Lovell Slams Gov’t Over Delays in Security Camera Project After Barnes Murder

United Progressive Party (UPP) caretaker for All Saints West, Harold Lovell, has accused the government of dragging its feet on the long-promised installation of surveillance cameras, saying the issue has lingered for years without real progress.

Speaking to journalists from Observer Media, Lovell said the brutal killing of businessman George “Charlie” Barnes underscores the urgency of moving beyond repeated promises.

“The murder of Charlie Barnes chilled me to the bone. Security cameras are not a new idea—we’ve been talking about this for over a decade. People are tired of speeches; what we need now is concrete action,” he insisted.

Lovell pointed out that under the former Baldwin Spencer administration, cameras had been set up at key points, and an agreement with Digicel was signed in 2014 to expand the network. However, he said questions remain about whether those cameras were ever properly maintained or upgraded.

The UPP caretaker further noted that government after government has kept the matter alive in budget statements but has failed to deliver.

“In 2020, cameras were mentioned in the estimates. In 2021, again. 2022, 2023, and 2024—all the same story. Yet we are still waiting,” he said.

Lovell argued that with violent crime on the rise, the public cannot afford more delays.

“Antiguans and Barbudans need to feel secure. That requires decisive steps, not endless talk,” he added.

He ended by expressing sympathy to the family of George Barnes, calling the businessman’s killing a tragic reminder of the gaps in the country’s crime-fighting system.