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Young contractor alleges victimisation by NDP

- Ricky E. Connor said his contract in SCB was halted soon as NDP got in office; now given to another contractor
Mr Ricky E. Conner said his contract for the construction of a retaining wall at Manuel Hill in Sea Cows Bay, which was awarded under the Virgin Islands Party government, was given to someone else by the National Democratic Party (NDP) government without it being terminated or him being officially informed. Photo: VINO
A section of the retaining wall at Manuel Hill already being constructed by a different contractor although the original contract held by Mr Ricky E. Connor was never terminated. Photo: VINO
A section of the retaining wall at Manuel Hill already being constructed by a different contractor although the original contract held by Mr Ricky E. Connor was never terminated. Photo: VINO
Materials on site for the project at Manuel Hill, a contract that was originally awarded to Mr Ricky E. Connor. Photo: VINO
Materials on site for the project at Manuel Hill, a contract that was originally awarded to Mr Ricky E. Connor. Photo: VINO
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- A young local contractor is now seeking legal advice after a contract awarded to him for the construction of a retaining wall at Manuel Reef in Sea Cows Bay under the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) government was given to someone else without his contract being terminated. The contractor is also alleging that no explanation was given to him as to why his contract was given to someone else.

Ricky E. Connor of RC Construction said he received many calls from persons after Minister for Communications and Works Hon Mark H. Vanterpool, responding to questions from Representative for the Third District Hon Julian Fraser RA during the Fourth Sitting of the Fourth Session of the Second House of Assembly on March 12, 2015 revealed that a new contractor was hired for the project since there were “issues” with the original contractor.

New contractor hired

Hon Fraser had asked Hon Vanterpool who is the contractor for the building of a retaining wall at Byron’s residence in the Manuel Reef section of Sea Cows Bay. “Madam Speaker, Mr Leslie Smith has been contracted to construct the retaining wall in the vicinity of Byron’s residence in Manuel Reef section of Sea Cows Bay…,” Hon Vanterpool responded.

The Chairman of the Virgin Islands Party, Hon Fraser, then asked if the original contract was terminated. “Madam Speaker, I do not know the full details of the original contract but I know that the original contractor had issues in getting the project started,” the Works Minister said.

Hon Vanterpool further said the project was considered to be or could incur heavy danger to the nearby house and that the Public Works Department (PWD) tried for the last two or three years to get the original contractor moving on the project but “that was not possible”.

“There were several discussions I know and a new contract was issued to get the works done before the next heavy rains is expected this coming year, so that is what I know Madam Speaker,” Hon Vanterpool stated.

Asked by Hon Fraser for a copy of the contract, Minister Vanterpool produced it to the Hon Member.

Original contract never terminated

But in an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online, Mr Connor related that he was issued a contract on November 3, 2011 for the building of a retaining wall at Byron’s residence but was one of the first to be called after NDP got into power following general elections. “They told me not to do anything with the contract and that they would inform me of any other details in the future. I said what you mean? They said don’t start it, don’t touch it.”

The young man said two years passed and he didn’t hear anything, however, he went to the Works Ministry to find out about monies owed to him for another contract, a sewerage project, and he used the opportunity to enquire about the contract.

Connor said he was asked if he was in a position to start the project but seeing that he was owed for so long for another contract, he asked for a mobilisation fee, which is 10% of the value of the contract to get the contract started. This he said is stipulated in the contract but was told officials were going to write back to him on it, however, another year passed and neither did he hear anything about it nor the money owed to him.

The contractor said he had worked on a sewerage project in Road Town and was still owed monies for work done. “Over ten thousand dollars and they said they have to do a variation with Finance and the Premier so that I could get paid. That was from last year.”

He said he also asked then about the Manuel Hill contract and was told Government was in no position to give a ten percent mobilisation fee but if he wished to go ahead with the contract he could. “I needed to get some sort of satisfaction so that I could get paid in a timely manner because they have a lot of money outstanding for me.”

Still waiting on a call

In November of last year Mr Connor said he reviewed the Bill of Quantity for the Manuel Hill project and on checking the site recommended a hammer and another piece of equipment. He was also promised the money for the sewerage project contract done.

