WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao has a new consumer organization: Stichting Consumenten Belangen Curaçao. It is a non-subsidized, independent consumer organization of and for consumers.
The aim of the foundation is to solve consumer problems and to litigate on behalf of several consumers in common interests.
The reason for the establishment of this new consumer organization by Maria van Os was, among other things, the summary proceedings that she brought against telecommunication company UTS. This concerned the new provisions in the general terms and conditions about the validity of the call credit of Chippie Prepaid holders.
According to Van Os, the virtually lack of consumer rights in Curaçao was the reason to set up this foundation. In a press release she explains that you as a consumer do have rights, especially regarding warranty. But in many cases 'having a right' is not yet 'getting a right'.
The foundation is supported by several lawyers and experts on whom the Consumenten Belangen Curaçao Foundation can rely. Because the foundation is consciously a non-subsidized organization, a one-off contribution is asked for advice and handling complaints.
The website www.consumentenbelangencuracao.com is in three languages: Dutch, Papiamentu and English. Consumenten Belangen Curaçao is available from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.