The cameras which are to be installed in the coming weeks of November have been partly funded by the Republic of China, (Taiwan), which has been credited for its invaluable contribution in the fight against crime in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The longstanding ally has contributed significant funding and technical expertise to the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) camera project designed to deter and detect antisocial activities. Cameras have been mounted in Charlestown, Nevis while additional ones are currently being installed in Basseterre, St. Kitts.
It was only last week that the Special Advisor in the Ministry of National Security, Dr. Norgen Wilson, announced that by the end of this year, some 70 cameras would have been mounted at strategic sites in the busy city centre.
According to a press release issued on Thursday, (21st October), by the St. Kitts-Nevis Information Service, (SKNIS), “A number of residents have saluted the move by the Government to implement the safety measure which is used in many developed countries”.
The SKNIS said that some of the comments obtained from members of the public, were supportive of the initiative, and one resident who was only identified as Spencer, “Called the process absolutely critical and said it was a welcomed sight to see CCTV cameras being installed. Anything that can be done to help with the interdiction process and helping the security forces to apprehend those in the society who are bent on wrong doing is good”.
The government information agency further reported that another resident, also only identified by their first name, Gloria, emphasized that the cameras should act as a deterrent to persons considering an antisocial act.
“Since they know they are being watched and the Police can use the pictures to charge them, then they probably would think twice before doing anything wrong,” Gloria is reported to have said.
Meanwhile, given the huge expense related to the initiative, the government is now seeking financial support from the private sector, to help meet the required budget for the project.
Dr. Wilson noted that there is an opportunity for local companies and individuals to contribute to this project.
“We have capabilities of bringing on additional cameras not only in the public areas but in the private areas and so we would want to partner with more private [entities] so that we can provide better security for the Federation,” Dr. Wilson remarked.
Dr. Wilson told SKNIS that Taiwan has been very supportive and the Government was very appreciative of its continued assistance.