It’s Holiday Outreach Once Again!

While many were on vacation relaxing and enjoying their well deserved time-off from the hustle and bustle of life during the recent holiday period, the staff of the Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) and the Consumer Protection Services Unit (CPSU) were busy on the campaign trail.  Which campaign trail you ask?  Each year the Ministry of Legal Affairs (MLA) via the Consumer Affairs Division (CAD) hosts its outreach campaign designed to educate and sensitize the public on the services provided by this Ministry, with the emphasis being placed on consumer education.

This year’s activity spanned the period July 13^th to August 24^th where officers visited literally every corner of Trinidad.  A sample of the places visited included the Borough of Arima, the city of San Fernando, Mayaro, Barrackpore, Diego Martin, Couva, Toco and San Juan.  These activities involved officers providing an overview of services offered by our Ministry such as civil registry, information on weights and measures and consumer education.  On these occasions, printed information such as brochures which contains pertinent information designed for public consumption and branded token items were distributed. 

With this initiative, MLA hopes to familiarize our citizens on the vital services offered by the Ministry as it impacts on the day to day lives of persons.  Our services span the lives of individuals from the cradle to the grave, literally. A birth certificate is needed at birth, and during the prime of one’s life a marriage certificate, land transactions and the registration of a business are often needed.  At one’s demise, a death certificate is required by law.  These are but some of the important services offered by this Ministry.  The Ministry therefore sees the importance of going beyond treating with customers who come-in through our doors, and has therefore taken the initiative to reach the public with its services. 

In addition to its outreach activities, in the near future, consumer tips designed to assist the public in becoming more empowered and assertive consumers will be featured on 102 FM.  Newspaper advertisements on consumer education will be used to complement the radio segments. The CAD is endeavoring to be more pro-active in providing consumer education as this is the key to individuals becoming better consumers who will exercise their rights and responsibilities in an effective manner.

Look out for the next installment of our campaign trail for the rapidly approaching Christmas season where we continue to meet the public one-on-one.  Enjoy the snapshot of this year’s holiday outreach activity on this page.