Concerns raised about ‘illegal’ trade licences
He asked whether National Democratic Party (NDP) government was aware that the issue existed and also questioned whether government was aware that persons were on work permits for one entity and allegedly soliciting additional contracts outside of the remit of their work permit.
“If the government is aware, what steps are they taking to solve this problem?” the resident asked.
The resident posed the question during the government’s NDP on the Road initiative held in Sea Cows Bay at the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre last evening, April 29, 2013.
Premier Dr The Hon. D. Orlando Smith said, “Essentially, the Trade Department gives trade licenses to whoever needs them, whether it is in construction or whatever area.”
He advised that the Trade Department was not staffed to the extent that they would be able to patrol every work site nor are they informed about what is going on at particular sites.
As a result, he added, the Department would not be able to know what is happening if an individual was working on a site where they should not be working.
The Premier further advised the resident that where persons were in situations where they observed others working without a trade licence, then it would be quite okay for them to report the matter to the Department of Trade for the matter to be addressed.
The resident also alleged that there were females “pulling” trade licenses for workers who engaged in such activities as plumbing and electrical work without the individuals having the required training.
“Those trades [require] professional skills, where they need to sit an exam,” the resident complained. “You have to know what you’re dealing with when it comes to plumbing, plumbing is a health issue, electrical is fire hazard and also health issue. I think if this is going on, I think it needs to stop.”
Premier Smith said he welcomed any suggestion the resident or his colleagues had about “how we patrol these issues”. He also indicated that mention was previously made about having an organisation of some sort to ensure that standards were kept.
“I’d be willing to hear discussions or recommendations on that issue,” he added.
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16 Responses to “Concerns raised about ‘illegal’ trade licences”
There are other things that are legally right and morally wrong.
There are other things that are legally wrong and morally right.
There are still other things that are legally wrong and morally wrong.
What is right and what is legal do not always coincide. People, especially those in positions of responsibility, need to remember that.
Look at all those ndp cowbirds in the last photo
What about qualifications Doc? Hmm. Just give em out so? Ah Riggow.