New CCTV project powered by Flow promises increased safety for BVI communities

PRESS RELEASE: Communities in the British Virgin Islands are poised to become safer with additional health and economic benefits with the upcoming installation of CCTV cameras through the Territory, following a contract signing between Cable & Wireless BVI Limited (Flow) and the Government of the Virgin Islands.

Speaking at a contract signing event on September 9, Premier and Minister for Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie outlined the many benefits of the project and said, “These CCTV cameras will provide linkages to our Neighborhood Watch programmes, deter illegal dumping, maintain public order and promote a safer BVI, and thereby help to grow our Tourism product”.

He noted that, “These CCTV cameras help to reassure us that we are safe, and when the public feels safe, they pass it onto our guests, and when our guests feel safe, it passes onto the economy and everyone benefits. It will also record evidence for law enforcement agencies so they can help solve crimes or identify crime trends.” Premier Fahie added that the Government’s input in the project is $411,445.49 and reiterated that any money that is put towards law enforcement and making the people safe is money well spent.

“We are glad to put this towards law enforcement, infrastructure, helping the economy, helping tourism and helping us in keep our territory clean by identifying litterers.”

He also expressed appreciation to Flow its support to in the community saying, “We know we have many telecommunications companies and we appreciate what each provides – for this particular project, Flow, what you have come forward with, and have been able to offer, has allowed this to happen.”

The Premier noted that it’s a good partnership between the Government of the Virgins Islands, Flow, the law enforcement agencies, specifically the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the people of the Virgin Islands as the initiative will benefit the Territory tremendously.

In his response, Flow Country Manager, Ravindra Maywahall said, “We are honoured to support this essential project for the Government of the Virgin Islands and recognize the key role it plays in our national security. We look forward to the continued partnership with the Government, and we stand ready to support the strategic vision of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the future benefit of islanders and visitors”

Maywahlall acknowledged the work of Corporate Sales Manager, Marlon Solomon for guiding the project and working closely with Dr. Drexel Glasgow, Director of Projects to bring the initiative to fruition. Also present at the contract signing event were Political Advisor to the Premier, Kevin C. Smith, Acting Commissioner of Police, Jacqueline Vanterpool and Acting Deputy Secretary in the Governor’s Office, Aisha Hill and Royal Virgin Islands Police Force System Manager, Claude Rymer.

In a Cabinet Decision made on March 3, 2021, Cable and Wireless (BVI) Limited was awarded a contract to build out a Fibre Infrastructure for the Government of the Virgin Islands.

The project is expected to be completed in 300 days. Flow’s ongoing Fibre to the Home Residential network build commenced in 2017, after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The residential network build is separate from, and predates this contract.