Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation Audrey Sewell convened a meeting on Wednesday with the management of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the National Works Agency (NWA), and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Collette Roberts Risden and her team to discuss the current work stoppage on the Mandela Highway Improvement Project.

CHEC was represented by Chief Executive Officer Dr Zhimin Hu, while the NWA was represented by E.G. Hunter, CEO.

During the meeting, the government officials noted that no formal complaint had been made to the Ministry of Labour of a dispute between the workers and CHEC. However, government officials acknowledged that resolution of the matter is necessary in the national interest.

In that regard, the Government requested information on rates paid to workers and whether CHEC is complying with industry standards.

CHEC assured the meeting that rates are paid based on industry standards. The CHEC officials also noted that work on the Mandela Improvement Project continues even though approximately 20 drivers are not operating in a normal fashion.