SBAJ Backs Antony Anderson For NaRRA CEO, Seeks Work For Local Contractors

The Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) has welcomed the selection of Major General (Ret'd) Antony Anderson as chief executive officer of the National Road Reconstruction Agency (NaRRA), while calling for Jamaican contractors to have a stronger place in major public works.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness disclosed Anderson's appointment on Wednesday at a special post-Cabinet press briefing held in the banquet hall at Jamaica House. Holness also stated that the NaRRA Bill had been passed into law and that Anderson is to begin the job on June 1.

In a Thursday statement, SBAJ President Garnett Reid said the decision comes at an important stage for Jamaica's infrastructure programme. He said Anderson's long record in public service gives him substantial experience and tested leadership for the role.

Reid said he hoped Anderson would get the backing and cooperation of the relevant stakeholders so the agency can carry out its mandate properly and without unnecessary delay.

At the same time, Reid said NaRRA must ensure that small and medium-sized local contractors are not left out of the spending linked to the agency's work.

"My only hope is that small and medium-sized contractors get some of the contracts from the NaRRA investments," Reid said.

He said clear systems and openness in procurement would be vital, adding that smaller Jamaican contractors have too often been passed over on large projects while bigger firms secure the work.

Reid also said contracts awarded to local businesses help keep money circulating in Jamaica, support domestic enterprise and add strength to the wider economy. He argued that when major jobs go to multinational companies, much of the financial gain is taken out of the country.

The SBAJ said it expects to work positively with Anderson and NaRRA so that the country's infrastructure build-out also supports lasting economic gains at the community and small-business level.