February 20, 2014 -- The Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Digicel, today announced a ground-breaking collaboration with the implementation of a National CCTV Project, with Digicel providing a turnkey wireless security solution for the city of St. John’s.
The Government has recognized that these solutions are quickly becoming an invaluable tool for local law enforcement and emergency management throughout the Caribbean. This system will translate to a safer environment for the citizens, residents and visitors of Antigua and Barbuda.
The National CCTV Project will integrate 110 diverse cameras and sensors in several locations into a single unified software platform that allows situational awareness in almost any situation. In many locations, cameras will be mounted on city light poles on the public way, and are capable of zooming in on facial details from hundreds of yards away even with limited lighting.
The overt presence of cameras is part of the surveillance strategy and the highly visible cameras will be equipped with blue strobe lights, reflective wrappings, customized logos and bullet-proof enclosures. The open system is completely IP based meaning that cameras can be securely monitored, recorded and administered from any workstation or portable device within the local or wide area network.
Discussions began with National Security Minister Dr. Errol Cort and Digicel Business Solutions Manager, Clement Samuel. “Digicel Business prides itself in working with clients to deliver innovative solutions that are an excellent fit for the mission critical needs of an organization. Digicel Business sees the National CCTV Project as an opportunity to assist the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in the fight against crime by leveraging on its partnerships with industry leaders.”
Mr. Samuel continued, “Digicel Business aligns itself with industry leaders to provide the key products and services that are in demand from its customers. To this end, we are working alongside Security Centres International and the Avrio RMS Group to provide an efficient and cost effective solution.”
Security Centres International (SCI) assists local agencies in implementing CCTV systems that provide high quality evidence used to prosecute offenders, aid in the reduction, prevention and detection of crime, and promote community safety. Avrio RMS Group is an industry leader in IP-surveillance solutions for the public safety market.
The Honourable Dr. Errol Cort, Minister of National Security and Labour, stated “The first phase of the implementation will be completed by the end of March, with phase two being completed by the end of July. This project was a significant investment at US$2.1M. One can say however, that no investment can ever be too large where the security of a Nation’s people is concerned. We recognized the need to embark on a CCTV Project and Digicel Business came to the table with the perfect solution.”
Dr. Cort continued, “Monitoring of this new security system will be crucial. The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda will play the lead role in ensuring the monitoring of all cameras at its Command Centre.”
Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Winston Baldwin Spencer expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to those who work tirelessly to bring the project to this point
He underscored that the government is delighted in Digicel deciding to partner with government in the venture. “Security is critical to the development of Antigua and barbuda and the security of our people. The government is demonstrating how determined and committed we are in doing everything that is possible in ensuring that we have a safe and secure environment in Antigua and Barbuda,” noted the Prime Minister.
“Introducing the CCTV system is not a solution but will go a long way in providing the response that is needed to detect and survey the environment as far as it relates to curbing crime,” remarked PM Spencer.
Victor Corcoran, CEO of Digicel Antigua says, “Digicel Business responded to the Government’s need of requiring a system that offers state of-the-art equipment, while at the same time is expandable, affordable, easily deployed and scalable. It is important for the citizens to know that deploying wireless instead of fiber can have significant network infrastructure savings. This translates to projects moving forward faster. The work done through Digicel Business with SCI and Avrio RMS ensures that all these criteria are met.”
The first phase of the project will see the roll out of 28 CCTV cameras in strategic locations by the end of April, while the second phase will include the installation of our 100 cameras across the state by the end of July. The project is estimated at costing 2.5 millions dollars which will be repaid to Digicel by Government over a five year period.
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