Vendors doing business at the Coronation Market in downtown Kingston. - File

PORT ANTONIO, PORTLAND:

Consumers in Port Antonio, Portland and its environs have lashed out at the massive price increases for basic agricultural produce being sold by vendors at the Musgrave market.

The alleged price gouging came to life following the passage of Hurricane Dean, which ravaged several farms in Portland, including those in the Rio Grande valley, Manchioneal, and the Buff Bay valley.

Yesterday, The Gleaner toured the Musgrave market, observing some agricultural produce being sold at increases of 200 per cent and, in some instances, even more.

The increases are now taking its toll on consumers, including Dorothy Simpson, a resident of Port Antonio, who explained that tomatoes, which are being sold for $200 per pound, were selling for $50 per pound before the hurricane.

"This is totally unacceptable and has all the features of a highway robbery," said Mrs. Simpson.

"Yes, the hurricane has damaged the agriculture sector, but that is no reason to hike prices. Whenever there is a natural disaster these things always happen, why? I believe the Government needs to look at this issue, so as to protect consumers," she added.

Previous cases

In 2004, following the passage of Hurricane Ivan, similar increases took place islandwide. And in Portland, following the flood rains of 1998 and 2001, respectively, price gouging was at its highest, with increases of up to 500 per cent on ground provisions.

Some consumers remain adamant they will not support the vendors and will instead purchase tomato ketchup, rather than tomatoes.

Other increases include; onions, $150 up from $40; escallion, $300 up from $100; carrots, $160 up from $40 and sweet pepper, $350 up from $80, per lb.

According to vendors at the market, there could be further increases come next week, since by then produce could be scarce.

One vendor, Margaret Byfield, explained that farmers have doubled their prices since the hurricane, and that has led to them increasing their prices at the market.

"We are powerless to do better at this time," said the vendor.

"Even my best customers are upset with me over the price increase. I have been cursed and harassed and some have even called me a thief. At a time like this I cannot blame them for what they are saying or thinking," she added tearfully.

- Gareth Davis Sr.