Chairman of local construction fraternity, Joint Consultative Committee on the Construction Sector (JCCCS), Anthony Leblanc, has expressed the organization’s delight at the inclusion of local contractors in the initial stages of the resettlement of the people of Petite Savanne who were displaced by Tropical Storm Erika.
On Thursday, the government of Dominica formally signed a contract with Montreal Management Consultants Est (MMCE) for the construction of houses for the resettlement of the people of the community.
The government has bought about 49.6 acres of land in Bellevue Chopin for the resettlement, and over $2-million was paid for the acquisition.
In an interview with Dominica News Online on Friday, Leblanc thanked CEO of MMCE, Dr. Anthony Haiden, and other workers at the company for considering the involvement of local construction companies.
“I think we are happy that we were given an opportunity this time,” he said. “We really want to pour out our gratitude to Dr. Haiden, who approached us directly to do that, and the other people of MMCE, and the fact that they are the people who conceptualized, and the people who organized the financing for the project that saw necessary to make sure there was a social element of this project, beyond the construction, that the local construction industry should be given an opportunity to get involved.”
Leblanc, also serving as a Director of Ace Engineering Ltd.—one of the local companies included in the initial stages of the project—stated that while only preliminary discussions pertaining to the scope of the work have been held, selected local contractors, as well as international contractors, will be allowed to bid on the project.
However, he elaborated that the project is too extensive for any one local company to undertake, and will demand collective effort from Dominican contractors and skilled persons.
“It’s not one that any one of us contractors can do; so it’s going to be team work, it’s going to be joint contracting for many local contractors and skilled persons. So, it’s going to be work for many of us to do,” he explained.
The cost of the resettlement project was not revealed by the government, as it was said it is still in the “conceptual stage.” However, Leblanc said that that stage has passed.
The venture will be funded by the Citizenship by Investment Program.
Construction is expected to begin on the July 1 and is expected to last for one year.
Recently, the JCCCS, raised concerns and threatened legal action over the manner in which the West Bridge project was given to a Barbados-based company saying it was not done in line with the Public Procurement and Contract Administration Act and the fact that there are local companies capable of doing the job.
DNO was told that the matter is still being discussed and it hasn’t reached the courts as yet.
(Google) “Montreal Management Consultants Est. is a dynamic firm that provides the most outstanding and exceptional professional services for application for Immigration to Canada, USA, and Economic Citizenship to Dominica and St Kitts & Nevis”.
What is it about them building houses, after they sold the passports? Boy look easy money
The streets are really narrow in this architect rendering. I’m wondering aloud if wider streets is a crime? Did anyone think about Emergency Access Personnel as this community grows? One or two disabled vehicles will prevent an ambulance for gaining entry to attend to someone in critical condition. If you don’t believe, look at the entrance to Mahaut as an example.
Awesome Work. DOMINICA IS MOVING ON AND WE WILL PROSPER.
Face the fact! You don’t have to be a labor supporter to make a fair comment. There is a saying, give Jack his Jacket. People write what is in their inner most. With some, you can actually feel the hatred coming out. You have two choices, make friends in high places, or lose friends in low places. Don’t answer them back, let them choke on it. In other words , leave them for viewexpressed. Well said sir very observant.
What does Skerritt think about us Dominicans? Since Post-Erika, Skerritt and his incompetent DLP Gov’t, is finding it difficult to mobilize funds from the international Community.
After 16 Years of selling our Passports, with all kinds of foreign and local firms and individuals involved in those sales with no transparency or accountability, some making millions, there have been no mention of projects being funded by $$$$$$$$$ obtained from sales of our passports.
All of a sudden, with the revelations from the PANAMA PAPERS, they scrambling, scared. A Foreign firm selling our passports, not a construction Co. still awarded contract for that Petite Savanne project? Again no TENDERING, no BIDDING. No estimated COSTS of that project?
Skerritt and his DLP Gov’t has not put in place, up to now, the important PROCUREMENT Act. International financial institutions are serious about how their tax-payers money is spent. Kick-backs. Fraud and other corrupt practices?
I don,t see the need to attack tony for getting work for his company and other local companies .he has always stated that his battle was for local companies to be included in the procurement process.those people who believe he was fighting a political battle,it was their conclusion.
