THE NEW AGENCY representing a variety of construction businesses in Barbados was not launched to counter Chinese inroads in the local market.

One of the interim directors of the Barbados Contractors' Association, Achal Moorjani, made this point on Monday as the body continued its publicity campaign.

"It is just a coincidence that we announced the formation of the association at the time when the issue of Chinese labour came up," he explained.

Formation of the non-profit association was announced as Barbadians debated whether Chinese working on the construction of the new Four Seasons Resort were operating legally.

It also came against the backdrop of a series of major building contracts won by Chinese construction companies over the years.

Moorjani told the DAILY NATION that the association was registered in June 2006.

It was set up to represent Barbadian contractors and sub-contractors, construction service providers, manufacturers of construction components, construction equipment suppliers or distributors, construction equipment and tools rental companies and construction material suppliers and distributors.

"All those companies which are registered under the Companies Act of Barbados and whose majority shareholding is by Barbadian citizens/permanent residents are invited to join," the association said in a Press advertisment.

Moorjani said there had been "several expressions of interest" since the association started running ads in the Press.

Moorjani, of Moorjani Caribbean Limited, is one of three listed interim directors. The others are Steve Ifill of Steve's Building Works and Roger Gill of Rayside Construction Co. Ltd.

Moorjani reported that once a wide cross-section of people had joined the body, a general meeting would be called, the constitution would be ratified and a new board of directors elected. (TY)