Competitive markets keep businesses sharp. They force businesses to operate at the lowest costs, encourage continued research and innovation and allow for the efficient allocation of resources. They therefore are more likely to generate sustained employment, increased savings, and higher disposable incomes. 

Anti-competitive conduct disrupts such markets. They represent practices that seek the promotion of narrow special interests over and above those of the entire society. On this basis therefore there is a case for regulatory intervention to eliminate such practices, and restore the necessary competitiveness of the affected markets. The Fair Trading Commission under the Fair Competition Act fulfils this responsibility.

Under the Fair Competition Act introduced on January 3rd, 2003, our role has been to promote and maintain effective and healthy competition in the Barbadian market and prevent anti-competitive conduct.

There are several ways we carry out this duty. The division’s officers work at informing and educating businesses and consumers about the benefits of the competitive process and about their duties in ensuring that the process is protected.

They also monitor the business environment for the purpose of identifying and prohibiting any anti-competitive practices that would jeopardise and distort the competitive process.

If such behaviour is identified, the Commission has the power to investigate allegations of anti-competitive behaviour, obtain information by summoning witnesses, require the production of documents and if necessary bring action to court.