In addition to the 2,000 new construction jobs that are expected to be created, Bahamian contractors want their services to be maximized during the building phase.
But some of them are concerned that they may be overlooked as the project moves into full swing.
Chairman of the Bahamas Contractors Association (BCA) Robert Myers told the Bahama Journal Tuesday that he hopes the bidding process is fair.
ﾓA lot of these guys have submitted bids for these [types of) jobs, but have been told about concerns [regarding] their performance, their numbers may have been a little too high or some other thing or another,ﾔ he said.
ﾠﾓSo if the effort is there, this could be considerable for the construction industry and likewise other businesses. But, if not, this goes back to the phrase I always use that it is great employment for maids and masons, but fails to do much for professionals.ﾔ
Prime Minister Christie on Monday assured that the government is committed to ensuring that Bahamian contractors get substantial contracts for the largest tourism project ever carried out in the region.
During the signing of the expanded Heads of Agreement with Kerzner International, Mr. Christie said, ﾓI am very pleased to advise that Kerzner International has undertaken to maximize the use of Bahamian contractors and construction workers.ﾔ
He also said, ﾓMy government, in collaboration with Kerzner International, will endeavour to ensure that as many qualified Bahamians contractors as possible are given the opportunity to play an important role in the building of the new facilities comprised in the Phase III expansion.ﾔ
According to company officials, Kerzner Internationalﾴs amended plans for its Phase III expansion of Atlantis will feature an impressive mix of accommodations, facilities and attractions that will further catapult The Bahamas as a prime destination.
Construction is expected to begin within the next two weeks on the next phase of Atlantisﾴ timeshare project, Harborside Resort.
Local construction firm Osprey Developers Co. Ltd. recently won that bid. Other companies that submitted bids for the project were Cavalier Construction Co. Ltd.; Sunco; Moskoﾴs United Construction Co.; and Carl G. Treco.
On Tuesday, several other contractors expressed cautious optimism regarding the billion-dollar project.
ﾓObviously, we would like to work over there, but theyﾴve been there for eight years and they havenﾴt used us yet,ﾔ said Richard Wilson, Managing Director of Cavalier Construction Co. Ltd.
ﾠﾓAnd we are probably one of – if not the largest and best managed company in The BahamasﾅBut Iﾴm always hopeful.ﾔ
According to Mr. Wilson, Cavalier has submitted bids for at least three of Kerznerﾴs developments over the years.
ﾓI am very confident that we submitted a very competitive bid, but it remains to be seen what will happen in the future,ﾔ he said. ﾓI am not burning my bridges. If they ask me to give them a price, I will. But I am discouraged by what has happened in the past. So, weﾴll see what happens.ﾔ
Val Wilkinson, office manager of Wilkinson Construction Ltd, also expressed hopes regarding the project.
ﾓWeﾴve submitted a bid to Kerzner already, but we havenﾴt heard anything,ﾔ she said. ﾓBut working on one of their projects would be beneficial to the whole community. So, weﾴre hoping to get at least one of the buildings.ﾔ
Rochelle Kelly, administrator at Bro-Kell Construction Ltd., added, ﾓRight now, Iﾴm just happy. We really need something right now, but itﾴs a matter of what amount of Kerznerﾴs development will be given to small contractors because they normally only award the big ones.ﾔ
For President of Watsonﾴs Construction Company Ltd, Brandon Watson, with the construction company still grappling to bounce back, anything is a plus.
ﾓI feel good about this because if itﾴs not us, it would be someone else,ﾔ he said. ﾓWhatever comes up and whoever gets it, assists local contractors on a whole as well as the Bahamian economy.ﾔ
Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
