Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on local contractors to scale up their operations and form strategic partnerships to secure major government contracts, warning that failure to do so may result in foreign firms dominating the industry.

Speaking on the allocation of a $47 million project, Browne emphasized that local firms are missing out on substantial profits by not positioning themselves competitively. He estimated that with a 20% profit margin, the project could generate approximately $9 million in earnings, a portion of which could have remained in the local economy if local contractors were involved.

“I would have loved to at least see a local partnership that could retain even half of those profits within our country,” Browne stated. “But I find that our contractors are not scaling up. In many instances, they try to bid alone or simply assume they don’t have the capacity, so they don’t bother to bid.”

He noted that all the firms that submitted proposals for the project were foreign-based, including China’s CCCC, which was unsuccessful in its bid. Browne urged local companies, including Carlen Harrigan, the Roberts, and Hadid David, to join forces and pool resources to compete for large-scale contracts.

Highlighting upcoming opportunities, the Prime Minister revealed plans for a $1 million EC project on the waterfront, where Adams will construct its new headquarters. He expressed hope that local contractors would bid on the project and, if necessary, collaborate to strengthen their capacity.

Browne also pointed to a forthcoming $35 million road construction project in Barbuda, where international firms—including those from Canada and the UK—will be eligible to bid due to funding conditions tied to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). However, he noted that an effort was made to set aside a portion of the project exclusively for local contractors.

Using the example of the Nikki Beach demolition, Browne explained that no local contractor submitted a bid, likely due to concerns over lacking heavy equipment. He suggested that firms should seek partnerships with equipment providers such as Echo, which has significant machinery but does not operate as a contractor.

“We have to be more creative and assertive to capitalize on these opportunities,” he urged. “If our local contractors do not scale up or collaborate to build capacity, they may find themselves displaced by non-Antiguan, regional, and extra-regional firms.”

Browne also reminded contractors that Antigua and Barbuda is part of CARICOM and the OECS Economic Union, meaning regional firms have a right to bid on projects. He reiterated that local businesses must strengthen their capabilities to remain competitive in an increasingly open and dynamic market.