Govt Website To Report Alleged Price Gouging
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in conjunction with the Cost of Living Commission, have developed an online tool that “will allow residents to submit information regarding allegations of price gouging in Bermuda.”
Speaking at last night’s press briefing, Deputy Premier Walter Roban said, “As we adapt to the effects of Covid-19 in Bermuda, we are mindful of the numerous economic factors which impact the ability of the public to navigate these unprecedented times. The cost of goods is a major concern of Bermuda residents, especially at this time.
Screenshot of the website:
“In response to numerous emails and phone calls relating to price irregularities in the Bermuda marketplace, I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of Home Affairs, in conjunction with the Cost of Living Commission, have developed an online reporting tool.
“With the support of the Cost of Living Chairman, Mr. Derrick Burgess, this online tool will allow residents to submit information regarding allegations of price gouging in Bermuda.
“Price gouging is defined as a seller increasing the prices of goods, services or commodities to a level much higher than is considered reasonable or fair, and is considered exploitative, potentially to an unethical extent. Usually this event occurs after a demand or supply shock.
“Common examples include price increases of basic necessities after hurricanes and other natural disasters; and in this case, what we are facing now, a pandemic.
“The easy to complete online form is anonymous and will be used to inform the Chairman of the Cost of Living Commission of any price irregularities in the Bermuda marketplace, for further investigation under his authority. It is not within the Commission’s remit for refunds to be issued – rather, it is for business practices to be regulated so that the consumer is protected from unethical pricing methods.
“To report price irregularities for review by the Cost of Living Commission, please visit here.”
As the island and world deals with the Covid-19 pandemic, we are doing our best to provide timely and accurate information, and you can find more information on the links below.
- Live: Our continuously updated live blog here
- All: Our coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic here
- Official: The Bermuda Government website here
- World Stats: Live graph of all cases worldwide here
- Bermuda Stats: Chart of the Bermuda stats here
- Timeline: Visual look at the timeline here
- Comprehensive: Our new Covid-19 website here
This is a complete waste of money, as no doubt the Chair and commission members are getting paid, but a good choice for Chairman as he has experience of these types of matters. It sounds like a witch hunt to me especially as grocery stores have already volunteered a 5% discount every day.
Government interference never works as everything is imported and costs vary from day to day never mind week to week. Will it include the prices of locally farmed goods being more expensive than imported? Will local farmers be told to reduce their prices?
Will price gouging include public sector employees getting paid for not working, or unnecessary overtime, paid for by taxes paid by a diminishing private sector? Has Government reduced its payroll by at least 10% to play their part?
Every week the wife picks up a Beef Pie. Just last week, I noticed the price was $7.00 per pie. (Bought at Lindo’s in Warwick)
Bought another pie yesterday from Maxi Mart and noticed the price was $7.75!
Could it be as a result of a longer trucking distance??
Just trying to find some rationale!
AWESOME!!
I’d like to report the PLP Government for raising my taxes every year since 2017