Labour Ministry explains how ROOFS programme hardware suppliers are chosen

Representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security have outlined how hardware suppliers are selected to distribute materials under the ROOFS programme, following questions at today’s sitting of Parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee.

The matter was raised by Central St. Mary Member of Parliament Omar Newell, who asked ministry officials to explain the process used to choose vendors for the material side of the programme.

In response, the committee was told that the ministry worked from a list of businesses provided through the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce. Those entities, officials said, had met requirements such as being tax-compliance certified and properly registered.

The Labour Ministry also said recommendations came from its parish and local offices as part of the supplier selection process.

Newell said the concern from residents centred on the cost of moving supplies from some selected hardware stores, particularly where those businesses are not close to the communities being served. He noted that other hardware operators used in government purchasing programmes appeared to be compliant and conveniently located, but were not included.

Ministry representatives said the onboarding of vendors is still continuing where needed. They said referrals are still being accepted and that businesses are not being turned away if they are willing and the necessary arrangements can be made.