The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda held a landmark meeting on Wednesday with fourteen local building contractors and senior Ministry of Works officials to address long-standing industry challenges and enhance the competitiveness of local firms.
Described as the first session of its kind, the meeting provided a candid forum for contractors to directly engage Government leadership. Participants praised Cabinet for initiating the dialogue.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne acknowledged the sector’s importance while highlighting persistent issues such as project delays, cost overruns, cash-flow constraints, and weak business systems.
The Cabinet announced several policy actions:
1. Creation of a Contractor Support Unit
A new unit in the Ministry of Works will assist contractors with bid preparation, costing, training, and technical support—key for major upcoming projects, including CDB-funded works in Barbuda.
2. Improved Payment Scheduling
Government reaffirmed its commitment to more predictable payment cycles to ease cash-flow pressures.
3. Joint Contracting Model
A framework allowing local firms to partner with established contractors will facilitate knowledge transfer, better project management, and improved access to finance.
Contractors commended Minister Maria Browne for improved communication and consistency since assuming the Works portfolio. Cabinet will continue similar sessions, with farmers to be engaged next.
