NASSAU, Bahamas -- Contractors, business owners and various industry leaders packed the Bahamas Public Services Union Hall on East Street South on Thursday, April 28th, to attend the first general meeting held by the New Providence Contractors Association.

The meeting kicked off at 7:30 pm with a rally cry and a call for unity within the construction industry. Leading this call was NPCA's founder Delroy Meadows who made it clear that the association was committed to fight for equal access and opportunity for all Bahamian contractors within the industry. He called for diverse representation for contractors throughout the Bahamas. "We intentionality called this organization the New Providence Contractors Association because I believe that each major island should form its own association to represent the needs of their island. We should then connect as one body with the purpose creating our own investments and ensuring fairness withing the industry."

Various industry concerns were addressed by the panel during the meeting that evening. One of the major concerns among many in attendance included a proposed Contractors Bill which is being presented before the Government by the Bahamas Contractors Association. Many who were in attendance during the meeting voiced their opposition to the Bill and the principles of the Bahamas Contractors Association who were responsible for drafting it.

The panel included Attorney Alex Morley who dissected the proposed Bill before the audience to give those in attendance a clear understanding of what the implications were for those working in the industry if the Bill were to pass in Parliament.

Concerns were expressed were the Bill referenced the appointment of a Board by officials of the Bahamas Contractors Association which would govern both an Acceptance and Disciplinary Committee. Many saw these as conflicts of interests as the Bill also calls for the formation of both committees by the same Board appointed by the BCA.

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