Contractor threatens to shoot Works committee members

…if he is not paid for substandard work

A contractor in Region six has threatened to shoot members of the Regional Works Committee in the region if he is not paid for work that the committee rejected. The contractor, Sheik Mohamed, of Skeldon who does extensive contract work in the Region, including cleaning trenches, building roads and structures,  made claims for work which he informed the committee was completed. However upon inspection of the Crabwood Creek facade by members of the Committee, it was noted that the work was done in an unsatisfactory manner and that no money would be paid unless the work was redone. Upon being informed of this the contractor flew in a rage and demanded that he be paid or else “bad thing gone happen.” The matter was raised by Alliance For Change lead councilor and member of the Regional Works committee, Rohan Jagessar. Jagessar said that he was first informed by the Senior Superintendent of Works, Mr. Douglas, what was communicated to him.  Jagessar stated that the man who he understands is a licensed firearm holder stated, “If I don’t have my f…ing money somebody will get shoot.”  He had been informed that he would not be paid for the work which was unsatisfactory. Regional Chairman David Armogan stated that he was informed of the threat which he deemed to be very serious. He said that Vice Chairman Bhoopaul Jagroop who is Chairman of the Works Committee and who is out of the jurisdiction, has made a report at the Whim Police station. He did not say what action has been taken by the police so far. Jagessar is urging that strong disciplinary action be taken against Mohamed. APNU lead councilor, Kerwin Crawford, who is also a member of the Works Committee,  stated that he feels threatened by the outlandish statement made by the man and that harsh measures be taken against Mohamed. He is recommending that all contracts awarded to Mohamed be recalled immediately. PPP councilor Zaman Hussein stated that the threat made by the contractor is a serious one and is an insult not only to works committee members but to the entire council. He said the council should take the matter seriously and impose some sanctions. He however warned that whatever action the council should take must be done with an eye on the legal implications. He said that the council should take a serious look at all the contractors who are doing substandard word and deal with them accordingly. “All should be treated equally.” Jagessar reminded the council that the particular contractor has been showing scant regard for the council. He stated that a few days before the contractor made his vile treat he had walked out of a works committee meeting he was asked to attend. According to both Crawford and Jagessar the decision has been taken to withhold payments and hold all contracts until the matter has been properly ventilated.