$2B approved for installation of crime fighting surveillance cameras in Regions 3 & 6

The ‘Safe City Project’ which was implemented among initiatives to reduce crime in the capital Georgetown is being extended into a ‘safe country’ project and will be expanded to Region Six (East Berbice – Corentyne) and Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) this year.

This was revealed by Prime Minister Mark Phillips during the consideration of the 2023 estimates of expenditure in the Committee of Supply on Monday.

“This money is for the provision for an expansion of safe city…we are going to safe country now,” Phillips said.

The integrated surveillance and patrol management system which saw cameras strategically placed around the city is expected to be replicated in these regions and will aid the police significantly in its work.

The decision was taken in light of the success that the Safe City initiative has garnered in reducing crime in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and was first announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali last year.

Through the Safe City Project, scores of cameras were installed around Georgetown and the country’s main ports of entry, was launched in 2019.

A multimillion-dollar Command Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, was activated with the intent of monitoring criminals, suspects, and vehicles involved in crimes.

Meanwhile, $2.5 billion was approved on Monday for an electronic identification system and $2.8B for an E-gate and border control system.
This is all part of modernising CCTV capabilities at the main ports of entry and exit.