Wednesday, March 10, 2010A Firm Foundation

Contractors Unite To Save The Industry

After much discussion in informal meetings and a myriad of concerns on the part of local Contractors, The Contractors Association of the Virgin Islands was officially incorporated on June 10th 2008. The membership currently sits at 35 and growing with the executive members of the group being Mr. Dion Stoutt- President, Mr. Dion Jennings- Vice President, and Mr. Lansdell Potter – Treasurer, Mr. Greg Hodge- Secretary and Mr. Mark Simmonds –Ass. Secretary.
The Association was formed out of the ever growing need for the industry to be regulated such that Contractors have greater accountability to their clients, higher standards are maintained throughout the industry and to ensure that local contractors have the ability to grow and benefit meaningfully from this evolving industry. These are just a few of the underlying factors that helped spawn the development of this group and after months of collaboration, bylaws, code of ethics and aims and objectives were developed which would not only ensure that contractors focus on the bigger picture of protecting the industry but also would make certain that complete transparency in their actions are displayed.

The construction industry is one that has been the life blood of BVIslanders for generations. When looking at the economic landscape of these islands one can observe that numerous families have prospered over generations because of this industry. Within the last 10 -15 years the industry has blossomed to the point where it is viewed as one of the economic pillars. And the members of CAVI believe that with the constant demand for buildings and infrastructure there is a bigger need for policy changes or implementation that would ensure that BVIslanders can and will continue to grow with this industry and as such, remain an active part of this wheel of economic opportunity.

The members of CAVI also believe that an association such as this would help to ensure that contractors would be responsible for their actions, ensure that the construction industry is represented on all levels so that when economic opportunities arise, the people of the Virgin Islands would be the first to benefit. Another key goal of this association is to restore across the board professionalism to the industry which it is hoped would have a significant effect on curbing the cost of construction which would be a benefit to all..

There is a Code of Ethics governing the Association, which states that only persons subscribing to the same will be allowed membership.

One key initial objective of this group is to institute an apprenticeship program for all young people who have an interest in pursuing a trade within any of the construction fields. This would not only ensure that the industry is sustained by BVI islanders and belongers but also this would be another avenue of protection for the younger generations. It is quite evident that if it wasn’t for the likes of the more seasoned local Contractors, younger persons could not be a part of this industry, so the members of CAVI feel it is imperative that they ensure that others have the same or better opportunities than were afforded them.

The association is steadfast in making sure that it addresses the issues that would affect the positive growth of the industry so; to achieve this they meet every other Tuesday at 6pm at a designated meeting place. And it must be clearly noted that the Association is by no means limited to Contractors on Tortola but outreaches to the entire Virgin Islands.

Contact for the association: PO Box 4077 Road Town, Tortola BVI. Tel: 284 499 2236 fax: 284 494 9586

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