By Azara Lavia
SOURCE DAILY OBSERVER: Harold Lovell, United Progressive Party caretaker for All Saints West, has raised concerns over the government’s handling of security camera installations in Antigua and Barbuda, following the fatal shooting of prominent businessman George “Charlie” Barnes.
Lovell noted that while the government recently announced plans to install 200 new surveillance cameras nationwide, discussions about CCTV networks have been ongoing for more than a decade.
“I would like to say that the recent cold-blooded shooting of Charlie Barnes really sent a cold feeling
down my spine, chilling. And the idea of security cameras: first of all, it’s not new. So I think we all welcome the idea of security cameras, but we need to move from words to action,” Lovell said.
Speaking to OBSERVER Media, He reflected on the history of surveillance initiatives in the country. “We’ve been hearing about security cameras for a very long time. I mean, the promise of security cameras is something we’ve been hearing about for over 10 years now. I can tell you that under the United Progressive Party, Spencer administration, cameras were actually installed at strategic points.”
Lovell questioned the current status of these installations and the government’s follow-through. “What has become of these cameras? We’re still left wondering whether there has been no maintenance and the upkeep is something that we have to be concerned about. In 2014, we, the United Progressive Party administration, we had actually entered into an agreement with Digicel for the installation of
cameras. We haven’t been hearing anything at all about that.”
He also highlighted ongoing references to security cameras in recent government budgets. “What we’ve been hearing from this administration is a lot of talk. As recently as 2020, in the budget estimates, we heard about security cameras. In 2021, the estimates again spoke about cameras. In 2022, if you look at
page 237 of the estimates, same thing. In 2023, at page 30 of the Budget statement, more talk about security cameras. And in 2024 again, at page 357 in the Budget summary, we’re hearing about security cameras.”
Lovell emphasized the need for action.
“So we need to really just stop the talking and begin to act. That’s really what we need now in order
to strengthen the sense of security and safety of the people of Antigua and Barbuda”.
Lovell concluded by extending sincere condolences to the family of George Barnes.
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Trying to be relevant every way possible. Some matters you just keep your ass quiet on Hush your ass Harold
You will stay on the outside making noise. On the outside. Thats where you will remain
Why make this political…..oh gosh man…..F.M.T. this needs to stop…..let the community activist talk…
Is he the only one that got murdered? Why so many emphasis I’ve been placed on him.What about those that had gone?
“I can tell you that under the United Progressive Party, Spencer administration, cameras were actually installed at strategic points.” ~Harold Lovell.
Cameras were installed by the UPP but NEVER worked for even one day. This is the kind of thing that the UPP was famous for: initiate a project to give the impression that something is being done, and then leave it undone. You then come to the public years later saying, “Oh, the UPP did this and did that.” Your assertion is nothing more than a cock and a bull—and one of the best of its kind, I ever heard. So go sell that cock and bull to someone else, Harry the Horrible.
But the government said the cameras are coming. If you find its being delayed go put them yourself.
You no how long them a talk about them camera
Years now.
Some the crimes would done solve if them camera did put up
They sickening with there promising.
So so true.i wish they step to there dut tiesplease please.ies fathers play your part in your chities on 17 September 2025 at 14:04
Trying to be relevant every way possible. Some matters you just keep your ass quiet on Hush your ass Harold
@Merle, you’re not God. Mr Lovell will not stay on the outside forever.
A you so red up.
Now the man a talk truth
A you na want hear.
Gaston can’t walk in lovel shoes.
Lovell has a valid point Gaston and his administration are too reactive and not proactive CCTV cameras should have been strategically placed all over the island a long time ago. Guess he’s gonna tax us again to install cameras..
Surprise surprise, the ABLP acolytes, lickspittlers, guttersnipes, apologists, the kowtowing boot-lickers and Gastonites are coming out in force as per usual whenever the Honourable Harold Lovell raises any PATRIOTIC concerns he has for Antigua & Barbuda.
Don’t these Browne worshippers realise that the opposition has the God given right to oppose?
Never have I ever witnessed the return of one man (apart from the Biblical return of the Prodigal Son) cause such severe brain fog amongst the ABLP contingency.
I didn’t get any bullfoot soup today (hmmm bullfoot 😋), but Epicurean had some tasty oxtail and seasoned rice that I’m going to sit back and enjoy whilst reading the ABLP losing their minds over Harold Lovell.
Implosion incoming in 3, 2, 1 … boffum 💥
Question: Would a camera have been installed in the area where the shooting took place. Did the victim have any security cameras on his property, or were there any security cameras on any household that may have captures the comings and goings of the perpetrator.
This retired failure of a man always runs his mouth where it’s not needed. Can he focus on losing his seat in the next general election and not what the A-class government is doing.
But the government said the cameras are coming. If you find its being delayed go put them yourself.
20 years on we are still seeing the scars left by your WICKED SUNSHINE GOVERNMENT!!!
You plunged this country into the IMF dungeon
Got rid of quality teachers
Crucified the banking sector
Register achoolbus in your own name
Badplay Joanne Massiah
Badplay Richard Lewis
You are a wicked fella
You can never prosper
The hatred of Harold Lovell is quite dumbfounding! Even in opposition and although his seat was stolen to declare him a loser in the last election they still hate him.
Limpy Joe King Lyadd
What a 🤡
This “man” allowed Sandals to HOODWINK him in exchange for a cheap plaque to hang on his wall.
Allowing massa to BUTCHer him into HOLDING ON TO OUR ABST MONIES!!!!
He raped and ravaged our economy!! Nat he again!!!
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 and sim card equipped.
By the way this supposedly negative swipe by Joanne Messiah that Harold Lovell degree in rock and dirt is some scornful would be a laugh internationally and Lovell would be sort after in countries like in Africa where mining for gold and other rear earth minerals take place, we are educated for service industry and not wealth creation by industry driven economy from earth resources.
@Brix. 😂 🤣.
The man is not even in parliament, and they are scared of the man like cat.lol.
Let them keep talking, it just shows you why they stole the votes from this man in the last election. The man is a powerhouse, and they know it..that’s why every time he speaks, they come out of their hiding places like fowls.
Tell them to go look in the prison and see how many young murderers that are in there waiting on their trials or being already sentence.
No time in Antigua’s history that you have so many robbery/ killings. They are even so bold as to stick up business people in broad daylight.
The criminals are not afraid of this government and their dumb AG, because they know that they are soft as pawpaw. 3 years for premeditated murder, that’s what this government is giving it’s young killers..what a bloody joke.
Anyone who is still listening to this current administration on crime fighting, is an idiot, period.
This administration doesn’t have a damn clue about crime fighting, nor do they care.
Money is what they love, and that’s why everyone of their radio shows is about money and dipping into people’s pockets..
That’s what they enjoy, greed!
Lovell Lovell Lovell. You really trying to be relevant. People have cameras and crime still happening. While I agree it’s about damn time, they install those cameras we don’t have to make it political
“Not everything Lovell say I agree with, but he spot-on here. We need working cameras, not just in town but all across Antigua and Barbuda
Every budget speech is the same line: ‘security cameras coming soon.’ Well ah tired wait. We need them yesterday
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