Seventy CCTV Cameras to Cover Basseterre in the Next Month

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 15, 2010 (SKNIS): Fifty additional closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) are currently being mounted in the capital Basseterre, as the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to employ various tools to ensure safety and security.
 
Presently, there are approximately 20 cameras already operational in select areas in the capital. They cover sensitive business locations, popular public places and areas referred to as hot spots by the security forces. The cameras, which are capable of operating in the day and the night, are also equipped with infrared sensors.
 
Special Advisor in the Ministry of National Security, Dr. Norgen Wilson told SKNIS that 20 cameras have also being installed in Charlestown, the capital of the sister island, Nevis. He stressed the benefits of the CCTV system.
 
“… It allows us to see any incident which is taking place in and around the area,” he said. “Even for instance, if you have a traffic accident it would be quite easy for us to review the backup systems and recognize who is in violation and … charge the person accordingly.” 
 
The camera installation is the first of a three phase project. Dr. Wilson estimated that this will be completed in one month’s time. Phase two is also underway which will see the networking of all the cameras in the Federation. At the completion of this six week process, all video footage will feed into separate secured locations and be monitored by trained personnel.
 
Dr. Wilson stressed that the time frame will allow for the system to be fully operational before the Christmas/Carnival season.
 
The third and final phase will take place a bit later when CCTV cameras are mounted in the rural areas. When the project is completed, a total of 250 cameras will cover the Federation.
 
“This is a system which is being used by many developed countries,” Wilson remarked, adding that it has contributed to higher crime detection and solution rates.
 
Mention was made of the recent donation of specialized cyber crime equipment by the Regional Security Office of the U.S. Embassy and Special Advisor Wilson explained that Government will continue employing the use of technology where possible to enhance the fight against crime.