WILLEMSTAD - The Antillean Contractors Association (AAV) wants to consult with the government in the short term as a result of the checks on the construction sites. An unjustified impression has been created that all contractors 'prosper with illegal practices'.
AAV is not against the inspections, but protests against the way they are carried out. The association believes that the interests of construction companies should also be considered. The contractors have to deal with clients who demand continuity of work and completion of their projects as agreed. A solution must be found in an urgent consultation with the parties involved in order to prevent a visit by the multidisciplinary team from being at the expense of production and employment.
In a press release, the association states that it is 'against unfair competition'. However, the audits of the multidisciplinary team with employees of the Tax Accountant Foundation (SBAB), the Ministry of Social Development, Labor and Welfare (SOAW) and the Curaçao Police Force (KPC) received a lot of media attention. The perception of widespread illegality in the construction sector does not correspond to reality, the AAV emphasizes. The members of the contractors' association are in any case bound by the house rules. These are very clear in terms of 'payment of taxes, social security contributions and safety', emphasizes executive director Raymond Jamanika.
It now seems unfair that every contractor chooses not to obey the law and to hire undocumented workers. Jamanika: “It is not for nothing that we have drawn up a construction agenda and have always shared it with the government.”
The negative attention comes at a time when construction companies on the island are in dire straits and therefore leaves an extra 'bitter aftertaste'. The sector has been struggling for years with an aging population, lack of projects and a stagnating economy. "The members of the AAV are trying with all their might to keep their heads above water after two years of red figures, price increases within the chain, logistical difficulties and economic standstill." In addition, many construction workers have left the island.