FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CARICOM Competition Commission Concludes Inaugural Conference on Competition Law and Consumer Protection

Paramaribo, Suriname, 3 August 2026 – The CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC) successfully held its inaugural Conference on Competition Law and Consumer Protection from 20 to 23 July 2026. The virtual conference brought together policymakers, regulators, enforcement officials, academics, legal and economic practitioners, private-sector representatives and other stakeholders to examine current and emerging issues affecting competition and consumer welfare.

The programme featured regional and international speakers from competition and consumer protection authorities, government ministries, sector regulators, regional and international organisations, universities and the private sector. Participating institutions included the US Federal Trade Commission, US Department of Justice, Canada Competition Bureau, Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defence (CADE), the Competition Commission of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA Competition Commission), Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Commonwealth Secretariat, CARICOM Secretariat, national competition and consumer protection agencies of Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and Aruba, University of the West Indies, University of Nottingham, and Goldsmith’s College (University of London).

Over the four days of conference proceedings, participants examined competition and consumer protection challenges arising from artificial intelligence and digital markets; competition-enforcement tools; cartel detection and investigation; abuse of dominance; merger assessment; industrial policy and competitive neutrality; unfair market practices; consumer education; and competition in regulated sectors. The final day consisted of a Sector Regulators Forum which examined the relationship between competition law, utility regulation and consumer welfare.

The conference attracted 188 participants from 23 countries and territories. The strong turnout and diversity of institutions represented, demonstrated the regional interest in strengthening competition and consumer protection frameworks and improving cooperation among relevant authorities.

“The conference provided an important platform for regional and international experts to exchange practical experiences and consider how competition and consumer protection frameworks must evolve in response to increasingly complex, digital and cross-border markets,” said Dr. Troy Waterman, Executive Director of the CCC. He further added that “The insights generated will help inform the Commission’s future work and its engagement with CARICOM Member States and development partners.”

The discussions highlighted the importance of integrating legal and economic analysis in enforcement, strengthening regional cooperation, modernising legislative and institutional frameworks, and developing the technical capacity required to address emerging market challenges. They also emphasised the need for coordinated approaches involving competition authorities, consumer protection agencies, sector regulators and other public bodies.

The CCC extends its appreciation to all speakers, panellists, moderators, participating institutions and attendees whose contributions made the inaugural conference a success. The Commission will use the findings and recommendations to support its future capacity-building, advocacy, research and enforcement initiatives.

About the CARICOM Competition Commission

The CARICOM Competition Commission, headquartered in Paramaribo, is a specialised institution of CARICOM dedicated to the promotion and protection of competition within the CSME. Its primary goal is to create a level playing field for businesses while fostering economic growth and development in the CSME Member States.

CARICOM Competition Commission