Local contractors have a very slim chance at qualifying to benefit from the CDB loan project in the Virgin Islands, according to a consultant. Photo: VINO

FDL Consult Inc., Mr Gilbert Fontenard said he sees some aspects of the procedures of the CDB-funded Parham Town Road Rehabilitation Poject as having a possible “bone of contention” going forward. Photo: VINO

Residents were called to a community meeting in the East End/Long Look Community Centre on November 5, 2013 to discuss the designs for the Parham Town Corridor project. Photo: VINO

Despite the poor turn out of residents, the meeting went on and attracted a few questions from those present. Photo: VINO

The Parham Town Corridor Project is estimated to take approximately six (6) months to complete. Photo: VINO

This he noted on November 5, 2013 during a community meeting held at the East End/Long Look (EE/LL) Community Centre. At the time he was discussing with residents and stakeholders the design and concepts for the Parham Town Corridor Development Project slated to get off the ground in January of 2014.

"The procurement rules, because I know it might be a bone of contention going forward, the procurement rules establish what we call qualification guidelines," noted Mr Fontenard.

He explained that for a contractor to qualify he must be able to demonstrate that he has the experience to undertake the work. "He must be able also to demonstrate that he has access to cash, he must also be able to indicate that he has a particular amount of volume transactions," he explained further.

Mr Fontenard added it is highly likely that only two or three contractors may qualify to benefit from the project because of the 'honourous requirements' for qualifications. "Both in terms of personnel, finance - access to capital and also the volume of work," he noted.

The consultant said that while the rules are set and stringent in some cases the CDB may extend some level of flexibility.

Recording keeping was highlighted as one of the major common problems of contractors in the Caribbean. "For obvious reasons, some of them do not keep records to avoid taxes, some of them do not keep records because they are not structured but when you are dealing with CDB you must provide financials," according to Mr Fontenard.

"Again I know these are all issues and we will hear criticism and I want to establish that it wasn't established by us. If you are loaning people's money, like there are with banks, there are conditions precedence," he added.

The Parham Town Corridor Project is estimated to take approximately six (6) months to complete once started and according to the consultant, it is a project that is very simple. The carriageway will be maintained according to design but there are to be improvements in the characteristics and functionality.