In a groundbreaking session, the Antigua and Barbuda government convened a high-level meeting with 14 local contractors, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s construction sector. The meeting, held on Wednesday, was attended by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Works Minister Maria Bird Browne, and senior ministry officials. The dialogue focused on addressing long-standing industry challenges and introducing transformative reforms to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and modernization. Contractors lauded the government’s direct engagement, describing it as a critical step toward fostering a robust local industry. They also commended the Works Ministry for its improved communication, organizational efficiency, and consistent payment practices under Minister Browne’s leadership. Prime Minister Browne acknowledged decades of persistent issues, including cash-flow constraints, cost overruns, project delays, and weak management practices. He emphasized the need for modernization to empower local contractors to operate at international standards while meeting national timelines and budget requirements. As part of the reforms, the Ministry of Works will establish a Contractor Support Unit to assist firms with bid preparation, costing, administrative systems, technical support, and training aligned with global benchmarks. The unit will also prepare local companies for major tenders, including projects funded by the Caribbean Development Bank in Barbuda. The ministry will launch its first bid-preparation workshop on Monday at the John E. St. Luce Centre. Additionally, the government reaffirmed its commitment to timely payments and promoted joint contracting arrangements between local firms and established regional or international companies to facilitate knowledge transfer, management capacity, and access to working capital. This meeting is the first in a series, with further sessions planned with contractors, farmers, and supermarket operators. Both the government and contractors agreed that the session marked a significant stride toward building a more competitive, modern, and resilient construction sector in Antigua and Barbuda.
Cabinet Meets 14 Contractors in First-of-Its-Kind Session; New Support Unit and Sector Reforms Announced
