There is always a need for more CCTV cameras — Premier
While confirming that a previous contract to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras has been completed, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has concluded that more cameras are required across the territory.
Premier Wheatley made that remark while responding to questions at a recent press conference in the wake of the territory’s latest gun murder in the East End/Long Look community.
When asked if he was aware of the presence of any cameras in the immediate area where the shooting death occurred, Premier Wheatley expressed confidence about the placement of the CCTV cameras overall.
“You know, I don’t know the specific locations of the cameras – which I’m fine with,” the Premier said. “The police know where they are and they’ve placed them in strategic positions so that they can get any information that they might need in an investigation.”
“Security cameras have been installed throughout the territory and the police regularly use the CCTV footage to assist in their investigations,” Premier Wheatley shared.
He added: “[The installation of cameras was dealt with] based on the contract, but of course, there’s always a need for more cameras.”
CCTV cameras across the islands were destroyed in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria, but a contract was signed in 2018 with consultant, Russell Jones, in the amount of $140,000 for the installation of a new CCTV network.
At the time, then-Premier Dr D Orlando Smith said the government was committed to improving security across the territory and explained that preliminary works had been done by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) to determine key areas for setting up the cameras in addition to those that were destroyed or lost during the 2017 hurricanes.
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SIN D already gah cameras on he to see any movements with side thing
As soon as one of the government or their cronies sets up a CCTV company you can expect big orders.
The Police already want to infringe and now the Premier WELL SAH!
Fine, but once they’re installed who has the expertise to maintain them ? Same old story, make a big splash initially then a year later all inoperable, another waste of taxpayers money.
The slow man from the east says he have no idea where the cameras are located. You just can’t get it better. His constituency has the most crime. And he can not say with certainty if they are cameras in his district. And if he knows he is lying àgain.
I am very concerned with safety in Road Town. Every day my friends are approached by the same beggars as we leave work or if we go shopping to Bobbys. We have stopped carrying our purses or any money. The other day I was coming out of Bobbys when this woman tried to get hold of me. Just now there was a man in the street cursing and saying all nasty things. I was asked by tourists who had been approached a few times as well if this normal. Its quite frightening and we try not to leave in the dark. So the cameras could help.
Cameras are needed to catch cars that speed in town and also the beggars. Its against the law to speed and beg but no arrests are ever made.