FTCNewsLine – February 2026

FTCNewsLine Issue: 4 - 2 5 February 3 , 202 6 FTCNewsLine is an online quarterly newsletter of the FAIR TRADING COMMISSION (FTC) that contains information on competition matters dealt with by the Fair Trading Commission as well as other competition agencies from around the world. The aim is to provide readers with insights into some of the matters that are prosecuted in other jurisdictions and assist businesses and consumers in better identifying issues that may pose competition concerns. Competition legislation is specific to each jurisdiction and activities prohibited in one jurisdiction are not necessarily prohibited in other jurisdictions. For information on the prohibitions under Jamaica’s competition legislation, the FAIR COMPETITION ACT (FCA) , please visit our website at www.jftc.gov.jm . In this Issue, we feature matters arising during the period October 1, 202 5 , to December 3 1 , 202 5 . FTC Recognise d World Competition Day 2025 In December 2025, t he F TC joined the global competition community in recognising World Competition Day 2025, which was observed under the theme “Artificial Intelligence, Consumers & Competition Policy.” As part of the observance, the Commission shared a message from Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce. In his message, the Minister highlighted the transformative impact of artificial intelligence across sectors such as banking, agriculture, education and innovation. Guided by the National AI Task Force, the Government of Jamaica continues to strengthen its digital and competition frameworks to ensure that AI contributes to a more resilient, productive and competitive economy. The Ministry and its agencies, including the FTC, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the adoption of AI delivers real value for businesses and consumers while preserving fair competition in Jamaican markets. A related article is posted on the FTC’s website and may be accessed by using the following link: https://jftc.gov.jm/fair - trading - commissions - world - competition - day - message/

FTC Discussed the Importance of Competition in Public Procurement The FTC ’s Executive Director , Mr. David Miller , appeared on the Office of Public Procurement Policy’s podcast discuss ing the role of competition in public procurement. During the discussion, Mr. Miller emphasised that effective competition helps prevent collusion and bid - rigging, protects micro, small and medium - sized enterprises and ensures better value for money for taxpayers. He highlighted the importance of transparency, fair processes and robust enforcement in achieving ethical and efficient procurement outcomes. The full podcast episode is available on the Ministry of Finance Jamaica’s YouTube channel . It can be accessed using the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpFXNwunpew&t=99s FTC Participate d in First Regional Consultation on Competition Policy The F TC’s General Manager, Ms. Ann - Marie Grant , participated in the First Regional Consultation on Competition Policy, held in Bridgetown, Barbados, on November 6 and 7, 2025. The consultation focused on advancing the implementation of the Rules of Competition under Chapter Eight of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, which governs competition policy within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The event brought together representatives from national competition authorities across CARICOM Member States, as well as Aruba ; and d iscussions centred on the CARICOM Model Bill on mergers and acquisitions . The meeting also examined a draft Memorandum of Understanding designed to strengthen cooperation between national competition authorities and sector regulators ; and underscored the importance of regional collaboration in safeguarding competition and ensuring consistent enforcement across Caribbean marke ts. A featured panel explored strategies for implementing the Community Competition Policy, with particular emphasis on supporting Member States that have yet to establish national competition authorities.

FTC Complete d Assessment of Bank Account Portability The F TC completed its assessment of Bank Account Portability (BAP) which is a policy instrument that has the potential to enhance competition in Jamaica’s banking sector. The assessment examines whether allowing consumers to retain their bank account numbers when changing banks could reduce switching costs and stimulate more competitive behaviour among banks. A n examination of the issues reveal s that high switching costs currently discourage consumers from changing banks, thereby limiting competitive pressure on pricing, service quality and innovation. The analysis suggests that BAP could empower consumers, incentivise banks to improve offerings and contribute to a more efficient and dynamic financial sector. The assessment draws on international experiences, highlighting both the benefits of BAP and the practical challenges associated with implementation. These include the need for coordinated system upgrades, regulatory alignment and strong institutional cooperation. While the findings point to clear potential gains, the conclusions emphasise that successful implementation requires careful planning and sustained commitment. The assessment is posted on the FTC’s website and may be accessed by using the follow ing link: https://jftc.gov.jm/ftc - completes - its - assessment - of - bank - account - portability/ FTC Release d Report on Ride - Hailing Platforms in Jamaica The F TC released its report, “Accommodating Ride - Hailing Platforms in Public Passenger Transport in Jamaica.” The report provides a comprehensive examination of the economic, social and regulatory implications of ride - hailing services such as Uber, inDrive, Ride Jamaica and 876OnTheGo. P ublic concerns relating to safety, fairness and competition are addressed, and the report includes a compari so n between ride - hailing platforms and traditional taxi services. Also included is an analys is of how technology - driven mobility models can coexist with existing transport systems as well as an assess ment of the impact on consumers, drivers and the wider economy. Based on its findings, the FTC proposes a balanced regulatory framework that integrates innovation while ensuring consumer protection, fair competition and public interest objectives. The full report is available on the FT C’s website and through the link: https://jftc.gov.jm/the - ftc - released - its - latest - report - accommodating - ride - hailing - platforms - in - public - passenger - transport - in - jamaica/

