Investigations by Consumer Affairs have found little evidence of price gouging by unscrupulous traders following the destruction caused by Hurricane Fabian.

Acting Minister of Community Affairs and Sport Ashfield DeVent said the Ministry had received numerous calls from concerned residents, but few had materialised to anything.

He said there had been an appeal from the public for the issue to be looked into, but the best option was for consumers not to buy anything they believed was vastly over-priced.

He said: "Although this is a regrettably and arguably immoral circumstance, it is not necessarily illegal and not all retailers are guilty of exercising this practise.

"Consumer Affairs has received numerous calls from consumers and they have found little evidence of price gouging.

"I would urge members of the public not to buy products if they feel that the costs are more than they are willing to pay. However, in some cases, I must remind the public that retailers are trying to meet the consumers' demands in supplying necessity items in the wake of Hurricane Fabian.

"Under the present circumstances, I would ask the retailing community to please be as fair as possible with regard to maintaining and setting prices."

Mr. DeVent said this was a time for residents to use good judgement, not only when buying goods, but when hiring contractors, masons and carpenters for home repairs, and he said the following guidelines should be followed:

Ask for three references of previous work;

Get quotes in writing;

When contacting the referees, ask whether they were pleased with the work, if the project was finished on time and within budget, and if the contractor acted in a professional manner.

Consumer Affairs staff will be providing further information on the David Lopes and Everest DeCosta radio shows today as well as on the Shirley Dill radio talk show.