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

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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.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/09/17/lovell-slams-govt-over-delays-in-security-camera-project-after-barnes-murder. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (20)

  • Anonymous September 17, 2025, 1:30 PM

    Is he the only one that got murdered? Why so many emphasis I’ve been placed on him.What about those that had gone?
    Reply

    • The listening post September 17, 2025, 1:32 PM

      Why make this political…..oh gosh man…..F.M.T. this needs to stop…..let the community activist talk…
      Reply

  • Merle September 17, 2025, 1:42 PM

    You will stay on the outside making noise. On the outside. Thats where you will remain.
    Reply

    • It only me September 17, 2025, 2:00 PM

      A you so red up.
      Now the man a talk truth
      A you na want hear.
      Gaston can’t walk in lovel shoes.
      Reply

    • Donna September 17, 2025, 2:07 PM

      Under the former administration CTV cameras were installed. The present government responsibilities are to maintain and upgrade these cameras. The citizens were promised better security networks every year since the start of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. That is five years promise. I thought that the CIP revenue were to go towards improving the infrastructure of the country. Installing security CTV cameras throughout Antigua and Barbuda would be counted as improvements in the country security system. With this security system, it will help the police force to solve criminal cases faster and majority of the criminals will be caught. Another BIG problem would be the frequent upkeep maintenance of these cameras.
      Reply

    • CDW September 17, 2025, 2:11 PM

      @Merle, you’re not God. Mr Lovell will not stay on the outside forever.
      Reply

  • AM September 17, 2025, 1:47 PM

    Trying to be relevant every way possible. Some matters you just keep your ass quiet on Hush your ass Harold
    Reply

    • Anonymous September 17, 2025, 1:57 PM

      A you red up. And na want fu hear the truth.
      Leave lovel alone.
      Gaston can’t walk in he shoes
      Reply

    • So so true.i wish they step to there dut tiesplease please.ies fathers play your part in your chities September 17, 2025, 2:04 PM

      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.
      Reply

  • Mai September 17, 2025, 1:51 PM

    But the government said the cameras are coming. If you find its being delayed go put them yourself.
    Reply

  • Antigua Surf September 17, 2025, 2:33 PM

    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.
    Reply

  • Anonymous September 17, 2025, 4:31 PM

    Every budget speech is the same line: ‘security cameras coming soon.’ Well ah tired wait. We need them yesterday
    Reply

  • Xavier September 17, 2025, 5:07 PM

    “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
    Reply

  • Juju Bee September 17, 2025, 5:47 PM

    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
    Reply

  • Informed citizen September 17, 2025, 8:44 PM

    Yes, cameras would help investigations, but they won’t stop the root causes of crime either.
    Reply

  • Pensive September 17, 2025, 9:04 PM

    Crime has taken over not just antigua but so many other countries. It’s just the end times and we have to ride the wave until it passes.
    Reply

  • Maki September 18, 2025, 1:48 PM

    I remember when Digicel announce dem thing in 2014. If it did maintain and expand, maybe crime would be easier to solve now. That’s real slackness
    Reply

  • Fed up September 18, 2025, 1:51 PM

    Stop the back-and-forth and just install the system properly. People living in fear while politicians playing games.
    Reply

  • Eldread September 18, 2025, 6:11 PM

    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 camera and sim card, the one I speak of the camera body clamp to the pole and it has a cantilever brace for its longitudinal load.
    It can be mounted on the existing steal poles also.
    Reply

  • Ben Simmons September 18, 2025, 8:41 PM

    Security is everybody business. Government need to stop recycling promises and show us the results. How many more lives must be lost before they move?
    Reply

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