“Mr Vanterpool called Mr (Anthony S.) Mcmaster and Mr Gary Penn at the time, me and some of my collegues were there, they brought up the question of Manuel Hill project and I said the variation needs to be in writing before I can go ahead and start. That is all I want. We need to have a variation of a machine with a hammer, a regular machine and two ten yards, also that contract needs to be revised since it is nearly four years now.

“The last word I heard from them is that they will get engineers from Public Works Department to go and check the site and get back to me. That was November last year. I now see somebody else working on the contract. I didn’t get any call, nothing. And the same things I told them was needed, the machine with the hammer and so on, they took my idea and gave it to somebody else.”

Mr Connor said he already had himself mobilised and had invested in some amount of materials. Added to that he said he had hired two heavy equipment operators who already had their machines on site. "I had machines on that site for over two weeks waiting to start but was told not to. I had called Public Works Department and told them I am about to start and they stop me. This was in 2012.

“Up to this day I still waiting on a call.”

The contractor said he feels he is a victim of politics and victimisation by the NDP. “I have to go to a lawyer right now because that contract still effective. I didn’t get any termination or anything.

“Is it a concidence that the person who now has the contract is the father of the guy that ran against Hon Fraser in the Third [District]?” Connor questioned.

62 Responses to “Young contractor alleges victimisation by NDP”

  • boy! (13/03/2015, 10:19) Like (16) Dislike (14) Reply
    ADVANTAGE NEVER DONE!
  • ABC (13/03/2015, 10:21) Like (17) Dislike (57) Reply
    Ndp wicked
    • E FG (13/03/2015, 11:08) Like (62) Dislike (12) Reply
      If they were so wicked they would not be issuing jobs to members of the Fraser's Committee
  • Observer (13/03/2015, 10:32) Like (38) Dislike (54) Reply
    Very disrespectful and unprofessional of government to do this young man so. Not even a call? sick. Cronyism to the fullest.
    • Twosides (15/03/2015, 08:13) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      There are two sides to a story possibly three. Some of these bloggers too two-tones man. The original contractor did nothing for two years... them pull he off. The contract cancelled by conduct. Story done. Next..
  • Sue Ling (13/03/2015, 10:33) Like (27) Dislike (18) Reply
    Sue dem for all dem worth. No ethics
  • Yes (13/03/2015, 10:34) Like (79) Dislike (36) Reply

    What qualifications does he have to build a retaining wall. There is a reason the damn thing fall in the first place. Having a trade license doesn't make you a contractor.

  • true tolian (13/03/2015, 10:34) Like (42) Dislike (12) Reply
    If this is not corruption then i don't know what is. how can you issue a contract four days before
    election.How long was this in the pipeline.we need to insist that no new contracts should be signed
    after the dissolution of council unless the case of emergency such as floods or earthquakes.
    • Foresight (13/03/2015, 10:40) Like (29) Dislike (1) Reply
      It becomes an emergency until someone gets hurt or dies right?
    • Engineer (13/03/2015, 20:24) Like (16) Dislike (4) Reply
      true tolian, you have made a very good point about the issuance of contracts four days before an election. That should never have happened. Further to that, the young man in his interview is saying that he was seeking mobilization monies to start the project. This seems to be his problem. He did not have the monies to start the work and could not start the work. Government's contract are issued for a period of time, that is, there is a start up date and a finish date and his contract would have that in. He admitted that Government was in communication with him as late as last year but he was holding out to get more money. So he has to put a lot of this blame on himself.
      • Bob (14/03/2015, 00:11) Like (5) Dislike (4) Reply
        Engineer ....... you must be stupid or cant read to good. Did you not read and see where the contractor had 2 machines for 2 weeks parked and was told not to start? Or how bout the part where the government still owes him from last year for a contract he already completed? He asked for mobilization cause he had been owed and still is for to long..... read before you comment
        • Engineer (14/03/2015, 07:28) Like (24) Dislike (3) Reply
          You are the stupid one Bob! Government owing him money for one job has nothing to do with the other. Furthermore, a variation in a contract, once it was not authorized by Government does not guarantee you that you would be paid for it. The work and the variation must be justified. My opinion was based on the man's interview, and based on things he said in that interview, he has shown his own faults.
          You are the one that needs to read and stop blogging off your emotions. Here in the BVI we need to deal with facts and not about party affiliations.
          • Bob (14/03/2015, 12:42) Like (2) Dislike (5) Reply

            You still the dumb a.. didn't he say he was waiting for them to authorize the varations with the extra equipment? Or you miss thay part too?

