Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has declared Jamaica a threatened area under the Disaster Risk Management Act as Tropical Storm Melissa inches closer to the island.
The declaration, issued Friday, allows the government to put precautionary measures in place to protect lives of property and key infrastructure.
At the same time, the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce has activated a trade order that bans price increases on essential goods during the period of alert.
The restrictions cover items such as food, water, medical supplies, personal care products, building materials and emergency equipment.
Anyone found guilty of price gouging could face fines of up to a million dollars in the parish court.
Prime Minister Holness says the government is acting swiftly so agencies can mobilise resources, prepare shelters and ensure the most vulnerable are protected.
He is also warning that the authorities will be enforcing the price controls to prevent exploitation during the storm threat.
The public is being urged to continue monitoring official weather updates and to complete their preparation activities as Melissa approaches.
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