KINGSTON, Jamaica — An investigation will be launched into reports of price gouging in western Jamaica following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

The commitment was given by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness during Tuesday’s sitting of the House of Representatives.

Since the hurricane hit on October 28, leaving a trail of destruction in southwestern parishes, reports have emerged of widespread price gouging from basic food items to bus fares.

On Tuesday, Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Western, Ian Hayles, told the House that price gouging was prevalent in the western parish. He shared that the prices of gasoline, food items, building materials as well as bus and taxi fares have doubled.

Hayles asked the prime minister how the Government plans to “stop the abuses which are taking place with our citizens”.

In his response, Holness told Hayles he was happy he had brought the situation to national attention. He said he has already sent a note to the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill and “we’re going to investigate this issue”.

“The only thing [limitation] is that the order that we have put in place for price gouging [ahead of the hurricane] is limited, it’s not for every single good, it’s limited to food items and some essential things.

“So we will investigate this and ensure that there is enforcement because in a time of disaster, everyone is expected to exercise good discretion in favour of the national recovery,” said Holness.