Gov’t looks to restore JamaicaEye’s sight

Following the startling admission that the JamaicaEye network is in disrepair, Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang has announced that efforts are under way to restore the critical crime-fighting system.

JamaicaEye uses digital imagery to detect and deter criminal activity and supports the arrest and arraignment of offenders. However, Chang recently acknowledged that the country lacks an effective islandwide technology maintenance system.

"The cameras weren't the problem; it is the cabling that connects the cameras across the island. There was just nobody with the equipment when we gave the contracts out... . We procured quickly, but [they] didn't have the capacity to respond in the kind of time we wanted," he explained.

"So, when we want the 24 to 48 hours response, they were giving us a two-week response, and that's where I said a number of them were down. We then paused to put out a more comprehensive request for proposal and we had a particular provider in Jamaica, who has expanded to international levels, willing to acquire the spare parts required for that and the manpower to provide the kind of response we're asking for," Chang added.

Repair efforts are now in progress, with damaged cables being addressed. Chang noted, "They have started the process of repairing whatever cables that were damaged, and that's proceeding smoothly. And besides, they said they have undertaken to have the required equipment, where they are short, in due course, so that we can look forward to further maintenance."

The minister also disclosed plans to expand the JamaicaEye programme this year.

"The surveys have been done, and the spots that they should be in identified. We've identified 3,000-plus spots, and we're now embarking on acquiring the appropriate cameras for those situations. But the new contractor, I've been assured, will have equipment and the personnel to give us the required response," Chang said.