I am totally confused. The government story suggest that all I’s are dotted, all t’s crossed. ACE is part of the works, contract, or project whatever it is called. Tony says that the JCCCS is happy to have been approached however it is to early to conclude on anything since the project is in its conceptual stages. He continues, the project is so complex it requires joint effort among local contractors.That’s my take I may be wrong. If the project is still in its conceptual stages, suggest to me that the concept has to be finalized into an actual project, then submitted for approval from planning and the Min. Finance since it is a CBI money; if a number of players are to be involved, then packages detailing the scope of works to be done has to be agreed upon and tendered. That in my mind requires lots of legal work. Given all that How then is a start date of July 1st and completion date a year later arrived at? Is Dominica really a fools paradize or what?
That is forward thinking my brother, let them think it’s only street vendors they are speaking to!
Favoured
Where did you read the government’s story? The story above seems to be an interview with Anthony Leblanc who is explaining the arrangements and his part in it. So unless you read a story by government somewhere else my little comprehension skills tell me that the story above is Tony’s.
On another note, I’m not sure why he thinks that a Canadian company would be developing a project for government and the manager out of his own volition would approach him to get involved as if the government had no say in the matter. I guess after the bridge debacle it is painful to give the government any credit at all for the work which many Dominicans will now be getting.
Hats off Dr. Darroux, in spite of recent media interviews you kept this one under your belt until tied up! I trust that at least those Petite Savanne residents who are employed will be asked to make a contribution towards their new homes. More freeness at the expense of other working Dominicans is not…
It would appear from the smattering of information that the JCCCS has Been bought off?
One can only pity the people of Dominica
Dominica is moving on little by little.
Nationals of today are better off than those of yesteryear.
D/cans in those days were not helped as they are helped today, much more than previous governments did.
I reside in Canada and the government does not build for its people. Probably government will provide them with funding and subsidize certain buildings.
Take for instant Habitat. Families who are fortunate to get one of those houses must help to build them. There are conditions. The agreement is that they must spend some hours to help complete them.
Once completed, this new development will be like a small city; the envy of all D/cans. The future residents should be elated.
The area must not be spoiled. They could have their own security to keep out criminals.
It is disappointing that some D/cans, the opposition and supporters do not appreciate the work that the Prime Minister is doing in Dominica. Let us say, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
Change your name to mr Canada
My heart is always in Dominica because I was born and brought up there. No one can take that away from me. I still have a lot of interest in Dominica. Thanks to DNO (not you) I am able to know the occurrences in Dominica and provide my comments. Therefore allow me that right, freedom of speech and liberty as others accord you same and you expect of them.
I am providing you with first hand and truthful information that you would never hear/read or know about. Life is a learning process so learn from that and broaden your mind without leaving Dominica. It costs you nothing.
When I was a student in Dominica, my dear wise father said to me, “You never stop learning until the day you die.”
Did you receive wise statements from your parents or other words of advice which helped you in life or is helping you? Share them with us.
Life is not made up of negativity, sarcasm and discouragement. It is made up of optimism and encouragement.
Since when a government just supposed to give you. Now these is a special circumstance so yes government should bear the responsibility, but you writing as if we supposed to be a welfare state. No wonder
It is all in your mind. there are some people who twist and turn every word and sentence according to their mentality.
I did not insinuate that. Re-read my comment. It may be that you did not read it patiently and properly and did not grasp what I stated.
The government helps nationals who are in need of. This is excellent. No one should look upon them as help for the needy. Every country consists of them.
We are not to look down on others because they are in need of. One day they could be better and do better. This is why it is important to assist them.
You should know that even if these people are in need of help, those who have children could benefit from it and become an educated citizen. Who knows someone of status in Dominica. If you are broadminded you will know that.
Many who came from a poor environment go on to hold important positions be it in their country or elsewhere in the world. I hope you comprehend that.
Yes, these people are fortunate.
Men without fortitude, they will use you and abuse you in time. big Joker.
It’s so sad that one can always see and tell the level of ignorance among the people of this island.Some of you don’t seem to be able to read and understand what you read or just can’t read at all.But i that the level of comprehension on this island is very poor.Didn’t you all read that it is the company financing the project is the ones who contacted Tony’s company and not the government?Any private individual or company can give whoever they wish to their project without any bidding process.Be quick to listen and learn!And even if what you all think was so,this does not justify the government’s action.
You are wrong! This is a government project. Read the article properly and it clearly says that it was the that signed the contract with foreign company. It was Rayburn Blackmoore, as acting P.M. who signed it with he Minister, of housing, Reginald Austrie in tow. Wishful thinking is no substitude for proper reading.
