The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is still searching for ways to fund a comprehensive closed circuit television (CCTV) system, and the timeline for its installation remains unclear.
Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage revealed that the government is looking for ways to find the project.
"For the contract to be completed, it requires approximately $4 million. I am not sure if the approved firms have received it or not, but we are presently seeking funding for that," he shared.
He also revealed that there have been several meetings to discuss the project's financing.
The minister was equally vague on the progress to bring the system online. While Nottage assured Guardian Business that the CCTV network will be implemented, he remained tight-lipped as to when exactly it will take place.
Derek Farquharson, the president and managing director of Lowe's Security, initially said the first phase's mobilization date was set for May 1.
"The first set of equipment should arrive by the end of June for field testing to be conducted. Deployment is expected to take place by mid-July. Cameras will go live by the end of July. The project is expected to be completed by September," he added.
The apparent uncertainty on the CCTV project comes as crime in the capital remains at an all-time high. This week, a shooting at a nightclub near the foot of the Paradise Island bridge only fueled the level of outrage concerning the country's already high murder rate.
Last month, the Free National Movement (FNM) administration signed a $4.6 million contract to supply key areas throughout New Providence with a comprehensive CCTV network.
"The contract is valued at $4,669,809 and will be placed firstly from St. Alban's Drive in the west, to Mackey Street in the east, and covering areas at least one mile south of Bay Street," according to Tommy Turnquest, former national security minister.
During last month's contract signing, Turnquest announced that Lowe's Security Limited, Avrio RMS Group and Security Centres International would all take part in the first phase of the project. In that phase, a total of 243 cameras will be strategically deployed throughout the capital.
"Additionally, cameras will be strategically located in other areas on the island and will focus on high crime areas and 'hot spots', giving police officers additional eyes to monitor, prevent and detect crimes," Turnquest noted.
The $4.6 million CCTV contract is just one of the ongoing capital expenditure commitments and "legacy of contracts" entered into in the final days of the former administration. In yesterday's Budget Communication, Prime Minister Perry Christie pledged to end such practices.
"As we stated in the Speech from the Throne, we will table legislation to prevent the entering into of government contracts, including contracts of employment, or the payment of public monies therewith, between the date of dissolution of Parliament and the date of a general election, unless such contracts or payments are pre-determined by an independent statutory body to be absolutely essential for the maintenance of essential services," Christie added.

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