While the daily newspapers reported the news extensively, bloggers on various local sites, expressed outrage at the disrespect of many supermarkets for the consequence for selling expired food to the public of the island.
There is also a call to inspect many, many more super markets in such 'sting-operations', because the experience of the public with this dangerous practice, seems to be expanded to many more food-places on the island.
The impact of the public health, especially on babies, the elderly and other vulnerable groups can indeed be life threatening and certainly costs the victim lots of money in terms of doctor's visits and treatments.
It is therefore to be applauded that after so many complaints, the health-officials decided to conduct this major random operation on a number of super markets, which yielded shocking discoveries.
Some of their findings are so shocking, that many people are now so afraid to shop at any super market, because 'appearances' certainly no longer seem synonymous with good quality, since some shop-owners are reportedly even tampering with the expiration date of many of their products.
While highly commending in particular talk show-hosts, Oral GIBBES, Fernando CLARK, Orlando GUMS, Chris EMMANUEL for consistently bringing this practice out in the open, I also would like to add our contribution to this very serious issue, by suggesting legislation for a more comprehensive approach .
In brief, the intention of this concept, would be in the first place to send out a very clear message to the owners of super-markets and restaurants in particular, that they are being watched, not only by the official inspectors, but more so by the public's own 'private-eye-detectives'.
In addition, there will be serious consequences if anyone is found to repeatedly endanger the health of the public, simply for financial gains.
One such consequence would be very hefty financial fines.
Thirdly, these fines could be used to reward the particular 'private- eyes-detective' who tipped off the authorities.
In addition, part of this fine should go the the medical center to assists with uninsured people, such as those who can prove to have become victim of having consumed or otherwise used products from these super markets.
In case of getting their 'third stripe', after two heft fines did not help, their business should be closed permanently and if not a national, have their pass-ports stamped as 'persona non grata' and deported.
Needless to realize that by making every citizen such a 'private-eye-detective', shortage of health-inspectors will no longer necessarily be an obstacle to preventing these bad practices of certain super markets.
In addition, such an incentive to the public for becoming a 'private- eye- detective' could go a long way in contributing towards helping the many unemployed local people on the island making an honest living, as opposed to stealing and getting involved in other forms of asocial behavior..
So, if we really want to get attention and RESPECT of the owners of these super markets, let us get serious and affect them where they certainly do not want to be affected....in their pockets.
'Food for thought',
Leopold JAMES
