Fair Trading Commission’s World Competition Day Message

Fair Trading Commission's World Competition Day Message

Theme: Artificial Intelligence, Consumers, and Competition Policy

December 5, 2025

On this World Competition Day 2025, the Jamaica Fair Trading Commission (FTC) proudly joins the global community in reaffirming our commitment to fair, open, and competitive markets - the pillars of national growth, consumer welfare, and sustainable innovation.

This year's theme, "Artificial Intelligence, Consumers, and Competition Policy," captures the transformative era we are entering. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how Jamaicans bank, shop, learn, and access healthcare. The potential is immense: greater efficiency, modernized service delivery, and innovative products that reach consumers across the island. Jamaica welcomes this AI-driven progress.

Yet, these opportunities come with significant responsibilities. AI introduces new challenges, from algorithmic bias and opaque digital systems to risks of dominant firms consolidating power in emerging markets. We must ensure that Jamaica's digital transition does not turn the digital divide into a digital monopoly.

The FTC underscores three core commitments:

1. Protecting Jamaican Consumers
   We will safeguard consumers from misleading automated systems, deceptive algorithms, and exploitative digital platforms. Consumer rights must remain paramount in every corner of the virtual space.
2. Promoting Fair and Competitive Markets
   AI-driven innovation should benefit all Jamaicans. Start-ups, MSMEs, and new entrants must compete on fair terms, free from barriers created by data advantages or algorithmic dominance.
3. Strengthening Policy and Regulatory Frameworks
   We will advance modern digital and competition policies through collaboration with policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and regional partners across the CSME. Jamaica's competition regime must be future ready.

A Direct Message to Key Stakeholders

To Policymakers:
Continue supporting strong, adaptive regulatory frameworks that protect consumers while fostering responsible innovation. Your leadership is vital to ensuring AI strengthens-not undermines-competitive markets.

To the Business Community:
Embrace AI responsibly, compete fairly, and innovate with integrity. Transparency, accountability, and respect for consumer rights are not just obligations, they are competitive advantages in today's digital economy.

To Consumers:
Your vigilance, choices, and voices shape the marketplace. Stay informed, ask questions, and engage confidently with digital tools. The FTC remains committed to protecting your rights as technology evolves.

Our guiding principle is clear: technology must serve the people of Jamaica - stimulating innovation and business growth, protecting consumers, and sustaining a dynamic, inclusive, and an equitable economy.

Let us move forward together, as government, industry, and citizens, to build a digital marketplace where innovation thrives and fair competition remains the backbone of national progress.

Happy World Competition Day!