Security cameras to be installed at 17 new locations

…including Stabroek Market, Berbice Bridge

Another batch of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras will be installed at critical locations in a bid to fight the high crime rate while monitoring suspicious activities.

The Public Telecommunications Ministry has informed that 17 technologically advanced monitoring systems will be placed at key areas across the coastal region. This is a collaboration between the Joint Services and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), bringing the total number to 119 cameras – all of which are omnidirectional.
Head of the NDMA, Floyd Levi has said that the programme is being improved under the Safe City Solutions project with assistance from the Chinese Government. This project, pegged at US$37M, is also being carried out with aid from technology supplier, Huawei Technologies. Through the country’s National Broadband Strategy, it was started and funded by the China Exim (Export-Import) bank.
In Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), the Berbice River Bridge will be equipped with the device, while another will be placed at the Palmyra Junction. The Mahaicony Bridge, Fort Wellington, the Magistrates’ Courts, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and Skeldon Market in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) will also receive cameras.
Others will be placed at Enmore-Haslington, the Stabroek Market and the Soesdyke junction in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Parika in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Anna Regina and Charity in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
In July, a multimillion-dollar CCTV command centre was activated to monitor criminals, suspects, and vehicles involved in crimes.
Levi had stated then that this centre, which is located near the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, has been dubbed the National Emergency and Response Command Centre. It was housed there pending the approval of the Cabinet for works on the construction of a brand new building to house the operations.
While it was introduced to bolster safety, there is still a startling increase in criminal acts. Statistics for 2019 showed that there was a 35 per cent increase in murder, 27 per cent increase in robbery under arms, seven per cent increase in robbery with violence, 31 per cent increase in larceny and seven per cent increase in burglary.
Commissioner of Police, Leslie James had downplayed the surging crime rate by insisting that he is not “bothered” – an act which was condemned by trade unions and other bodies. The crime rate was addressed by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who stated, “This is bizarre for a country like ours. The President doesn’t say anything. He says he’s addressing the crime situation. The (Public Security) Minister has gone quiet on the matter and the Police are coming up with these stats and we’re led to believe that crime is down. This is something that requires immediate attention…They’re not paying any attention to the functions that they get paid to carry out and they have no policy to address this rampant crime situation that is wreaking havoc”.