Reasoning,The project will be financed by cash from the sale of Dominican Passports,not by Montreal MMC LTD
Double standards Tony. There was no more openness to this contract than the one you are complaining about. The only difference is that you got included this time. You have no right to complain about the government when you make yourself party to their corruption.
Very true, that is to show U what sort of a PEOPLE we have in D/ca
Yeah man, I thought Tony LeBlanc and them had balls but who knows, that could be ping-pong balls. I think he owes us a statement o that at least, to clear the air before it start smelling like a dead rat.
Good weay to SHUT up JCCCS officials. What about transparency? What about allowing Construction Cos. the opportunity to Bid and the successful co. would be awarded the contract. Isn’t that what was being talked about re. the building of the Roseau bridge?
The local cos. will always be disrespected and treated with contempt all the time. What is the common good in all that, the Right to TENDER. PROCUREMENT.
Dominicans are slowly witnessing that they have become 4th. CLASS citizens in their own land. Now is foreign Co. selling our passports that Skerritt’s DLP Govt giving contract to construct buildings? Kick-backs, Bobol?
Dominicans never knew about Montreal Management Consultants selling our passports. Skerritt and his DLP Govt never informed the public. It was not even advertised on the official gazette. That Co. is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirate and involved in selling our passports. We will never know how many millions they have amassed. Wicked.
Mr.Leblanc I think was very clear don’t taint the gentleman….He was engage to determine the scope of work.
He stated ” while only preliminary discussions pertaining to the scope of the work have been held, selected local contractors, as well as international contractors, will be allowed to bid on the project”
He still advocating for bidding on this project.
Well, let him say so. He is not a shy man and can be very vocal when he wants to be. Right now doubt has been cast over his integrity.
The scope of work is determined before preliminary design. Mr Leblanc does not determine the mission and limits of the project. He is a contractor.
Yeah, they only gave you all a piece of the cake after the almighty Skeritt insulted you guys by displaying the full range of his ruthlessness when he had toyed with that bridge. If you all had kept quiet on that matter this fantasy village relocation would have gone to the Bajans too. Keep on exposing him to get what you all want. It’s the only way this ill-mannered badly brought up toddler can behave himself.
On my last statement on this issue, I stated that Anthony was more concern of ACE Engineering getting contracts being involved in the process . And I was right. Tony and ACE will continue to pick up the crumbs. I would like to hear what he has to say on the biding process on this one.
One more question for Anthony. If he think that Dominica has no skilled contractors or need skilled contractors to build a community, then why is he beefing over the construction of the Roseau bridge . This guy is a joke.
Tony should not have accepted the work unless he was given the opportunity to bid. It sounds like procurement matters only when he doesn’t get a contract. What a joke.
Which work did he accept? Trouble reading it seems. But you are right on 1 thing, what a joke, you.
Why is the impression being given that it is the first time that locals are involved in contracts issued by government? or even that it is the first time that Foreign companies have been given contracts and locals including Mr. Leblanc are sub-contracted?
I did not have all the facts but I agreed on principle that the project should have been tendered. I hear now that there were other extenuating circumstances. That’s why it pays to search out the facts and not get caught up in emotionalism.
I hope that my thumbs down posse can now understand why in my posts I try to look beyond what I see or hear and I read between the lines, so I do not get surprised when the end result corresponds with my initial analysis.
It doesn’t make sense to now take off on Mr. Leblanc by calling him names. Mr. Leblanc was looking after Mr. Leblanc. By the way, it would be interesting to know whether there were any other members of the group who are now on the same bridge project.
you see how the corruption distroys? by the next two generations everyone will be involve some way or the other.
when is it going to reach the courts.h a ha ha ha they like too talk big but cannot put up, they engage a queens council from london and gave the government by the friday of the same week to respond. they got none from tony astaphans. i am still waiting for their next step.
Could you believe this? When this man leaves office, he will be one of many in this day and age to relocate an entire village, that is what you call history. The other ones will be known in our time to be feyah’s AKA (LAZIES).
Is that why you love him so much? Because he keeps on making empty promises? You should wait for this phantom fantasy project to become a reality before you make such a statement. If Skeritt said that he walked on water last night you would believe him too. Ground breaking without project completions have become the norm these days
Your darn smoked head and brain..Who tell you the whole village is relocated?Take a bus and go to Petite Savanneon any given day…Get the views of those you meet there.See for yourself,before coming on here with your political balderdash.
