Dominica Prime Minister Skerrit denies BCAD claims that foreigners get building contracts over locals

​Dominica's PM Roosevelt Skerrit has responded to what he calls claims by the Builders & Contractors Association of Dominica (BCAD), that government has not awarded contracts to locals post Hurricane Maria.
 
BCAD in a statement last week said it had written to the government seeking clarification on the 1,000 new homes to be built for Dominica, and contracts signed for construction post hurricane Maria.
 
Mr Skerrit who is also the Minister for Finance addressed the matter at a press briefing Tuesday. He stressed that the contracts will be for the importation of 20 homes, and not 1,000 new homes.

​Mr Skerrit says these contracts will offer Dominicans a unique opportunity to gain skills across sectors such as electrical engineering, plumbing, welding, steel bending, specialized fabrication works as well as operators and other skilled and unskilled labour.
 
He says it will also allow Dominicans to get training, to ensure there is a skilled construction sector, and if faced with another hurricane, to know that there is a labour force which can help Dominica rebuild.

​Skerrit says the company contracted to undertake this project is one with a proven track record from the region.

​Dominica's PM Roosevelt Skerrit