The Jamaica Association of Contractors and Construction Consultants says it welcomes the changes the National Contracts Commission (NCC) has made to the contractor registration process.

The National Contracts Commission says starting next month the period for registration of contractors will be extended from 12 months to 18 months.

The head of the association, Percival LaTouche says he’s happy with the changes, and insisting it came about because of his association’s lobby efforts.

The NCC says the new rule do not apply to contractors whose applications are being investigated by the Office of Contractor General or those who’ve been referred to the Central Investigation Bureau.

But La Touche is hoping the NCC will rethink this position.

He wants the Commission to reinstate all the contractors who’re currently delisted, allowing them to work for at least six months while they clean up their act.

He says the Commission can re-examine their status after the six month period has passed.

radio@gleanerjm.com