Local contractor warns Gov't against Chinese on airport project
He was speaking on Thursday May 26, 2016 at the conclusion of a meeting of concerned contractors who felt the need to voice their concerns regarding a number of issues they felt needed addressing urgently. This meeting took place at the End End/Long Look Community Centre.
Our newsroom was told by our senior National Democratic Party (NDP) sources that two companies made the final list on the runway extension project. They were China Communications Construction Company Ltd, and IDL Group, who merged with Sir Robert McAlpine Holdings and local partner ADC of the Virgin Islands.
The Chinese company has no local partner and it is expected that the Government of the Virgin Islands will seek its own funding for the project. Government also had given all companies the option of providing funding for the project in the design and build tender.
According to information received from our sources, China Communications Construction Company Ltd’s bid was approximately $154 Million and IDL Group, the Sir Robert McAlpine Holdings and local partner ADC bid, was reportedly $199 Million.
“We don't want the Chinese...we don't need the Chinese. When the Chinese come they come to take over,” said local contractor Wesley Penn during an interview with this news site.
Government not listening
He said, according to his information, the Chinese contractor has already submitted a list of all that is required and how the contracting firm proposes to supply what is needed for the project. It is understood that even building materials will be sourced from outside the territory should the chinese win the contract to design and expand the airport runway.
“What I know is that the Chinese are not good for us because everywhere they go they leave a stain...we prefer to deal with places like Canada but my government is not listening.”
Penn said there is a labour force from the West Indian community that has been taking care of the territory’s construction needs and this could be placed in jeopardy if the Chinese are allowed to do the airport project.
Asked whether they as contractors have the capacity to do a project on the scale of the airport upgrade, the contractor said many of the contractors have joint ventures with other overseas firms with that capacity.
“Some of them already bid as a joint venture,” Penn said referring to the airport project.
“We are trying to get a group of contractors together to move forward on letting the government know how we feel and where we stand,” he said.
Penn, however, noted that the contractors individually have been voicing their concerns to government on the dangers of allowing the Chinese on the airport project.
46 Responses to “Local contractor warns Gov't against Chinese on airport project”
I am also worried that if we let the Chinese in - then where will it stop. Mr Edmund Maduro may be very vexed if they interfere with his constitutional right to do laundry in the BVI.
China makes their Prefab out of garbage- do your research, our health issues will be rated high once using the services or working in this airport, if the Chinese build the airport. This will also be a great burden on our new implemented NHI. Instead of this country making good decisions to go uphill, we are making decisions to go down hill. What happens to what our forefathers thought us
Honorables please negotiate with common sense and while keeping your country at heart
Asians fit both categories.
By the way, is that a Chinese-made cap you are wearing?
Answer to questions: I wish I was an Antigua lobster fisherman.
with people, how can they be bad either? Oh well, nuke both, be safe.
Pico boy it look like you lost your touch with your people who next from your area will be on you, school children say they is a uprising coming your way, you have to be so careful in your decision making pico lord help him.
One create jobs for his people and one create good talk for his people
When it comes to the # 3 man hate him or like him he look out for see cow bay’s
When it comes to the # 7 man he look out for his self he self don’t look out for the people who put there self in a line of fire for him, very selfish man
it does not matter the NDP will soon be history they are so full of sh** 1999 will soon reply it self stick and stay don't go away
People has being hurt so much in this country, by the so call (N D P) isn't a thing they can come out and tell you at this point
They complaining, I for one don't feel sorry for them. Bunch of GREEDY people. Every job they do cost at least three million more than estimated cost. You people have to understand that you cannot take it to the grave with you. Stop being greedy.