By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net 

The Government's consumer watchdog on Friday visited several Bahamian wholesalers to investigate claims of expired or damaged goods being shipped to Family Island retailers.

Senator Randy Rolle, the Consumer Protection Commission's chairman, said the move was to gain a better understanding of the shipping process and no company was specifically targeted.

Speaking to Tribune Business, he said the discussions with wholesalers are part of the broader Affordable Bahamas programme and checks were conducted at the dock as well.

“We need to understand the process, especially with goods being shipped out to the southern islands. We just want to make sure that everyone receives quality products and we're not going to point fingers at any company. All were compliant and it's a part of us building relationships with them,” said Mr Rolle.

“This is not a witch hunt. That's not our goal here. This is part of the Affordable Bahamas programme, and a part of that is to look at every aspect of logistics, shipping, wherever there may be a window that some expired or damaged products can get to the consumer and we adjust. Our number one goal is consumer protection, and where there are concerns from consumers we have to do our role.”

Mr Rolle said while wholesalers have allowed retailers to exchange damaged or expired goods with little hassle, some Family Island stores may not thoroughly check items before placing them on shelves.

“Retail businesses have said that when they find issues, and they report back to the wholesalers, they have been good with allowing them to exchange it. But retail stores in the islands may not necessarily look at them before they put them on the shelves. They might think 'I just bought this' and put it out on the shelf without checking those details,” said Mr Rolle.

He said the problems could lie with wholesalers or shipping companies, and discussions can allow the Commission to identify gaps in the supply chain and help to bridge them.

“If we understand the process, we can lend our voices to help make it easier for the consumer. That is our role. We work with companies to ensure that consumers are getting value for money. There may be something that CPC can adjust, but we will not know this unless we start to have these conversations. It is our intent to continue to have conversations as to how we can ensure that consumers benefit,” said Mr Rolle.

“The issue could stem from the wholesaler, it could be an issue with shipping. Items can get damaged, be stored at incorrect temperatures; it can happen anywhere. So we need these partnerships so we can identify where is an issue along the chain and work with them to correct it.”

Mr Rolle added that after a recent visit with retailers in Fox Hill, Prime Minister Philip Davis KC had encouraged the Commission to examine the full scope of the supply chain and work on the issues that increase the cost of living.

“During the Prime Minister's walk about in Fox Hill, some retailers expressed concerns about the cost of living and the Prime Minister asked directly ‘are we also looking at warehouses? Are we looking at the broad scope of things’?,” said Mr Rolle.

“So, it's not just focusing on food stock, because price control is doing a phenomenal job. Consumer Protection is simply supporting what it is they're doing and covering as much ground as possible. We want consumers, as well as retailers, to feel us, see us, and know that we are there to protect their rights.”