The Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) in collaboration with the Barbados Employers’ Confederation (BEC) and the Barbados Building Standards Authority held a seminar on the importance of a national building code for the construction sector. This seminar was held on 25 September 2018 in the BCCI’s conference room at its Braemar Court location.

The purpose of the event was to update the private sector on developments related to the introduction of a national building code and the implications for the Barbados construction sector and by extension the wider private sector.

Mr. Emil Trotman- Director of the Building Standards Authority (BSA) was the key facilitator of the event. During his presentation, he focused on the key issues that are likely to affect construction professionals under the code. The discussion also touched on the relationship between the proposed Building Standards Authority Bill and the code.

During the discussion that ensued, the private sector stakeholders present stressed the importance of effective national consultations with the private sector prior to the passing of the proposed Building Standards Bill and constituent parts of other legislation.

The participants expressed concern about the overall process that is entailed when constructing a building, specifically the length of time and the numerous institutions involved in the decision-making process. They also expressed concern in relation to the enforcement of standards during the construction cycle. In that regard, the Chamber agreed that they would partner with the competent authorities to ensure further national consultations on this issue.