Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued a stern warning to businesses against price gouging as Jamaicans stock up ahead of hurricane Melissa. Under a new Trade Order issued in line with the Disaster Risk Management Act, retailers are prohibited from hiking prices on essential goods such as food, water, medicine, and building materials during the declared threatened period. Offenders could face fines of up to $1 million upon conviction.

Holness declares ‘zero tolerance’ for price gouging

Jamaica Gleaner/25 Oct 2025/Editorial@gleanerjm.com

WITH JAMAICANS continuing to shop for emergency items in preparation for Tropical Storm Melissa, which forecasters ex- pect to develop into a hurricane and could sit over Jamaica for several days, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness is warning against price gouging.

In a statement yesterday, Holness stressed that the Government was committed to maintaining public order and pro- tecting citizens during the current period of heightened alert.

“By declaring Jamaica a threatened area, we are activating the legal tools to move resources quickly, safeguard critical ser- vices, and protect the most vul- nerable,” the prime minister said yesterday in indicating that his administration had issued an Order pursuant to section 26(2) of the Disaster Risk Management Act.

Under this Order, the entire island is declared to be a threatened area due to the potential impact of Tropical Storm Melissa. The declaration empowers the Government to implement precautionary and protective measures to safe- guard lives, property, and critical infrastructure.

“This declaration enables the Government to act swiftly and decisively,” the prime minister said.

“I have directed all agencies to execute their preparedness plans, including shelter readiness and the pre-po- sitioning of supplies and equipment.”

He added that there would be “zero tolerance” for price gouging. In conjunction with the dec- laration, and in accordance with section 8(1) of the Trade Act, the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce has issued The Trade (Sale of Goods During Period of Declaration of Threatened Area) (Tropical Storm Melissa) Order, 2025.

“The Trade Order sends a clear message that no one should profit from a potential disaster. We are taking every precaution to ensure that preparedness measures are in place and that citizens are not subject to exploitation during this time,” Holness said.

The Trade Order, which also took effect yesterday, prohibits retailers from increasing the prices of essential goods – including food, water, medical supplies, personal care items, building materials, and emergency equipment– for the duration of the declared period. Violations of this Order may attract penalties of up to $1 million upon conviction before a parish court.

In the meantime, Holness urged the public to intensify preparations and monitor official updates from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, and to take all necessary precautions as the storm system approaches.

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