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CAC's Chief Executive Officer Dolsie Allen
By Kimone Witter
The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) says it is compiling the findings from its survey of the prices on basic items in greatest need following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.
CAC's Chief Executive Officer Dolsie Allen says teams were in the field last week following reports of price gouging, which is the act of charging customers too high a price for goods or services, especially when demand is high and supplies are limited.
Mrs. Allen says similar reports were made during previous disasters and COVID-19, however, the evidence did not meet the threshold of price gouging, but of excessive pricing.
She says the CAC will be comparing prices now with those prior to the storm, which were collected at the start of the hurricane season.
"We were out in the market all week last week, checking on the prices of the basic items that are needed now during this crisis.... We have not yet completed a report, but as soon as that report has been completed, we will make it public," she said Monday on TVJ's Smile Jamaica.
"So we go to the particular vendor and we do our investigation from there. Whatever we ask for in terms of their books, in terms of their records, they have an obligation under the Consumer Protection Act, and also under this order that the minister has given, it's dated July 2. And by the way, there are fines. If you are found guilty, you can be fined up to a million dollars," she disclosed.
Mrs. Allen said the cost of services for tradesmen pre-Beryl will also be published.
"It's not only goods, services as well. So like masons and carpenters now, their prices tend to go up during this time because the need is there. So we have been speaking to the Master Builders Association for them to give us an idea of what are the normal going rates. But that aspect of it, is outside our remit, but certainly I want persons to be aware."
Still, she encouraged consumers not to feel despondent, but to "exercise our power of choice" and shop around.
The government has issued an order under the Trade Act to regulate prices and ensure fair access to necessary supplies, protecting citizens from exploitation.
Consumers have been encouraged to make a report to the CAC or directly to the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce.