Hurricane -Price Freeze Statutory Rules and Regulations

Here's an email I received today.

Dear Merchant,
With the impending hurricane season upon us, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) reminds all Virgin Islands merchants of the requirement to submit a price list for essential hurricane related commodities. The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) is charged with the responsibility of protecting the public from deceptive trade practices, such as price gouging during a declared state of emergency and/or natural disaster.

According to 23 V.I.C. § 1005; (g), in addition to any other powers conferred upon him by law during any declared state of emergency, the Governor may, for the purpose of coping with the emergency, do any of the following: (1) Suspend the provisions of any statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of territorial business, or the orders, rules, or regulations of any territorial agency... (10) Through the Commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, take action necessary to freeze and maintain costs of goods and services to the public at a price level existing immediately prior to the Governor's proclamation of the state of emergency. Such price freeze shall include, but not be limited to, food items, water, beverages, health and medical care products, fuel, rents, construction goods and services, clothing, furnishings, and such other goods and services as are deemed appropriate under the circumstances presented.

All potentially effected merchants are mandated to supply DLCA with official inventory or price lists of essential goods and merchandise in stock during Hurricane Season, June 1 through November 30, 2017. DLCA shall provide documentation with further details on definitions and specific examples of essential commodities. Price lists are due the first day of every month during Hurricane Season. After the first submission, if no price change has occurred, merchants must submit a letter of certification each month specifying that the prior month’s list is valid and without change. If price changes have been made, merchants must submit the updated price changes. All lists should clearly reflect the specific price changes from month to month.

Businesses may pick up samples of the appropriate price list as well as detailed documentation on definitions and specific examples of essential commodities from DLCA offices; in St. Croix at #3000 Golden Rock Shopping Center Suite 9, in St. Thomas at #8201 Sub Base, Suite #1 Property & Procurement Building and in St. John at the Administrator’s Office Building. DLCA will accept hand delivery or a digital copy of price lists, via email or on a USB Flash drive. Electronic submissions can be emailed to info@dlca.vi.gov.

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs appreciates the public’s cooperation. Consumers or Merchants with questions can email info@dlca.vi.gov or call a district near you. For the St. Croix Office call 713-DLCA (3522) or for the St. Thomas Office call 714-DLCA (3522).

Thank you!

There was a price freeze statutory laws off attached as well.
This the season!