,” captures the transformative era we are entering. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how Jamaicans bank, shop, learn, and access healthcare. The potential is immense: greater efficiency, modernized service delivery, and innovative products that reach consumers across the island. Jamaica welcomes this AI-driven progress.

Yet, these opportunities come with significant responsibilities. AI introduces new challenges, from algorithmic bias and opaque digital systems to risks of dominant firms consolidating power in emerging markets. We must ensure that Jamaica’s digital transition does not turn the digital divide into a digital monopoly.

The FTC underscores three core commitments:

1. Protecting Jamaican Consumers
   We will safeguard consumers from misleading automated systems, deceptive algorithms, and exploitative digital platforms. Consumer rights must remain paramount in every corner of the virtual space.
2. Promoting Fair and Competitive Markets
   AI-driven innovation should benefit all Jamaicans. Start-ups, MSMEs, and new entrants must compete on fair terms, free from barriers created by data advantages or algorithmic dominance.
3. Strengthening Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
   We will advance modern digital and competition policies through collaboration with policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and regional partners across the CSME. Jamaica’s competition regime must be future ready.

A Direct Message to Key Stakeholders

To Policymakers:
Continue supporting strong, adaptive regulatory frameworks that protect consumers while fostering responsible innovation. Your leadership is vital to ensuring AI strengthens—not undermines—competitive markets.

To the Business Community:
Embrace AI responsibly, compete fairly, and innovate with integrity. Transparency, accountability, and respect for consumer rights are not just obligations, they are competitive advantages in today’s digital economy.

To Consumers:
Your vigilance, choices, and voices shape the marketplace. Stay informed, ask questions, and engage confidently with digital tools. The FTC remains committed to protecting your rights as technology evolves.

Our guiding principle is clear: technology must serve the people of Jamaica — stimulating innovation and business growth, protecting consumers, and sustaining a dynamic, inclusive, and an equitable economy.

Let us move forward together, as government, industry, and citizens, to build a digital marketplace where innovation thrives and fair competition remains the backbone of national progress.

Happy World Competition Day!

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The FTC participated in the Legal Aid Council’s Seminar

The Fair Trading Commission’s Senior Legal Counsel, Mrs. Susan Lawrence-Simms, participated in the Legal Aid Council’s Seminar on November 27, 2025, under the theme “After Melissa: From Rubble to Rights.”

Her presentation explored key consumer protection provisions under the Fair Competition Act (FCA), including misleading advertising, double ticketing, sale at a bargain price, and tied selling.

Mrs. Lawrence-Simms reaffirmed the FTC’s commitment to safeguarding Jamaican consumers in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. She emphasised the Commission’s role in fostering market stability, enforcing the FCA robustly, monitoring markets, and encouraging public vigilance.

The full presentation can be accessed here

FTC presents at Graduate Seminar

On November 17, 2025, Dr. Kevin Harriottt, Competition Bureau Chief at the Fair Trading Commission, served as guest presenter at the Graduate Seminar hosted by the Department of Economics at the University of the West Indies, Mona. His presentation, titled “The Value of Economic Thought,” explored the role of economics as a critical decision-making science and its relevance to both personal and professional development.

Addressing an audience of more 30 masters-level economics students, Dr. Harriott emphasised that economics offers a structured framework for understanding how individuals and societies make choices. He highlighted core principles such as trade-offs, opportunity costs, marginal decision-making and incentives, illustrating how these concepts extend beyond academic theory. By applying these principles individuals can evaluate options, anticipate consequences and make choices that maximise personal an social well-being.

A central theme of his presentation was the versatility of economics training. Dr. Harriott noted that knowledge, and expertise in the field prepare individuals for success across diverse sectors. He encouraged students not to limit themselves to traditional career paths, but to embrace the wide-ranging opportunities that economic thinking provides – from public policy to finance, business strategy, competition regulation, and beyond.

To reinforce this message, Dr. Harriott shared his own professional journey, reflecting on the experiences and decisions that shaped his career. His story served as an inspiring example of how applying economic reasoning can guide meaningful growth.

Overall, the presentation was well received. Attendees appreciated Dr. Harriott’s ability to blend theoretical concepts with practical insights and motivational guidance. His talk offered not only academic enrichment but also valuable encouragement for students as they plan their careers in economics.

The FTC will be presenting at the 20th Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR) Conference

We’re proud to announce that our Research Officers will be presenting at the 20^th Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR) Conference, taking place from October 27 to October 30, 2025, at the Jewel Grande Resort & Spa, Montego Bay, Jamaica.

On Day 2 – Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – Shavanne Smith will present his research paper “Climate Change and the Economic Impact of Wastewater Usage” during the session: Transforming Water Management: Regulatory, Economic, and Cultural Strategies for Sustainable Water Security.  

On Day 3 – Wednesday, October 29, 2025 – Kalifa Clarke will present a joint research paper on “Fostering Competition in CARICOM Telecoms Markets”, during the session: Restoring Trust in the Telecoms Network. 

Small Business Pitch Competition at the Manchester Biz Show

Micro Business Pitch Competition at the Manchester Biz Show

FTC Participates in Regional IP and Competition Law Workshop in Trinidad

The Fair Trading Commission, represented by a Competition Analyst and a Legal Officer, participated in a regional workshop on the Intersection between Intellectual Property Rights and Competition Law, held from June 30 to July 2, 2025, in Trinidad and Tobago.

The workshop was organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Office of Trinidad and Tobago, the Trinidad and Tobago Fair Trading Commission, and the CARICOM Competition Commission.  The event aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of competition issues related to intellectual property (IP) within the context of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The three-day workshop brought together experts in competition law and intellectual property from across the region, fostering knowledge exchange and meaningful dialogue on the evolving interface between these two critical areas.

Central to the discussions were concerns regarding the potential for IP rights —while intended to incentivize innovation — to give rise to competition issues.  These concerns are particularly pronounced in contexts involving monopolistic practices related to licensing, copyright enforcement, and the growing dominance of digital platforms.

The workshop addressed a broad spectrum of topics.  Day One focused on fundamental principles of competition law and intellectual property, as well as the role of Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) and their influence on market dynamics. Participants examined how competition law can both support and challenge the enforcement of copyrights, and explored the competition implications of collective rights management.

Day Two shifted attention to practical challenges and emerging issues. Sessions explored the licensing of patents and copyrights — particularly in the pharmaceutical and creative industries — and examined the regulation of digital platforms and their expanding influence in Caribbean markets. A panel discussion underscored the importance of fostering stronger collaboration between intellectual property offices and national competition authorities across the region.

The workshop represented a significant step toward the continued development of more integrated and responsive regulatory frameworks within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

The Westmoreland Leg of the MIIC MSME Roadshow was a Success!

On June 18, 2025, the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) participated in the MSME Business Roadshow held at Manning’s School in Savanna‑la‑Mar, Westmoreland. The event brought together business owners, consumers, government agencies, and other key stakeholders in a dynamic forum for engagement and collaboration.

FTC representatives provided valuable insights into the Commission’s role in promoting fair competition, safeguarding consumer welfare, and contributing to national economic development. Attendees received guidance and information on how the FTC supports a competitive marketplace that benefits both businesses and consumers.

A highlight of the roadshow was the entrepreneurial pitch segment, where local business owners competed for grants ranging from JMD$200,000–JMD$400,000. The event also featured over 40 exhibitors, expert-led workshops, and a wide array of resources from the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) and its partners — all aimed at driving growth and innovation in the MSME sector.

The FTC’s participation underscored its ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant, competitive business environment across Jamaica.