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 💥