New CEO Stresses Consumer Protection

It is vital for consumer protection that our consumers are informed of their rights and responsibilities before engaging with traders, says Seema Shandil.

The newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Consumer Council of Fiji said she was really excited to start this journey.

To be the national voice of consumer and helping them to get better value, better customer services and better support when making choices or seeking help.

She started in her new role on January 23.

Mrs Shandil has more than 20 years of work experience and has worked at organisations such as the Fiji National Provident Fund as the Manager Research and Product Development, as an economist at the Reserve Bank of Fiji and as an educator with the Ministry of Education.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of the South Pacific as well as a Post- graduate Diploma in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts with double majors in Economics and Education.

“A priority area for me in regard to my new role as CEO will be to continue to invest in aggressive advocacy on consumer rights and responsibilities to empower con-

sumers to make well-informed decisions and get better deals while purchasing,” Mrs Shandil said.

“There are numerous complaints lodged at the council where consumers have accepted deals or engaged in transactions with traders that are disadvantageous to them.

“This is because there are unscrupulous traders who will use this imbalance of bargaining power, combined with the consumer’s lack of knowledge on consumer rights, to their advantage.”

Mrs Shandil said that the dynamics of trade and commerce that affect consumers had changed globally.

“Most of the goods and services provided in Fiji also account for a lot of foreign investment, thus Fiji is not immune from global changes. One of the areas the council will be addressing will be working towards laws for eCommerce in Fiji,” she said.

“By advocating for consumer rights and increased consumer awareness, the council is putting the knowledge in consumers’ hands and giving them the ability to make informed decisions in the marketplace.”

She added that research was also another important area that she would focus on.

“Predicting market trends and possible arising consumer issues will be important if the council’s role is to remain relevant and I will actively seek to conduct research into all consumer issues affecting consumers and ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are protected,” said Mrs Shandil.

She said that the council has a proud history of championing consumer rights for all Fijians, especially the underprivileged and the most at risk in our society.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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