Nassau, Bahamas - Contractors, business owners and various industry leaders packed the Bahamas Public Services Union Hall on East Street South last Thursday 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.
Meadows expressed the need to have the majority of contractors and others withing the industry fully informed of any proposed legislation seeking to govern them. He stated that "if any form of regulation is to be drafted or implemented it should be done transparently and with the full support of the majority of those in the industry." He also stated that "Bahamians need to realize that the Construction industry is the heartbeat of the nation. When construction workers are disenfranchised we all feel it. They are the ones who contribute the most to our local economy. They are consistent contributors to the food stores, the gas stations, the hardware stores and other local businesses. This is one of the wealthiest industries in this nation and we must not allow it to be abused, controlled and oppressed by a minority of special interests."
During an open forum some contractors said that they have been subjected to offerings of menial (take it or leave it) work on major development projects and pay that was far below their qualifications. Some said that they haven't worked in almost a year and had families to take care of. Many saw this as a stark contrast to the millions in contracts being offered by the Government the same group of individuals over and repeatedly. Many in the industry say that they are unemployed even though the media and the Government portrays a different picture.
The meeting took a turn when Godfrey Forbes, Vice President of the Bahamas Contractors Association took the floor in his attempt to defend his organization and their proposed Bill. However he was quickly silenced by the crowd that included contractors asking "what right did they have to create a bill without their input". Shouts can also be heard asking Forbes "why he was sent there and why those who sent him did not come". Forbes later sat as the panel took control of the meeting again.
Speakers at the meeting also included, David Beard (a veteran contractor from the United Kingdom), Sydney Sylvester of Sunshine Realty and Development, Mr. Clifton Davis (Overhead Developers), Clifton Colebroke of Plantation Realty, and Miss. Italia Johnson (former speaker of the house) who spoke on the need to secure the industry for the future of our children.
Officials of The New Providence Contractor's Association will be guests on the Ortland Bodie Jr. Talk Show - More 94FM, Wednesday, May 4th, 10 am to 12 pm. They will be officially introducing the association to the general public as a newly formed body within the construction industry. During the show they intend to discuss the concerns of their members, their goals, mission and other objectives. Persons are being asked to call with any questions or comments.
Their second General Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 12th - 7:00pm at Bahamas Public Services Union Hall, East Street South. All Local Contractors and interested persons are again invited.
