AFC calls for closer monitoring of foreign-owned supermarkets and stores in Guyana

With the proliferation of Chinese owned and operated supermarkets and stores across the country, the Alliance For Change (AFC) is calling for foreign operated stores and supermarkets to be closely monitored to ensure that they operate in accordance with established laws and regulations.

In a statement this afternoon, the AFC said many of the foreign operated stores and supermarkets are not adhering to the country’s laws and regulations.

“The AFC found that many Chinese supermarkets are selling food products that carry no English description as is required and no expiry or ‘best by’ date. The health of our people is being put at risk,” a section of the statement read.

The party contends that many Chinese and Brazilian stores and supermarkets fail to issue receipts to customers.

“These are not ‘mom and pop’ businesses. These businesses gross millions and could be fueling massive tax evasion and even money laundering,” the Alliance said.

The party also alleges that in most of the foreign operated stores and supermarkets, the workers are subject to inhumane treatment, with there being no separate washrooms for males and females and no lunchroom for staff to use.

According to the AFC, workers attached to those stores and supermarkets have also complained of working extremely long hours, with a lunch period of 20 minutes or less, and no overtime paid. Income taxes and NIS, are also not paid, the party contends.

“These practices put the consuming public, workers, NIS, and state coffers at risk,” the AFC said as it called onthe Guyana Revenue Authority, the Ministry of Labour, the Guyana Competition and Consumers Affairs, NIS, Food and Drug Administration to carry out a national campaign to bring all stores and supermarkets into compliance.

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