The Ministry of Public Works and Transport is in the process of drafting legislation for a Contractors Bill, Minister of Public Works and Transport the Hon. Neko C. Grant said as he addressed the recent closing sessions of the Bahamas Contractors Association?s Contractor I Seminar Series

The draft, described by Minister Grant as a ?work in progress? along with suggested changes submitted by the Bahamas Contractors Association (BCA), is presently being reviewed by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

?It is anticipated that these will be submitted to the Office of the Attorney General for further action within the ensuing weeks,? said the Minister.

Minister Grant explained that one of the main objectives of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport is to encourage the workforce to focus on the quality of the services that is offered. ?Therefore,? he said, ?in addition to increasing opportunities for training and development, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has sought to strengthen regulation of the construction industry.?

Minister Grant said the Ministry of Public Works and Transport remains committed to fostering an environment where training activities within the construction sector are encouraged throughout The Bahamas.

He commended the participants for their dedication and successful completion of the seminar series. ?I also applaud your demonstration of commitment to enhancing your skills at a time when global and national trends make it necessary for us to renew our focus on the concept of lifelong learning.

?At this time of economic uncertainty, acquiring new knowledge or building further on what is already known can enhance one?s ability to overcome some of the obstacles that may arise,? he added.

Minister Grant thanked the BCA, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute, the Albany Group and the Seminar?s lecturers for their efforts in developing the seminar series.

He also expressed his appreciation to the BCA and the public for their contributions to the draft legislation and assured them that they have a very important role to play in the process.

?Likewise, as contractors, you have a very important role to play in the execution of your duties by helping to build a sector that meets the highest standards. Your presence here this evening, I believe, is an indication that you have accepted this challenge, and for this we are indeed very grateful,? said the Minister.

The four-part Level 1 Contractors Seminar held from October 23 to November 13 was designed to provide small contractors with an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that would improve the quality of service they offer to the public.

Among the topics addressed during the sessions were: contract negotiations, estimating, project management and contract close-out. Speakers included Pat Rahming, architect; Paul Worrell, quantity surveyor; John Michael Clarke, project manager and Amos Ferguson, architect.


by Bahamaislandsinfo.com