Government denies that it’s refusing to give small contractors work in its mill and pave road repair program as businessman Anderson Cherry continues to accuse the Ministry of Transport and Works of unfair practices in its issuing of contracts.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works, Santia Bradshaw, responded on VOB’s Down to Brasstacks call-in program after Mr. Cherry raised his concerns during the radio show.

Mr. Cherry claimed that a group of small businessmen had invested money in equipment in anticipation of getting road contract work that he says has not materialized.

Ms. Bradshaw insists that one of the key issues is that the larger contractors when called on were immediately able to respond while smaller players wanted money upfront.

She also rejected accusations of unfair treatment of certain categories of business people.

However, Ms. Bradshaw stated her willingness to meet with Mr. Cherry and the other small contractors over their concerns.