CABINET NOTES: The Cabinet engaged in detailed discussions on matters of national safety and security, reaffirming that while Antigua and Barbuda continues to enjoy a relatively low crime rate, the recent killing of a local businessman has underscored the need for constant vigilance and proactive measures.
The Prime Minister, together with the Minister for Public Safety, the Hon. Sir Steadroy Benjamin, and the Minister responsible for ICTs, provided updates on efforts to strengthen the country’s surveillance and monitoring systems as a means of safeguarding citizens.
Cabinet recalled its earlier decision to waive all duties and taxes on surveillance systems, making it easier for homeowners, businesses, and community groups to invest in security equipment to protect their families, properties, and neighborhoods.
It was further noted that in preparation for hosting the SIDS and OAS Conferences, the Government successfully upgraded the national surveillance system, demonstrating its capacity to protect residents and visitors alike.
The second phase of the Centralized Surveillance System—which includes the installation of an additional 200 cameras—is now being finalized, adding to the 150 cameras already in operation. This initiative brings the Government closer to achieving island-wide coverage, enhancing deterrence and improving the ability of law enforcement to respond quickly to incidents.
In addition, Cabinet instructed the Ministries of Public Safety and ICTs to prepare options for the procurement of mobile surveillance vehicles, which will strengthen the capacity of security forces to monitor public spaces and protect communities in real time.
Through these measures, Cabinet reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to public safety, community protection, and crime prevention across Antigua and Barbuda.
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So that mean you till nar go move the oversized baboon. That is what the majority of the country demands and it’s high time you listen
WHERE is this “oversized baboon”??? You mean you want a “marga baboon” instead?
@Al Capone – I hope the majority will speak at the polls next time
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.
It’s an all in one streetlight with solar panel and battery built in and sim card equipped. The camera records sound and videos.
So no battery will be able to get stolen by anyone.
Professional or government officials never listen to the common man, to them it’s a procurement project with the opportunity to get kickbacks, because this has so much government officials to go through to get it done.
@Eldread…
Cameras are useful tools in crime prevention and fighting, yes; however, they can only corroborate evidences, as in collecting information.
Communities, jurisdictions, many law enforcement agencies are not equipped to handle all that come with these surveillance systems, so they contract out the work, to private firms.
It’s going to cost a pretty penny to upgrade and maintain these surveillance systems, Nationwide. So will the private business sector be willing to absorb the cost, which they’ll pass on to the consumer or, or, or, or, the government go at it alone (bobol style) and pass the costs on to the consumers again, by way of taxes.
The taxpayers will be billed either way.
As a footnote, you are aware that these surveillances can be jammed and hacked, and it all depends on the support systems such as wireless, wired, syncing, comparability.
There’s another issue which some jurisdictions have had to deal with. It’s the legal rights issue of course. Where cameras are used to issue speeding and other fines automatically, people have taken their concerns to the courts and have won. Example, if a company is not a law enforcement agency, they don’t have the power to issue citations like those given out for speeding, stop sign and red light running.
This comment is in no way, meant to discourage or distort what you’re advocating for. The bottom line here is the WILL and the MONEY. Let’s hope something constructive, reliable, resilient is put in place with constant upgrades.
I can dig a grave with my bare hands, a spoon, a shovel or a backhoe, but common sense must come into play.
Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard
Vere Edwards
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