Prime Minister Mottley and the Chamber of Commerce today appealed to Barbadians to stop raiding supermarkets and stores to hoard supplies in reaction to COVID-19.
She assured the population: “There is no need for it, and in most instances, we have two or three months’ supply on island for almost everything. The Ministry of Commerce has checked critical supplies.”
She made the appeal in a meeting with media managers ahead of talks with the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) this evening.
Delivering its own reprimand, the BCCI issued a stern warning to anxious shoppers guilty of the practice.
“There is no need for panic-buying. Ironically this practice can result in unnecessary food and supply shortages particularly for the more economically vulnerable in our society,” the BCCI said, though stopping short of saying if there were any measures members could take if the practice continued.
With cases of the COVID-19 virus being reported in more Caribbean countries, Barbadians have been jittery, buying more than the usual amount of toilet paper, canned food, cleaning products, rubbing alcohol, and other sanitary items.
There have already been reports of shortages of hand sanitizers, gloves and sanitizing wipes.
The Chamber of Commerce said it has been monitoring the situation relating to supplies. Based on its survey of retailers and distributors within its membership, it assured the public that there are adequate supplies of food and essential items to prepare for COVID-19.
It continued: “We recognize that there is currently a shortage of hand sanitizers but wish to remind the public that there are even more effective alternatives such as antibacterial soaps, which medical experts emphasize is the preferred and most effective option.
“The Chamber stands in support of national efforts and the proactive action by the Government to prepare the nation for the likely impact of COVID-19.
“The Chamber joins the call for unified and responsible action by all Barbadians and in this regard, we appeal to members of the public to remain calm as you continue to prepare yourself and your family.
“We encourage you to be mindful of the needs of your fellow Barbadians, particularly, the vulnerable in our society as you do so.
“Above all, let us be mindful of the serious negative consequences that panic-buying, fear and hysteria can have on the stability of the economy, national food security and the welfare of all.”
The BCCI said that with the support of its members in the retail sector it remained committed to working with Government in the interest of every Barbadian during this critical time.
“In keeping with this commitment, we wish to emphasize that we will not condone any action by merchants who may take unfair advantage of consumers by excessively increasing the prices of goods and supplies that are vital to the health, safety and welfare of consumers,” it warned.
This comes days after President of the Barbados Private Sector Association Edward Clarke warned that the association would not tolerate price gouging or hoarding.
“We have heard in news reports about some of that taking place in some other markets. This is not something that we should tolerate in Barbados and I certainly will not be someone tolerating price gouging anywhere in Barbados,” Clarke warned.
He had also pointed to the debilitating impact that hoarding could have on the economy and the less fortunate, saying it could cause the most vulnerable to be even more exposed to the virus should it reach Barbados’ shores.
marlonmadden@barbadostoday.bb
