Cameras not enough,
‘total package’ needed
~ Says Chamber of Commerce ~
PHILIPSBURG--The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry suggests that plans to add surveillance cameras to the Dutch-side capital be part of a “total package” of security initiatives to curb crime on the island.
Chamber President Glen Carty applauded on Thursday plans to test an integrated surveillance system for Philipsburg by next January, but cautioned that complementary infrastructure, personnel and policies were needed to guarantee maximum effect. The chamber board suspects the system would cost government more money than currently available, but has not yet approached its membership about the probable need for a private-public sector partnership.
Carty said, “Hanging cameras and putting up monitors are not the solution,” urging a “total package” of trained professionals and laws to guarantee privacy and safety of possible confidential information.
The Executive Council approved on Tuesday a three-month test for a comprehensive surveillance system for Philipsburg to be carried out by telecoms and networking firm Zenitel Caribbean N.V. The Island Government plans to evaluate the cameras’ effectiveness after the test, then place the system up for public bidding if it is approved.
French St. Martin’s Collectivité approved two weeks ago a one-million-euro surveillance system to fight rising crime there.
Carty stressed the necessity for better security on island, assuring that he would present suggestions for terms of reference for the bidding process and that the results of a counter-crime study being carried out here since earlier this year would be reported.
“We don’t want it to have a false start. That is why we are not rushing things,” said Carty about the chamber not approaching members about the system. “Once we know how much the investment is going to be, then we can see how we are going to get it funded.”
Crime and overall security are among three priority areas on which Carty has spent his last few months as president focusing the chamber. The chamber is also looking towards full automation of its system and the possible effects of the global economic slump. “That’s not to say that’s all we’re doing. … Those areas just have [priority],” Carty said.
