Only big name firms getting contracts – Purcell resident

-‘Team Up’ says Minister for Communications & Works at Purcell Government ‘On the Road’ community meeting.

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Frustrations were obviously high among residents who turned up that the ‘On the Road with the Premier and His Ministers’ community meeting held on Thursday July 10, 2014 as among the many issues vented by residents is the lack of income opportunities for small contractors. Photo: VINO

The small contractors say they want to be able to benefit from projects including the Cruise Pier Development Project and Caribbean Development Bank loan projects. Photo: VINO

Hon Mark H. Vanterpool, Minister for Communications and Works, in response sought to explain that with big projects larger firms are more than likely to win the bids but there are smaller projects that small contractors can benefit from. He also advised them to team up. Photo: VINO

PURCELL, Tortola, VI – Frustrations were obviously high among residents who turned up at the ‘On the Road with Premier and His Ministers’ community meeting held on Thursday July 10, 2014 as among the many issues vented by residents is the lack of income opportunities for small contractors.

This was the case especially of one man who said he is a qualified architect. “It seems like only the big name firms are those who are going to get anything and the small man, a single person, a single practitioner is out of it,” he said.

“So I would like to know how they will be able to take part in the so called construction and development you guys are talking about. What are you going to do about it?" he asked, directing his frustrations to Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark H. Vanterpool.

The man blasted the government for not making provisions for small architects like himself to benefit from projects including the Cruise Pier Development Project and Caribbean Development Bank loan projects.

"I am a professional architect,” he said. “I looked at the number of qualification requirements to be able to put in a bid and what I see is something that prohibits some small architects from literally taking part in all of these projects that they say they want to have in this country,” he added.

Hon. Vanterpool in response sought to explain that with big projects larger firms are more than likely to win the bids but there are smaller projects that small contractors can benefit from.

"I am not going to mislead and say to you as an individual or small architect that you will… you will have the opportunity certainly, but when you are talking about a $35M project, the Government will not go out and seek the services of one individual,” said Hon Vanterpool.

He said teaming up with other small contractors may be the way to go. “…team up with other architects and other firms because most times there is that team effort when it comes to those major projects. However, the Ministry of Communications and Works has other projects not in that range, $30M, that your services can be provided for…It would be useful for you to come and present your credentials and your services,” he said.

11 Responses to “Only big name firms getting contracts – Purcell resident”

vip (13/07/2014, 09:47) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
The NDP is not the party for the small man, this is living proof.
vex (13/07/2014, 09:54) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
Just the usual bluff from mark
what (13/07/2014, 09:57) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
shut your lying arse MV
xxxxxxxx (13/07/2014, 10:07) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply
But the NDP was never for the little man they just like the Republicans for big business and the rich…NDP must go vote VIP all the way
voter (13/07/2014, 12:36) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
who did the cbc loan was it not fraser and the vip? just asking
- Hold it (13/07/2014, 14:38) Like (4) Dislike (13) Reply
  Only the know-hows would know how. Yes VIP did it under the next premier Fraser and they would have known how to include all.
lmao (13/07/2014, 18:10) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
If the small man good enough then big ones will subcontract to them. Entitlement feeling is a bad thing. What happen to unity? Small firms teaming up becomes one big firm but we know how VIP trained them so no surprise here. Check the trade licenses and see how man complainers are real contractors. Funny how VIP politicians would never hire them for their personal projects but will give them taxpayer monies. You ever see them petty contractor working on Fraser or Fannie house? Never!!!!!
same old (14/07/2014, 11:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
Another fine example of cronyism.
Just saying (14/07/2014, 13:23) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
The small contractors are complaining about not getting any contracts. One question do they have the money to do the project and pay their workmen. From what I know you don't get money upfront from Govt. to do the project. Been there.. Just saying!!!!!!!!!!!
So... (14/07/2014, 16:40) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
So petty contractors don't vote for NDP too? Why make this political? Small is small and such is life. CDB is not giving mobilization and other goodies like Government does. You have to run the job for months on your own. How does a small contractor manage a $400K job on his own then add to that the requirements with insurance etc.? VINO has the Tender Information on the side bar all the time, read them. How many small contractors have an annual turnover of $200K plus, keep audited financials etc.? CDB rules cannot be broken or bent, the only way around it is to team up or let the big contractor sub-contract some of the work. The Government cannot do anything about this. This notion that petty contractors vote for NDP and major contractors vote for NDP. WTF? Two of VIP's biggest supporters and major contractors have gotten major contracts under this Government so what's the point? These story lines are getting more and more stupid by the minute I swear. Some of these contractors won't even get approved by a local bank to build a simple house for a client, but want approval to work on million dollar Govt. project LOL. Some of the contractor's family members, friends and political friends won't even trust them to build a curb wall to keep water draining out their yard, but they keeping the most noise. There's a reason for this... lol
- Just saying (15/07/2014, 13:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
  @ So.... you hit the nail on the head. They can certainly try but if they don't meet the specific qualifications then they will not get the contracts. Like someone said earlier, these small contractors need to team up with the bigger ones and get some of the work that way.

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Only big name firms getting contracts – Purcell resident

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