Jamaica: Food prices double in Hurricane Sandy aftermath

Hurricane Sandy is being blamed in Jamaica for what vendors say is an alarming increase in the prices of most agricultural produce.

Based on preliminary information presented to parliament by Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller, the country’s agricultural sector sustained damage amounting to J$1.5 billion (US$ 16.7 million).

Consumers have reported to be paying almost twice the amount they would normally pay for fruits and vegetables, and there are indications that the prices will continue to climb in coming weeks due to scarcities stemming from the impact of Hurricane Sandy.

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