The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

LEGISLATION to regulate the Bahamian construction industry is in its final drafting stages, the Minister of Works and Urban Development telling Tribune Business the Government would look to have the Bill laid in Parliament “as soon as possible”.

Speaking at the inaugural Regional Conference of Caribbean Contractors, Phillip Davis said: “We had been for a long period of time collaborating with them (the Bahamian Contractors Association) to draft a Contractors Bill.

“This will be legislation that for the first time seeks to make provision for the registration and licensing of construction building contractors, and for a Consumer Code that eyes mandatory requirements that builders must meet in their marketing and building of homes.

“I am pleased to advise that except for a few remaining outstanding issues, the Contractors Bill is in its final stages of drafting. The Bill, when passed into law, also will establish a regulated construction industry with internationally acceptable standards, and the provision for consumer protection and safety.”

Mr Davis said there were a few issues left to be settled with the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) over the electrical contractor components of the the Bill. “Hopefully when those are put to bed and we reach an arrangement on those provisions, we will try to get the Bill laid as soon as possible.,” said Mr Davis.

The BCA has been the chief advocate for the Bill, which seeks greater regulation of the construction industry to protect both contractors and consumers. Currently, there is no official industry-wide regulation. The Contractors Bill would ensure the licensing, regulation and control of the industry.

According to Godfrey Forbes, the Bahamian Contractors Association’s president, contractors across the Caribbean have expressed interest in viewing the Bill so as to develop regulation for the industry in their respective countries.