NASSAU, Bahamas (CMC) — The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) Monday urged businesses not to take unfair advantage of consumers following the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew when it hit the island chain earlier this month.

“The CPC appeals to all businesses, particular those in the food, ice, water, hardware and lumber sectors to maintain their current prices for these and other items and to be mindful of the fact that in this tough economy, Bahamians are already struggling to make every dollar count,” the CPC said in a statement.

“We wish to bring to these businesses attention that any unfair price increases at such a time of crisis, hurts a wide cross-section of persons, primarily, the poor, single parents and the elderly. Therefore, we encourage a spirit of fair play and social responsibility during this stressful and trying time,” it added.

The CPC warned that should reports of price gouging be proved, it will alert the government to these “despicable acts and bring the full brunt of the law to bear upon businesses and/or people engaging in price gouging”.

It said that taking advantage of consumers “when they are down and out is indeed a most shameful, ungodly act” and urged persons to report all incidents of price gouging to the CPC.

While Hurricane Matthew caused no deaths when it hit the chain of islands on October 6, it left behind millions of dollars in damage.

In a letter to the people of the Bahamas, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth wrote that she would like to express her sympathy as the people recover from the destruction caused by the hurricane