Events Calendar

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.

The MSME Business Roadshow is coming to Westmoreland, and you’re all invited!

The MSME Business Roadshow is coming to Westmoreland, and you’re all invited!

The Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce, Jamaica’s Business Ministry, is calling on bold entrepreneurs to step forward and pitch their innovative ideas at the Micro Business Pitch Competition on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Manning’s School.

What’s at stake?
A chance to win a J$200,000 cash grant and get your business the recognition it deserves!

Are you ready to take the stage? Here’s what we’re looking for:
✅ Business operating for at least 1 year
✅ Registered in Jamaica
✅ Annual revenue of J$15 million or less
✅ No more than 5 employees

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Whether you’re crafting the future or expanding your vision, this is your moment to shine.

Register now at roadshow.miic.gov.jm

See below for more information.

Westmoreland! The MSME Business Roadshow is heading your way!

Westmoreland! The MSME Business Roadshow is heading your way!

The Fair Trading Commission invites YOU to take centre stage in the Small Business Pitch Competition during the MSME Business Roadshow on Thursday, June 18 at the Manning’s School.

This is your chance to showcase your business, gain exposure, and compete for a J$400,000 cash grant!

Whether you’re launching something new or growing your venture, this is the perfect opportunity to make it happen.

Register now: roadshow.miic.gov.jm
️Deadline: June 10, 2025

We can’t wait to see you pitch your way to success!
See below to learn more.

FTC Participates in the 7th Meeting of the Reconvened Task Force on the Implementation of Chapter 8 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas

Mr. David Miller, Executive Director, participated in the 7th Meeting of the Reconvened Task Force on the Implementation of Chapter 8 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, held in Bridgetown, Barbados, from May 15 to 16, 2025. Among the topics discussed were Modalities and Legal Arrangements for Advancing Cooperation between Member States and the CARICOM Competition Commission in the CSME, and Next Steps and Action Plan to Implement Obligations Under Chapter 8 of the Revised Treaty.

As a means of strengthening collaboration between competition and consumer protection authorities in Member States, Mr. Miller requested that the Task Force consider having arrangements for Cooperation Agreements between Member States with respect to competition and consumer protection issues being undertaken, whether it be investigations, market studies or competition advocacy