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100 wireless cameras to be deployed in Georgetown – Min. Hughes says 2019 budget connects Guyanese with the future
Government is moving to roll out 100 wireless-enabled cameras in and around Georgetown, as part of the Safe City Solution, which has been in the works for over two years.
According to Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, this is part of new security measures being implemented in 2019.
“These cameras will feed into a command centre that will be established for the Guyana Police Force,” Jordan declared in his budget address on Monday.
The Safe City Solution was previously announced as part of the Government’s broadband upgrade project to be executed with a US$36.5M concessional loan agreement, which it signed with China in October.
The project is expected to allow police the ability to readily track licence plates during traffic stops and enable better monitoring of police patrol vehicles in the city. There have been concerns about pockets of high-crime areas in the city, including around bus parks.
There is no indication as yet from law enforcement agencies as to where cameras will be set up.
Government plans to add 100 wireless cameras to its existing batch of CCTV cameras in Georgetown.
The cameras will depend on the broadband connectivity.
Earlier this month, Traffic Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles declared that all Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at key city intersections are functioning. Superintendent Isles disclosed that despite the many misconceptions all the cameras are being constantly monitored. He also confirmed that there were, and continue to be, successful prosecutions of errant motorists who commit traffic offences.
Isles also disclosed that the CCTV usage has also boosted crime-fighting efforts by enabling law enforcement ranks to track and intercept criminals. Installed over seven years ago and constantly upgraded, the closed-circuit camera system was initiated under the previous administration. At least 130 cameras were installed initially.
Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes, said that the 2019 Budget connects Guyanese to the future. She said that over the past 15 months, the Ministry concentrated much of its efforts on training.
“We introduced our young people to Computer Coding and Programming, Robotics, Animation and general computer literacy,” she said.
Minister Hughes also mentioned Guyana’s high potential for local and foreign investments in the ICT sector. She expressed optimism that youth will continue to benefit from these investments.
“Many have already demonstrated their affinity for Technology and a strong desire to innovate,” she said.
She added, “The budget for 2019 has encapsulated many of the Ministry’s programmes, some of which are already underway.”
Hughes pointed out that already through the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, approximately 1400 persons have received training through a wide variety of programmes.
“The whole philosophy is that we are using ICT’s to transform Guyana,” Hughes highlighted.
Part of the budgetary allocation for the MOPT will assist persons living with disabilities.
The budget caters for tax concessions for purchasers of private vehicles that are specially equipped for persons with impairments. It also proposes tax rebates on smart cell phones with built-in apps and accessibility features for persons with visual or hearing challenges.
“We have found that many persons with disabilities cannot afford to purchase these smart phones, so we have devised a scheme that will lessen the cost, to their benefit,” Minister Hughes outlined.
In addition, Budget 2019 has provisions for new Internet (ICT) Hubs in several Hinterland villages including Phillipai in Region Eight; Rewa, Surama and Toka in Region 9; and Kimbia and Wiruni in Upper Berbice, Region 10. The cost to connect these communities to the network is budgeted at $375M, and it will benefit about 11,390 residents.
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