            • Mudoyyyyy (15/03/2015, 08:36) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
              Tis you who sound like Ricky,.....all defensive and seems to know more about HIS contract agreement than the ordinary man on the streets!!
  • Greg (13/03/2015, 10:44) Like (27) Dislike (3) Reply

    The issue remains that the man needs to get paid and that it was unethical of government to give away contract without terminating. If they had fears about the ability of the man to get the job done then they needed to say so. Just leaving the man hanging is unprofessional and unacceptable. Forget the politics for a moment and think about that.

    • Yes (13/03/2015, 13:15) Like (24) Dislike (3) Reply
      How you know he is telling the whole story?
      • Blow da house ricky (13/03/2015, 14:56) Like (12) Dislike (22) Reply
        Tell them keep off of u.... Them gave da contract to bull dog but i hope when the campaign trail start they will see who is da real bull dogs.... Mark...... Mark my word when this election is over see who will be da last man standing. And myron u barking loud in da house of Assembly. Just get ready we didnt put u in but we going to take u out. Not a single vote u gettin from da third... Ricky we going continue to blow da house
        • Bring Talk! (13/03/2015, 17:21) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
          Boss go take a damn seat, the people will not support ignorance. Now you all getting a taste of your own meds you baling. Man the hell up. When campaign start I hope all of you ready. If you think anybody scared of Fraser, VIP and their supporters open your eyes wide and see what's coming.
        • the rock (13/03/2015, 21:08) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
          put your money where your mouth is I bet u vip is on there way to get the same licks as last time!
        • @Blow de house ricky (14/03/2015, 02:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          You sound so stupid!! Go back to school man
  • concern (13/03/2015, 10:49) Like (14) Dislike (44) Reply
    The contract were sign he did not dissolve no council RICKY fight it others get paid the NDP is to wicked since they only looking for their cronies look out to get justice.
  • joe (13/03/2015, 10:58) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    some one did not get a kick back,this is how it works,only friends an family of the administration or any administration in office gets state brief with out having to grease a hand ,the reason you were not hearing from them is because they were waiting for you to approach them with a bribe, every body have to eat ah food get it.
  • ABC (13/03/2015, 11:01) Like (8) Dislike (17) Reply
    Crab was paid over $600,000 dollars by Government for a contract which Government had nothing to do with. POP's contracts which were signed by Tilford were all honored by this Government. Why take bread out of the mouth of this young lad.
    • true tolian (13/03/2015, 11:59) Like (37) Dislike (2) Reply
      @ABC
      Crabbe got paid for work already completed,POPS was also paid for work already completed
      although signed by Tilford and by the way Pops was executing work before the vip lost and
      way before elections.
      • ABC (13/03/2015, 14:58) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
        Crabbe's work had nothing to do with Government other than he is a NDP supporter. Over a million dollars was spent on road works in Anegada under the NDP all by contracts issued by Tilford. Play the tape. A bull bud is what you need.
    • @ABC (14/03/2015, 02:28) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      and how much Jamsie and Ashley them were paid for their works? Thousands in over-run. Why VIP did not sort this out with him before..he is not an educated or experience contractor. He cannot get the wall built...case close...next!
      • ABC (15/03/2015, 14:29) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

        @ true tolian. So the truth of the matter is, O J's father gets the job and O J is once against running with the NDP. Set of cr**ks.

  • Weezy (13/03/2015, 11:05) Like (50) Dislike (39) Reply
    During the year 2011, I was naive to think that the NDP were the good guys, the better party that would be impartial and fair but now in 2015 I realise we went from goons to goblins.
    • Dumb-bow (15/03/2015, 08:30) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Weezy, you have presented no evidence on which you based your realization. If you cant support that opinion shut to hell up because many reading that statement would realize your statement is written from someone just realizing out the air....

