Dear Editor,
Which is more important, protecting the rights of the consumer or bolstering the profits of these unscrupulous businessmen? It was a shocking moment last week to hear an inspector informed the public that his team found a product among consumer goods that is used to alter the codes to prolong their shelf life. He further confirmed that the matter was brought to the Prosecutor’s Office and was advised that, in order for his department to take stringent measures against these dishonest businessmen, they would have to catch them red-handed. If this is not stupidity at its best then nothing else is.
How could the Prosecutor’s Office give such ill-advice? Where is the logic behind their decision? Are both entities saying that unprincipled businessmen can tamper with the codes on food items without any form of penalty? This is absurd! No wonder the population has no confidence in either government officials or the justice system. Which businessman is going to modify a code in broad daylight? These kinds of immoral actions are done behind closed doors after hours. Here is a solution: if the concerns expressed by the inspector regarding the fear of harm this behaviour could bring to the consumer, then the resolution is to ban the product completely.
Why is it that the consumer has to be always at risked, while the business owners get away scot free? The consumer’s rights have been taken away. When it is not about exorbitant prices that are making us paupers, it’s about these numerous inferior products that have saturated this island. If government cannot protect us or the justice system, then why not give these mendacious grocery owners the authority to run the country? While we are on the topic: is it me or has anyone else experienced that in certain grocery stores it appears that products like Clorox and fabric softeners tend to be diluted, while in other outlets the same items maintain their full strength?
It is high time that government and the justice system decide which is more important, protecting the rights of the consumer or bolstering the profits of these unscrupulous businessmen. We are sick and tired of all these injustices and this tunnel vision of looking at issues that are vital to the well-being of the people. Stop the nonsense! Consumer protection should be your number one priority!
Joslyn Morton
