Second phase of CCTV project launched

Phase two of the Intelligent Video Analytics (CCTV) Project that is sponsored by the Government and People of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was launched on Friday, March 10 at the Blue Lagoon Hotel and Marina in Calliaqua.

During the ceremony, remarks were delivered by Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Camillo Gonsalves; resident ambassador of Taiwan to St Vincent and the Grenadines, Peter Sha Li-Lan; and Commissioner of Police, Colin John.

In his address, the commissioner thanked all of the partners in the project, namely, the Government and People of Taiwan; the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG); the Information Technology Services Division (ITSD); and the persons who oversee the day to day opaerations of the project, a release from the police states.

“The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) fully endorse the use of the CCTV Project. There have been several practical benefits resulting from its implementation,” Commissioner John said.

“ It has prevented crimes from happening in areas where the cameras are placed. The cameras have provided cogent evidence which assisted in solving one of the homicides in 2022. The video surveillance helps to deter vandalism and offers some level of peace of mind to residents in communities where they are located – and the footages are continuously being used in traffic cases before the court.”

The Commissioner noted as well that the CCTV project is another tool in the police crime fighting kit as it helps to supplement other crime fighting methods of the RSVGPF.

He however gave the assurance that the cameras were not intended to, nor have they replaced the physical presence of the police on the ground.

Commissioner John also used the opportunity to update the audience on some of the steps that the police have taken and intend to take to tackle crime and violence in SVG.

“We have reviewed our performance in 2022 and have proposed and implemented a number of measures for 2023 and beyond. We have reviewed our strategic plan. We have increased our presence in the communities and deployed police officers in ‘hot spot’ areas.

“We have embarked on a series of enhanced training locally, regionally, and internationally in an effort to improve our service to the people, and we have increased our engagements with communities by having walk-throughs and other social events and providing timely feedback to persons who made reports to the police.”

The commissioner said the CCTV project has been very effective thus far but its coverage needs to be widened. According to him, the second phase is intended to do just that.