FTC staff attend investigation training |20 March 2018

Staff of the Seychelles Fair Trading Commission (FTC) are currently following a two-day training on investigation techniques so as to better investigate cases brought to them.

John Simpson and Joseph Maseko from South Africa are leading the training session which opened yesterday at the Coco D’or Hotel at Beau Vallon.

The workshop covers important topics with the purpose of equipping the FTC staff with skills in specific aspects of FTC laws and this includes better investigation and understanding of complex cases, such as in the construction industry among others.

FTC’s principal analyst, Neddy Padayachy, stated that such a workshop will provide a much better understanding on how to better investigate cases that are brought forward to FTC

Mr Padayachy stated that there is an alarming number of complaints made by consumers on the construction industry where currently some 93 cases are being looked into by FTC.

“Such a workshop will allow our employees to better investigate any cases brought forward by clients. It will also provide the much needed skills and knowledge to handle cases within a shorter time frame and also allow FTC to better understand the concept of law in each case being investigated,” he said.

FTC is an independent government body. Its core function is to safeguard the interest of consumers and to ensure that the process of competition is maintained in Seychelles.

The commission is also empowered to investigate and evaluate complaints lodged as well as to monitor business practices to ensure that there are no contravention of its laws.

Currently FTC has got around R39 million worth cases that are being looked into especially in the construction department.

FTC has also got the power to hold inquiries, to administer oaths, to summon and examine witnesses, to seize documents, to make test purchases, to inspect goods, to conduct hearings, to impose remedies or financial penalties and to conduct searches and seize documents or articles. 

Present at yesterday’s opening were the chief executive of FTC, Francis Lebon, and FTC staff from various department such as complaints taking officers, legal officers, market surveillance and competition.

Another training will also be organised this week for all stakeholders working in partnership with FTC such as the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SCR), Planning Authority, the Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA) and the police department.