Jamaica importing ice

Jamaica has been importing ice and will continue doing so for the next six months, the government has confirmed.

In a stark admission about the chilling move, the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce said ice importation was necessary to fill the void left by the catastrophic fire at Pure National Limited. The blaze, which destroyed 90 per cent of the company's infrastructure last month, has left the island's primary ice supplier unable to meet local demand.

"This measure is necessary to ensure an adequate supply of ice for the festive season, while also supporting key sectors such as food and beverage and tourism," the ministry stated, acknowledging the critical role ice plays in these industries.

The announcement has sent shock waves through the market, sparking concerns about rising costs. The icy dilemma has so far led to Jamaica paying increased prices for certain brands of ice. Given the situation, the Consumer Affairs Commission has been directed to closely monitor the market to ensure fair prices for consumers. Additionally, the ministry has applied for a Common External Tariff suspension on ice through the CARICOM Secretariat. This application, intended to reduce importation costs and facilitate competitive pricing, is expected to receive a response in January 2025.

As the demand for ice peaks during the holiday season, the Government is calling on retailers to uphold fair pricing practices.

"The ministry urges all retailers of ice to uphold fair pricing for consumers during this period," the statement read.