MP Smith says independent contractors who complete acceptable work should not have to wait months to be paid

Member of Parliament for All Saints West Anthony Smith, Jr. has gone to bat for independent contractors who have done work in the public sector.

During his Budget Debate presentation on Friday, March 10, Smith said the Government needs to ensure that these workers are remunerated in a timely manner.

Referring to claims by Prime Minister Browne that certain contractors are doing work that is not up to standard or, in some instances, not doing the work at all, Smith conceded that some contractors do take advantage of the system in this way and still submit invoices.

However, he counters that there are many other cases in which contractors have to wait for months to be paid after having successfully completed the assigned work.

The All Saints West MP stresses that this issue needs to be given priority, because it is not fair to the workers.