HGP Nightly News – The Alliance For Change is urging regulatory agencies to intensify inspections of supermarkets and stores across Guyana, alleging that some foreign-operated businesses are failing to comply with the country’s consumer, tax and labour laws.
In a statement, the party singled out some Chinese- and Brazilian-owned establishments, claiming that authorities have not monitored them closely enough.
Among the AFC’s concerns are food products allegedly being sold without English-language labels or visible expiry dates. The party said the practice could prevent shoppers from understanding what they are buying or determining whether products are safe for consumption.
It also claimed that some businesses do not issue receipts, raising questions about consumer redress, record-keeping and tax compliance.
The allegations extend to the treatment of workers. According to the AFC, employees at some establishments face long working hours, little or no overtime pay, unpaid National Insurance Scheme contributions and inadequate staff facilities.
The party did not identify the businesses involved or provide figures showing how widespread the alleged violations are. The claims have not been independently verified, and no response from the businesses was included in the statement.
Still, the issues raised are straightforward matters of compliance. Food-labelling rules protect consumers. Receipts provide proof of purchase and support tax accountability. Labour protections, including overtime payments and NIS contributions, apply regardless of who owns a business.
The AFC is calling on the Guyana Revenue Authority, Ministry of Labour, NIS and other regulatory bodies to launch a coordinated nationwide compliance campaign.
It also wants inspections conducted throughout the year, rather than only after complaints or public controversy.
Any such enforcement effort would need to be consistent. While the AFC’s statement focused on foreign-operated establishments, the same standards should apply to every retailer, local or foreign-owned, that conducts business in Guyana.
The party said closer monitoring is necessary to protect consumers and workers while ensuring that all businesses compete under the same rules.
