The President of the Joint Consultative Council for the Construction Industry is concerned about the use of foreign contractors by Government.
Afra Raymond told members of the Port of Spain Rotary Club on Tuesday there's "a sudden re-emergence of Government-to-Government arrangements", which he said could hurt the country.
"The whole question of Government to Government arrangements is returning to our shores. Those arrangements are detrimental to our country, those arrangements are detrimental to the next generation. Those arrangements are discredited," he said.
Raymond added that there is the danger that local contractors could be shut out. He also warned that the use of foreign firms leaves room for corruption.
Raymond's comments come one day after reports that a Chinese firm was awarded a half a billion dollar contract to build the Debe campus of the University of the West Indies.
"The Government of China will nominate the contractor and we know what that means. That means they are going to go with a Chinese contractor and the labourers are going to be Chinese workers. That is what that means and that is something we are against," he warned.
Raymond said it is time for a public to campaign against foreign contractors.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar recently launched a $400 million National Road Rehabilitation Programme, noting that it would provide opportunities for local contractors in that project.
Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jack Warner promised "a good return on our investment as the People's Partnership government moves to develop the infrastructure of our nation and take this country into the 21st century."
"The whole question of Government to Government arrangements is returning to our shores. Those arrangements are detrimental to our country, those arrangements are detrimental to the next generation. Those arrangements are discredited," he said.
Raymond added that there is the danger that local contractors could be shut out. He also warned that the use of foreign firms leaves room for corruption.
Raymond's comments come one day after reports that a Chinese firm was awarded a half a billion dollar contract to build the Debe campus of the University of the West Indies.
"The Government of China will nominate the contractor and we know what that means. That means they are going to go with a Chinese contractor and the labourers are going to be Chinese workers. That is what that means and that is something we are against," he warned.
Raymond said it is time for a public to campaign against foreign contractors.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar recently launched a $400 million National Road Rehabilitation Programme, noting that it would provide opportunities for local contractors in that project.
"I am advised that during this period over 3,000 people will find direct employment and another 1,000 or so will earn indirect revenue through micro-economic enterprises," she said at the launch of the program.
In phase one, she said, "contractors at all levels will be included".
In phase one, she said, "contractors at all levels will be included".
Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jack Warner promised "a good return on our investment as the People's Partnership government moves to develop the infrastructure of our nation and take this country into the 21st century."
Warner has been using most of the major local contractors for projects undertaken by his ministry. One of the more recent projects completed in record time within budget was the Couva interchange, which was handled by Seereram Brothers.
Other local companies like Coosals and Jusamco are also involved in multi-million dollar government contracts.
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