The government said that equipment for its previously announced island-wide closed-circuit television surveillance system has already been shipped and is expected to arrive within the next 30 days, with full deployment across 43 strategic locations anticipated within two months of installation commencing.
Cabinet was advised of the development at its meeting Wednesday, with Director General for Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, Maurice Merchant, confirming that installation is scheduled to begin immediately upon the equipment’s arrival.
“A total of 43 strategic locations across Antigua and Barbuda have been identified for the installation of these high-definition surveillance cameras,” Merchant said.
Director General of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, Maurice Merchant (screenshot of state media)
The identified sites include major public spaces, commercial areas, and critical tourist corridors, among them Fort James and Bay Street, which Merchant described as thoroughfares frequented by visitors making their way to the beach.
The targeted placement of cameras is intended to enhance crime detection and deterrence, improve public order management, and support law enforcement operations.
Merchant said the network would significantly strengthen the operational capacity of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, enabling real-time monitoring and more rapid response to incidents.
“The system will also serve as an important tool in combating muggings, theft, and a number of other petty crimes, particularly in areas frequented by residents and visitors,” he said.
The new system is expected to complement surveillance capabilities already in place. Merchant noted that the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force currently operates technology at its security facility capable of identifying individuals and monitoring vessel movements around the island.
“They can spot boats entering and exiting the harbours in English Harbour and identify individuals coming off those ships,” he said, adding that the incoming CCTV network will build on those existing capabilities.
Great step forward for public safety
much needed step. Antigua is no longer safe
good we can watch all the cheaters and the midnight roll out need a job at the surveillance recording office, for the DL guys we will know Bramble was telling the truth 🤣 🤣 bring the cameras ASAP
Mr. PM let them rich merchants buy their own or pay a monthly fee stop playing with them paint and repair those filthy buildings especially in our town 😒
Cameras are good, but cameras alone don’t stop crime. We still need more police patrols, we can’t stress that part enough
I just hope the system is properly maintained. Too often equipment comes in and then a year later half of it isn’t working.
What about privacy though? We need to know how long footage will be stored and who monitors it.
Can’t the government do anything with out some retarded person talking ridiculous? What privacy is needed in ST. JOHN’S CITY? Talk about “what about privacy though?” The cameras are not going into your home it’s going on the government property…….. and you don’t need to know how long it will be stored and who’s monitoring it. This is about safety. If everybody knows that level of information what safety is there?
I will wait for the rollout. Don’t want to get too excited
Finally some movement. We need that not just for criminals but for people whp just dump ribbish all over
Finally! Long overdue. Too many robberies and break-ins happening lately. If cameras can help catch criminals faster, I’m all for it.
hope this also helps solve some of the unsolbed cases we hearing about. too many people getting away with crime in Antigua