FTC ’s Staff Participate d in CTU ICT Week 2025 T he Executive Director, a Competition Analyst and a Legal Officer participated in the Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s (CTU) Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Week 2025, held from September 29 to October 3, 2025. The annual regional event brought together policymakers, regulators, industry stakeholders and development partners to discuss the evolving digital landscape and its implications for Caribbean economies. Throughout the week, FTC representatives participated in four key sessions: Universal Postal Union (UPU) Workshop, the CTU 3rd Caribbean ICT Youth Network Meeting, the CTU Network of Women Leadership Seminar and a workshop titled Trade Transformed: Legal Innovation for a Digital Caribbean. These sessions addr essed issues ranging from digital inclusion and youth engagement to leadership, trade and legal frameworks in an increasingly technology - driven environment. Participation in ICT Week 2025 provided valuable insights into emerging digital trends and regulatory challenges. The knowledge gained will support the FTC’s ongoing efforts to promote competitive, innovative and inclusive digital markets in Jamaica , through informed and forward - looking competition policy. FTC Participate d in Legal Aid Council Seminar on Consumer Protection The FTC participated in the Legal Aid Council’s Seminar on November 27, 2025, under the theme “ After Melissa: From Rubble to Rights .” The Commission was represented by its Senior Legal Counsel, Mrs. Susan Lawrence - Simms. In her presentation, Mrs. Lawrence - Simms examined key consumer protection provisions under the Fair Competition Act, including misleading advertising, double ticketing, sale at a bargain price and tied selling. She outlined how these provisions are enforce d and their relevance in protecting consumers during periods of disruption and recovery. Mrs. Lawrence - Simms reaffirmed the FTC’s commitment to safeguarding Jamaican consumers in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. She emphasised the Commission’s role in maintaining market stability, enforcing competition law, monitoring market behaviour and e ncouraging public vigilance to prevent exploitation. The full presentation is available on the FTC’s website. It can be accessed using the following link: https://jftc.gov.jm/the - ftc - participated - in - the - legal - aid - councils - seminar/

FTC Present ed at UWI Mona Graduate Economics Seminar On November 17, 2025, Dr. Kevin Harriott, Competition Bureau Chief at the F TC , served as guest presenter at a Graduate Seminar hosted by the Department of Economics at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona. His presentation, titled “The Value of Economic Thought,” was delivered to an audience of more than 30 master’s - level economics students. Dr. Harriott highlighted economics as a powerful decision - making discipline, providing structured tools for understanding how individuals and societies allocate scarce resources. He discussed key principles such as trade - offs, opportunity cost, marginal an alysis and incentives, demonstrating how these concepts extend beyond academic theory into everyday personal and professional decision - making. A central theme of the presentation was the versatility of economics training. Dr. Harriott encouraged students to look beyond traditional career paths, noting that economic reasoning equips graduates for diverse roles in public policy, finance, business s trategy, regulation and competition enforcement. He also shared reflections from his own career, illustrating how economic thinking guided pivotal decisions and professional growth.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION NEWS CCI Directs Investigation Against Basketball Federation of India for Alleged Abuse of Dominance The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has directed an investigation against the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) for alleged violations of Sections 3 and 4 of the Competition Act, 2002. The case arose from information filed by Elite Pro Basketball Private Limited, which accused BFI of abu sing its dominant position as the national governing body for basketball in India. The CCI held, on a prima facie basis, that BFI qualifies as an “enterprise” under the Act and enjoys a dominant position in the market for organising basketball leagues, events and tournaments in India. The Commission observed that BFI’s circulars requirin g exclusive participation in BFI - sanctioned tournaments restrict players, referees and coaches from offering their services to rival leagues, potentially amounting to unfair conditions under Section 4(2)(b)(i) of the Act. The CCI further noted that BFI’s refusal to sanction the Informant’s proposed leagues, including the Elite Pro Basketball League and Elite Pro 3x3 League and its insistence on entering into an MoU without clear justification, may constitute a denial of mar ket access under Section 4(2)(c). In addition, the Commission found prima facie evidence of anti - competitive arrangements in the form of exclusive distribution and refusal to deal under Sections 3(4)(c) and 3(4)(d) of the Act. Accordingly, the CCI directed the Director General to conduct an investigation under Section 26(1) of the Act to determine whether BFI’s conduct has resulted in an appreciable adverse effect on competition. Source: https://www.dentonslinklegal.com/en/insights/newsletters/2025/december/1/antitrust - and - competition - newsletter/antitrust - and - competition - newsletter - december - 2025 – November, 2025