      VIP MUST BOW!!!
  • dehsho (13/03/2015, 11:20) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply

    That's the height of nonsense regardless of he can get the job done or not you give the contract to him first he sign it dah means he cld do or he has the resources to get the job done but having him waiting on dem to start but look around deh have someone else on.the job without any notification is dead £%^^& wrong so ayo PAY DEH MAN

  • Yes (13/03/2015, 11:20) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Victimization Is Possible (vip)
  • ann (13/03/2015, 11:44) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    There are many more of deeds kind of stories of ndp vitimisation but wait another election coming
  • ooooo (13/03/2015, 12:15) Like (23) Dislike (5) Reply
    so them took the job and give it to OJ's father????
  • question? (13/03/2015, 12:38) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Did the new contractor get mobilisation or any monies before he started to workor right after he started working?

    If yes.....God help us all!
  • for real (13/03/2015, 13:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It is the same treatment for those contractors that signed the contracts for the guardrails located in Nail Bay.
  • HHH (13/03/2015, 13:21) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply

    WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND

  • trrefdrfds (13/03/2015, 13:33) Like (3) Dislike (26) Reply
    ricky is a good man
  • True (13/03/2015, 14:17) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    my question might seem odd. But why is the government paying to build a retaining wall to protect private properties that didn't concern themseleves with building correct runoffs and build in the correct place. This is where the joke lies.
    • Question Everything (14/03/2015, 21:57) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

      True, you are one out of a million. Everyone else missed it.

  • mvw (13/03/2015, 14:22) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Another sad day in paradise.

    NDP to the rescue my son. Don't worry. Next time put your X in the right box.
  • we the people (13/03/2015, 14:27) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
    Ricky i say big ups for putting the wicked nasty ndp on blast
  • gg (13/03/2015, 17:00) Like (6) Dislike (5) Reply
    yet another reason why the NDP must and will go
  • the builder (13/03/2015, 18:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Governor here less--The Governor in Turks says no contract is to be issued by the ruling government once parliament has been resolved--This practice needs to stop in the BVI. Both VIP and NDP in their desperation to hold on to power keep issuing these last minute a month before election contract.
  • @builder (13/03/2015, 22:58) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The contract becomes null and void when he tells government he has no money to start the project and they owed him no mobilization fee. Story done long time! We're all his docs in order? Johnny say don't talk some talk all.
    • joe (14/03/2015, 06:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      His docs had to be in order to sign a contract don't you think? What about the outstanding money owed to him? And why was he told not to start in the place? I see a easy lawsuit!!!! Let's see what happens
    • Hmmmmm (14/03/2015, 10:14) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ask Ricky if his docs were in order and if his story 100% accurate.
  • lettuce tree (13/03/2015, 23:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    What goes around comes around... 

  • pat (14/03/2015, 08:45) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    We will make them pay at the polls
  • NDP supporter (14/03/2015, 16:10) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    On Election day who your voting for! Sure aint the NDP! i regret so much giving them my vote. The rich getting richer and the our we are losing our country and our youths because they aren't any jobs for them
  • Boo (14/03/2015, 19:12) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Connor just need to collect his money. Contract was never terminated so they need to pay him whatever damages are due
  • cay (14/03/2015, 20:59) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ricky u large bam
  • Lily Ann (15/03/2015, 08:41) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply

    NDP awards certified Contractors that gets the job done WELL .... and not to a family friend because he got a Trade License etc etc.... Come on people....Are you for the Country or your Pockets ?????

  • Eagle and Buffalo (15/03/2015, 20:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stories often have more than two sides. However, assuming that written low, responsive and responsible fixed cost contract was issued, a written termination if one was not given should have been giving either for default or convenience. Though some contracts can impliedn, not written, it is best management practice for contracts to be in writing. Assuming no notice to proceed was given, there may be some legal issues.

    Construction contractors are not usually paid up front. They are typically paid Progress payments for work put in place plus evidence for material purchased.


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