(1) The Minister may, where he or she is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient to ensure the fair distribution of any goods in Saint Lucia, instruct the Director to requisition such goods.
(2) In order to requisition any goods referred to in subsection (1), the Director shall, subject to subsection (3), issue a notice to the person who, whether as owner or otherwise, has in his or her possession or under his or her control such goods.
(3) A notice issued pursuant to subsection (2) shall be in the prescribed form and shall direct the person who, whether as owner or otherwise, has in his or her possession or under his or her control any goods —
(a) to hold the goods; or
(b) to set aside and hold a specified quantity of the goods; on behalf of the Government.
(4) On the giving of the notice under subsection (3), the goods shall be deemed to be forfeited to the State.
(5) A person who, after the giving of the notice under this section-
(a) attempts to dispose of or in any way deal with, the requisitioned goods, to the prejudice of the rights and powers of the State; or
(b) refuses to deliver, or delays or obstructs the delivery of, the goods or the quantity of the goods in accordance with this section,
commits an offence and on summary conviction is liable to a fine not exceeding $500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.