Antigua and Barbuda’s government has reaffirmed a policy to waive all duties and taxes on private surveillance systems, encouraging homeowners, businesses, and community groups to invest in equipment that could bolster public safety.
Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, told this week’s post-Cabinet briefing:
“Cabinet also recalled its earlier decision to waive all duties and taxes on surveillance systems. [This makes] it easier for homeowners, businesses, and community groups to invest in security equipment to protect their businesses, to protect their families, and to protect neighborhoods”.
Officials highlighted the role of communities in assisting law enforcement. Merchant explained that citizens who install their own systems are already part of a working arrangement with the police.
“There is already an existing formula or format 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, various individuals who operate surveillance equipment. And the police have been able to solve crime with that assistance”.
The waiver comes as government pushes ahead with an expanded national surveillance system, which currently includes 150 cameras in operation across Antigua and Barbuda, with an additional 200 cameras soon to be deployed. Merchant said the initiative is aimed at achieving island-wide coverage and improving response times to crime.
Cabinet officials described security and safety as ongoing priorities for the administration. Merchant stressed that surveillance is part of a long-term strategy rather than a reaction to isolated incidents.
The government maintains that easing the financial burden on households and businesses to install private systems will add another layer of protection, reinforcing the country’s wider law enforcement network.
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