Jamaicans are among the most gullible and docile consumers in the world. While in many countries people complain and even protest against exorbitant prices for necessary items, Jamaicans take the increases without a whimper. There is no doubt that many merchants are using the excuse of the tax package and the devalued dollar to increase the prices of their goods way above the percentage increase caused by either the tax package or the devalued dollar.

Extreme measure

It is significant that when the minister of industry called on the merchants to decrease their prices because of the fall in the price of oil, hardly anyone responded. He had to take the extreme measure of publishing comparative lists in the newspapers to try to induce a lowering of prices through the publicised competition. Even then, some have not responded.

The Jamaican consumer should now resort to this method of protest because the increase in the prices of many goods cannot be justified. It is out of proportion to the increased taxes or the devaluation. What then should the consumer do? Stop buying the product! A determined campaign should be launched entitled, 'SBI' - 'Stop Buying It'. Don't buy the products with inflated prices.

Cheaper items

It would be surprising to discover how many seemingly necessary items can be substituted by other cheaper items. For instance, one does not have to buy brown rice, which has reached an astronomical price. Use Jamaican ground provisions instead. This will help to develop our local agriculture. One does not have to use fruit juices, use natural fruits instead. One does not have to use tinned corned beef, or cheese or the other items whose prices have skyrocketed recently.

Undoubtedly, it will mean a certain sacrifice and ingenuity, but we can 'Stop Buying It'. If this campaign persevered for the next few months, it would help to restore the balance of power between the merchants and the consumers.

I am, etc.,

Rev EARL THAMES

Andrews Memorial

United Church

Mandeville