SOURCE DAILY OBSERVER: Harold Lovell, United Progressive Party caretaker for All Saints West, has raised concerns over the government’s handling of security camera installations in Antigua and Barbuda, following the fatal shooting of prominent businessman George “Charlie” Barnes.
Lovell noted that while the government recently announced plans to install 200 new surveillance cameras nationwide, discussions about CCTV networks have been ongoing for more than a decade.
“I would like to say that the recent cold-blooded shooting of Charlie Barnes really sent a cold feeling down my spine, chilling. And the idea of security cameras: first of all, it’s not new. So I think we all welcome the idea of security cameras, but we need to move from words to action,” Lovell said.
Speaking to OBSERVER Media, He reflected on the history of surveillance initiatives in the country. “We’ve been hearing about security cameras for a very long time. I mean, the promise of security cameras is something we’ve been hearing about for over 10 years now. I can tell you that under the United Progressive Party, Spencer administration, cameras were actually installed at strategic points.”
Lovell questioned the current status of these installations and the government’s follow-through. “What has become of these cameras? We’re still left wondering whether there has been no maintenance and the upkeep is something that we have to be concerned about. In 2014, we, the United Progressive Party administration, we had actually entered into an agreement with Digicel for the installation of cameras. We haven’t been hearing anything at all about that.”
He also highlighted ongoing references to security cameras in recent government budgets. “What we’ve been hearing from this administration is a lot of talk. As recently as 2020, in the budget estimates, we heard about security cameras. In 2021, the estimates again spoke about cameras. In 2022, if you look at page 237 of the estimates, same thing. In 2023, at page 30 of the Budget statement, more talk about security cameras. And in 2024 again, at page 357 in the Budget summary, we’re hearing about security cameras.”
Lovell emphasized the need for action.
“So we need to really just stop the talking and begin to act. That’s really what we need now in order to strengthen the sense of security and safety of the people of Antigua and Barbuda”.
Lovell concluded by extending sincere condolences to the family of George Barnes.
