The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamian construction industry is moving closer to having regulatory oversight, after the Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) resubmitted its nominees for the Contractors Board.

That Board will oversee enforcement of the Construction Contractors Act, with the BCA revising its nominees after the initial slate was deemed not sufficiently diversified to represent all the sector's different trades and professions. Desmond Bannister, minister of works, yesterday said: "They have resubmitted their names. I will take it to Cabinet ,and once Cabinet approves it we will make the appointments."

Mr Bannister had previously told this newspaper that while the BCA is supposed to nominate six members from various disciplines within the construction industry, its only prior submission lacked the necessary variety. Confirming a pledge by the BCA's president Leonard Sands, the Minister said the BCA had resubmitted its nominees.

The Act, when implemented, will introduce a system of licensing and self-regulation, where Bahamian contractors are certified according to their qualifications and scale/scope of work they are capable of undertaking.

This would place them on a 'level playing field' with foreign contractors, enabling them to better compete for multi-million dollar contracts on foreign direct investment (FDI) projects that come to the Bahamas because their capabilities are certified.

The Act also includes provisions giving Bahamian consumers means of redress, and protection, against shoddy workmanship by so-called 'cowboy contractors' - something that has been a frequent complaint among residents.