Floyd Green urges Jamaicans to report price gouging

State Minister for Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Floyd Green has urged members of the Jamaican public to report suspected cases of price gouging to the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC).

“It is very important that the reports are made. You should submit receipts along with the reports so we can use this as evidence for the basis for us to proceed,” State Minister for Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Floyd Green, told JIS News.

The CAC is the entity authorised to enforce the new price-gouging resolution provided in the Trade (Sale of Goods During Period of Declaration of Disaster Area) Order 2020.

The resolution came into force on March 31, and is being undertaken to prevent recent cases of price hikes stemming from the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.

Green noted that prior to the introduction of the resolution there was nothing in law that spoke specifically to price gouging or a significant increase in prices during a period of emergency or disaster.

He said the new resolution gives the CAC greater power to regulate prices and take action against retailers found to be in breach.

“This is the first time that we have specifically dealt with the issue of increased pricing during an emergency or disaster. It gives the CAC power because it has some teeth with it. Now when people do not comply, they can be held to book,” the State Minister noted.

According to Green, the CAC now has the power to investigate and take action on reports of price gouging.

He is advising consumers to make reports virtually by downloading the CAC Jamaica App from the Google Play Store. Persons can also contact the CAC at 876-656-9200.

A list of prices for basic food items and goods and essential sanitisation products will be available in supermarkets to provide a guide for consumers.

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