Dear Editor,
Please allow me to express my concerns about the “clean-up campaign” which took place right after Hurricane Irma.
Government had called on contractors/subcontractors to apply with VROMI to be part of the clean-up campaign. I have a small company consisting of 20 young men. Whatever savings I had, I invested in obtaining the necessary materials to carry out the work effectively. I was given the opportunity to work at different locations on the island. My boys and I worked really hard and were complimented on doing a good job. We started to work in February 2018 and worked through April 2018.
The problem I am here facing is that government has not paid me for these months and I have an obligation to my employees. When I enquire from the respective office about my payments I get the runaround that they are busy paying this month and we would be next to be paid. Then that time never reaches. I go back to them pleading to get my money and then I am told that it went up to a particular office to be signed off on, however, nothing ever materialised.
I have been extremely patient and I really would like to know when we are going to be paid. It is not just my company who has not been paid, but several other companies as well.
I was grateful to have been called upon for my company to carry out this work but we would like to be compensated. We really worked hard in the hot sun to beautify our island and I know we did.
I am calling on the necessary government authorities to look into this matter and please pay us.
Name withheld at author's request.
