MARIGOT--Checks have been carried out in April 2020 by State services to evaluate the evolution of prices in shops and supermarkets.
In the current context of the COVID-19 health crisis, prices are showing a certain stability in St. Martin, even if increases are noted for some products (around two per cent), the Préfecture has indicated.
Basic products (pasta, flour, eggs) have been replenished locally or have been sold at a higher price substituted by other, more expensive brands. Similarly for fresh products, distributors are sometimes forced to substitute fruit and vegetables from Spain – whose production is highly dependent on the slow-down of goods from other countries – at higher purchase cost.
The work of the Observatory of Prices, Margins and Revenues (OPMR) is essential as is consumer involvement through reporting via the online platform Signal Conso – the website dedicated to reporting this type of abuse
(https://signal.conso.gouv.fr).
Its mission revolves around the following objectives: competitive regulation of markets, economic protection, protection of the environment, protection of consumers and consumer safety. Reports made by consumers via the platform are processed in real time by law enforcement and can amount to fraud when there is question of an abusive price increase.
OPMR was created in St. Martin by Préfectoral decree on May 14, 2019, before being installed on June 17, 2019.
Its members are Madame la Préfète or her representative, the Senator of St. Martin, the Députée of St. Barths and St. Martin, the President of the Economic, Social and Cultural Advisory Council CESC, Chamber of Commerce CCISM president, the organisations of the French Consulate, members of the OPMR of St. Martin, as well as trade union organisations, defence of consumers association ADEIC, the Galisbay Port director, and relevant government departments.
The President of the Collectivité of St. Martin is “ex officio” member of this joint body. The OPMR is chaired by Mr. Moguerou – who is First Vice-President of the Court of Auditors – and President of the Court of Auditors attached to the regional chambers of Guadeloupe, French Guiana and Martinique and territorial chambers of St. Barths and St. Martin. Its Vice-Chairman – designated from among the members – is Mr. Passera, Mouvement des Entreprises de France MEDEF representative.
In 2019, the OPMR implemented two studies relating to a communication campaign on value for money and cost of building materials and product quality. In 2020, it has been associated with the work carried out by Direction des Entreprises, de la Concurrence, de la Consommation, du Travail et de L’Emploi (DIECCTE) and the Préfecture.
