THE PRIVATE Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) are not in support of Government's handling of the reported instances of price gouging by some retail supermarkets.
In a joint statement, the business groups said that it was "highly regrettable" that the commerce ministry had released the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) price survey before engaging them in dialogue so that investigation and clarification could be undertaken.
WRONG IMPRESSION
"This action gives the impression that the ministry is seeking to embarrass the private sector," said the joint statement. "We have made no secret of our abhorrence of price gouging and we have indicated to the authorities verbally and in writing our commitment to cooperate.
"Unfortunately, such 'evidence' as has been released, even if subsequently proven inaccurate, can negatively impact the public's perception of an organisation's integrity and such damage cannot easily be repaired."
PSOJ President Beverly Lopez told The Gleaner yesterday that her organisation was supporting the claims of the retail supermarkets that they have not increased their margins.
She said in October, major retailers agreed to maintain their margins at pre-Ivan levels for the duration of the duty-reduction regime offered, and this commitment had not been breached.
According to Mrs. Lopez, retailers are willing to meet with the representatives of the commerce ministry to further discuss the issue.