You made me laugh.
From afar I have been accessing DNO. I can tell you that the PM is doing his utmost in Dominica.
I cannot help but state the opposition and supporters do not appreciate his good works.
Many of us are pleased with his efforts, to also pleasing everyone.
I wished they were not so much on his back, negative and full of criticisms that he does not deserve. In the end, the good wins.
I have asked you on numerous occasions to give us a list of the good work Skerrit has done in the past 15 years. I’m still waiting, all we get from you instead is waffle.
So they throw peanuts for you and you gobbling it up with gratitude and ‘delight’?
You are narrow-minded, think small and lowly in words as well as sarcastic.
Oh wow! The pot calling the kettle black.
According to the DNO article, ”Recently, the JCCCS, raised concerns and threatened legal action over the manner in which the West Bridge project was given to a Barbados-based company saying it was not done in line with the Public Procurement and Contract Administration Act and the fact that there are local companies capable of doing the job.
DNO was told that the matter is still being discussed and it hasn’t reached the courts as yet.”
I hope Tony Le Blanc and the JCCCS have not been influenced to drop the legal challenge to the award of contract to NSG Management and Technical Services Limited of Barbados to build the bridge by the promise of participation in this new housing project.
… it has not reached the courts a yet.
Well there we go, my prediction it will never reach the courts anyway. Skerrit has come to an agreement with them, i.e. if they fall in line they can have a slice of this cake. I am giving up, Skerrit has this country under a magic spell and it appears the country is not capable of shaking it of. Why in gods name did we allow it to get so far? Poor Dominica!
Here we go again, ascribing to Mr. Skerrit more power than he has. If the man is able to influence everybody in Dominica to give up their principles under his magic spell are you still wondering why the opposition is getting blue in the face trying to get him out of office?
We place no responsibility at all on our fellow citizens, nor do we give them credit for assessing a situation and taking a course of action leading to a greater good. We lay everything at Mr. Skerrit’s feet as if he has a bottomless bag of gold to bribe everybody, whether to vote for him or to abandon their principles for other reasons and then we turn around and brand him a dictator.
If I were in this man’s shoes I would be smiling with pride everyday for the perceived power that I have over almost all Dominicans and even the FBI and other international agencies because I can bribe them too not to arrest me for all the crimes I have allegedly committed.
Folks, hatred is something else eh!
It is shocking, the hatred they harbor and project for him because they do not support him and support another Party. I view this as also a bias attitude.
I do think they are imagining things and letting their imagination run away with them, wild, so-to-speak. They are overdoing it.
Yes! When people hate others, they never see the good in them and the good they are doing. They have not yet given him a chance and do not plan to, always pouncing on him and criticizing him and his ministers. This is conspicuous in their comments. What a shame!
@AAGabriel June 17, 2016
I think people like you might says more when you say nothing at all–for example that comment of yours above.
Your observation presents a sign of peace, yet you are grumbling against it; you would rather be reading as case of disunity among government and the people.
What is wrong with that, if the PM has come to an agreement with the said matter, time an money is saved from a useless court battle?
Speak for yourself, unless you have a list the \”we\” whom you are referring to –right now the \”I\”\’s are against you.
.
Tony in that big time. So there is no problem. I am not aware that the contract that government signed yesterday with the foreign company was tendered. That is something the UWP must look into. It should not be that the only person who speaks when a project is not tendered is Tony Leblanc. If that is the case, when a project comes up for execution, not tendered but Tony Leblanc name is included as an interest party, there is no problem. I suppose government passed all the transparency test and openness that Tony is so concerned about. Tony is having a windfall year garcon. Look out for the CDB funded Water Area I upgrade project. Tony is standing tall again under Skerrit and the DLP. No comments.,no protestation, no threat of court action and no threat to lie down on the bridge.
Chris, sure Tony knows that there was no need for tendering. From all reports, it may very well be a gift. Aren’t you tired of being misled?
make sure your bases are all covered JCCCS, like environmental studies and also input from the locals etc…also do your homework to see if the funds are in order…
this could be a trap then the evil machine will point all angles at you…
don’t be coned folks? this regime has a history of trickery and deception…..
thread the path with extreme cautious angles!!…
Was this contract put out to tender?
Will JCCC withdraw their case against the Govt. now that they have tasted this morsel?
I had hoped that they are men of principle and not pliable followers of principal. But maybe that is too much to ask from mere mortals when faced with an anointed messiah, who carries the money bags.