Director of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Karia Christopher said the construction industry workshop organised for heavy equipment operators and contractors was a success.

Mrs. Christopher said the workshop was held through the department’s building capacity initiative and was a great opportunity to not only train and educate persons, but to encourage them to do the right thing.

The Director said, “The aim of the workshop was to have the total process and the understanding that the entire team has to work in tandem.  For instance, the architectural services, the construction, trucking and heavy equipment, everything needs to work together to have a satisfied customer; not limited to residential, but commercial as well.”

 Managing Director at Edwin Adams Architect, Mr. Edwin Adams and local businessman, Mr. Colin O’Neal made presentations at the workshop.  Mr. Adams said that there is a need for guidance in the industry to minimise bad practices.

Mr. O’Neal stressed the importance of the training as there are new players seeking to enter the market. 

He said, “If certain practices are not improved, the void in skill levels and professionalism that exist will be filled by people from the outside. As a result, the workshop is self-preservation.”                                                                         

Participants were presented with information on excellent customer service; how to deal with customer queries; liabilities that come along with the sector; significance of being a legal and operating company; how to run a successful construction firm; tips on quantity surveying; and expectations when hired to do a job.

The Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs is responsible for facilitating the development and growth of the BVI business environment, by helping businesses to realise their full potential. This is done through the establishment and management of programmes and networks that provide information, education, training, finance and other assistance in order to foster sustained economic development in the BVI.

To contact the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs email them at bvitrade@gov.vg or call 468-4280 for information on other initiatives.

Note

Photographs 1- 3, from Left to Right: The Director of Trade, Mrs. Karia Christopher, participant receiving certificate and Deputy Director of Trade, Mr. Maxwell George.