…criminals, vehicles can now be easily tracked, monitored
A worker at the NDMA giving a demonstration of how the new CCTV command centre operates
A new multi-million-dollar CCTV command centre was activated on Friday and will be used to monitor criminals, suspects, and vehicles involved in crimes.
According to Head of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) Floyd Levi, the command centre will enhance the capacities and capabilities of security agencies.
He added that the NDMA is prepared to not relinquish, but to make this facility available, “it is our network corporation centre to members of the security sector so that they can commence operations here immediately. I know that there are certain pieces that have got to be put in place. There is identification of personnel, there is training and the other logistics to make this happen”.
He stated that this centre, which is located near the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, has been dubbed the National Emergency and Response Command Centre, pending the approval of the Cabinet and that works on the construction of a brand new building to house this centre will commence within the next month.
During a tour of the facility on Friday, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan explained that the command centre is a part of the country’s broadband strategy and is in keeping with a smart city direction that will prompt efficient public security services in Guyana.
According to Ramjattan, the pilot programme will begin in Georgetown, but eventually it should be extended to all regions of the country.
Meanwhile, Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes, who was also present at the event, explained this intelligence surveillance system, with specialised and modernised cameras and equipment, will offer direct benefits to Guyanese citizens. Most of all, it will ensure their safety, she noted.
“What we are really showing you is how, through technology, we are able to guarantee a higher level of service to citizens in Guyana…I think this takes us up a notch…we are moving ahead in this area”.
Minister Hughes added that it was two years ago that this project, through the country’s National Broadband Strategy and Programme, was started and is funded by the China Exim (Export-Import) bank and implemented through the services of Huawei.
