150 Cameras Installed, 200 More Planned as Antigua Expands Surveillance
Antigua and Barbuda is moving to expand its national surveillance network, with 150 cameras already in operation and a further 200 expected in the coming weeks, according to Cabinet spokesperson Maurice Merchant.
Merchant said the expansion aims to bring the country closer to island-wide coverage.
“About 150 cameras are now in operation across Antigua and Barbuda. And the second phase of the centralized surveillance system is being looked at, and this will include an additional 200 cameras which you would have heard reported over the weekend,” he told reporters.
He added: “Very soon, those 200 surveillance cameras will be procured in a matter of weeks. And so, this will upgrade the second phase of the centralized surveillance system”.
Questions at the post-Cabinet briefing raised whether surveillance was too reactionary compared to direct gun-control measures. Merchant pushed back, stressing that surveillance is a long-term government commitment.
“It is an ongoing process… it is not something that has just popped up because of any event that may have occurred,” he said. Merchant pointed out that surveillance systems had already been expanded to schools and major streets. “There are 150 plus cameras that are in operation at this time. And the second phase includes these 200 cameras… with the aim to have island-wide coverage, and that has been a priority of the government since coming into office”.
The Cabinet also encouraged community groups and homeowners to invest in security systems, noting that duties and taxes on such equipment have been waived. Merchant explained:
“There is already an existing formula among community groups, in particular, and the security forces. When something is seen, that it becomes suspicious; what steps are taken afterwards. And I can tell you that the police have had major support from various sections of the society… and the police have been able to solve crime with that assistance”.
Asked about future technologies such as facial recognition, Merchant confirmed: “Presuming that the police does not have this technology available to them at this time”.
The government says the planned expansion will improve deterrence and help law enforcement respond quickly to incidents, bolstering security as Antigua and Barbuda prepares for international events and seeks to reassure residents and visitors alike.
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Here I go again in oblivion to these government officials.
The government should get solar powered streetlight with camera combination out of china to replace all existing streetlights system and help the police and government solve crime.
The streetlight is compact with solar panel and battery and sim card equipped camera.
The mounting hardware will be as per your request whether pole mount or for steel pole or wall.
And it has a diagonal brace for the cantilever longitudinal load.
The last set of solar lamps were left to endure the hurricane by that do nothing electricity manager at APUA, it should be noted that the cameras or lamp should be removed ahead of a storm.
I am hoping for a scintiller of recognition for my plea on procuring such streetlight with that capability to help secure our nation.
When the UPP was talking about installing cameras around the country the Labour Party was telling the country the government just wanted to spy on people. Oh my, how things have changed
Place them strategically at junctions and bus stops, some also needed in fig tree drive, where are you rape the gyal and dash she.