… While G.O.B. promises to protect consumers from unfair price hikes

On Thursday’s newscast we told Belizean consumers to brace themselves for a rise in the price of rice. The increase in the basic commodity is just another bitter reminder of the new reality in the cost of living. But if that wasn’t tough enough to bear, there are more than a handful of business houses who are capitalizing on the situation by hiking prices on goods without justification. On Wednesday, Minister of Economic Development Erwin Contreras told us he has heard the reports and assures the public that his Ministry will put a stop to the practice.

Erwin Contreras, Minister of Economic Development
“We are working hard in trying to bring a consumer protection act. It’s taking a little bit of time and we are also using the bureau of standards to do spot checks to make sure that those things do not get out of hand. We would also like to tell the Belizean people, specifically the business people to try to assist and collaborate. At the end of the day it’s not just Government that will look bad, but the social unrest to occur and everybody would get hurt by this issue.”

Janelle Chanona
“Is there any medium at this point where members of the public could directly report instances of abuse?”

Erwin Contreras
“Yes we have a toll free number, 0-800-to-tell-us and they can call that number at any time, any minute and we will definitely look at whatever situation goes on around Belize.”

That number again is 0800-283-5587.