Minister Commends Islandwide CCTV Progress

April 23, 2024 | 21 Comments

“The installation of the new CCTV system marks a key milestone in strengthening Bermuda’s public safety infrastructure,” said Minister of National Security Michael Weeks regarding the progress of implementing the islandwide CCTV network.

A Government spokesperson said, “Minister Weeks and Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons visited the Police COMOPS command centre in Prospect last week.

“The visit provided an in-depth look at the progress made in installing the islandwide CCTV system, a pivotal move to redefine surveillance and security.

National Security Minister Michael Weeks CCTV Installation April 2024_1

“This system promises an improvement in managing security, offering improved capabilities in tracking, verifying, and recognising individuals and vehicles through sophisticated imaging technology.

“The CCTV Project is 67% completed. To date, 150 cameras have been installed, 60 cameras are in operation, and the Command Centre Infrastructure is now at 95% completion.

“Notably, the current and new CCTV networks are concurrently operational to optimise coverage as the new system nears activation.

“The dual operation of the existing and upcoming CCTV systems underscores a strategic approach to maximise surveillance effectiveness and ensure comprehensive coverage across Bermuda.

National Security Minister Michael Weeks CCTV Installation April 2024_2

“As the public may be aware, the CCTV initiative was delayed due to numerous storms last summer. Over the next month, road work and new pole installation will continue as more sites are brought online.”

Minister Weeks added, “This technology enhances our ability to safeguard our island and is an essential tool in our law enforcement arsenal to maintain public order and deter crime.

“I am confident that as we near full operational capacity, the benefits will be visible to all residents and visitors of Bermuda.”

Meanwhile, Commissioner Simons stated, “The Bermuda Police Service [BPS] welcomes the steady progress being made on the implementation of the new CCTV monitoring system.

National Security Minister Michael Weeks CCTV Installation April 2024_3

“The new system will be an invaluable asset in our ongoing efforts as they relate to crime detection given its advanced capabilities in terms allowing for better identification of individuals and vehicles engaged in the commission of crime.

“I again thank the Minister for his continued support in ensuring the Bermuda police Service is better equipped for meeting the mandate with which it is entrusted, making Bermuda safer.”

The Government spokesperson said, “The tour, including insights from BPS CCTV Manager Mr Hashim Estwick, highlighted the dual operation of the current and new CCTV networks.

“This strategic approach ensures that surveillance coverage does not gap as the new system phases in, reflecting the Government’s commitment to continuous security improvements.

“The Ministry of National Security remains dedicated to keeping the public informed on the progress of this crucial security initiative and ensuring that Bermuda remains a safe place to live, work, and visit.”

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Comments (21)

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  1. Hey says:

    67% complete is nonsense. If 150 cameras installed, 60 activated, just that would be less than 50%. Also he said roadworks and new poles to still happen….. someone is not telling the truth!

  2. Lion Paw says:

    And yet none operational outside of Supreme Court. Come on Bermuda does everything have to reactionary? Can we actually participate in all crime prevention

  3. Joe Bloggs says:

    The CCTV Project is 67% completed (even though the same Minister promised completion by the end of 2023). To date, 150 (of 247 cameras, or 60%) have been installed and 60 cameras (24%) are in operation.

    How much of the $4 million budget has been spent please?

  4. Hilarious! says:

    Reading between the lines, Minister Weeks is salivating at the warrantless scanning of everyone by running facial & vehicle recognition and building a database of people’s movements. There is zero possibility of abuse. (sarcasm) Who oversees the audit of this system and the people who use it? What are the checks and balances to avoid abuse? The biggest unanswered question is, do the computers use green energy?

    Perhaps we need a few video auditors to follow Minister Weeks around and post his movements on YouTube because, like CCTV use, there is no expectation of privacy in public.

    Here is a crazy idea! How about the honorable Minister, other Ministers, and the Big Guy volunteer to test the system on themselves for a month? Let’s see where they go, who they meet, when they go, how long they stay, etc. YEAH! Lead by example. What a great test of the CCTV system; naturally, the results would be published.

    On the plus side, we could use the new CCTV system to find out where government employees go daily and what they do outside their offices. Employee photos are on file for easy reference. For example: What bars are frequented, what time in/out, how long do they stay, etc. Track those government vehicles and find out how much non-government use goes on. Oh, my bad, those would be useful purposes!

    How about tracking BPS personnel? What better way to verify the police are out and about doing patrols? Would the BPS object to being tracked?

    Yes, there are positive benefits to the CCTV system that we shall never see.

  5. Guy Carri says:

    Commended the progress?!!
    Supposed to be done in Nov but the storms pushed it back to April.
    We had enough storm damage/activity to delay this 5 months?!!

    Then April isn’t going to be met, there is no 2nd revised date and 65% is commendable?! It’s supposed to be done! There’s 35% incomplete plus 5% of the Command Center!

    • trufth says:

      Yea, let’s “commend the progress” AKA: let’s reward mediocrity.
      By the time the rest of them become operational, the first 60 will already be rusted, corroded, no longer operational.

      Let’s hold the applause (for doing the job you get over-paid for) until we see 100% of them operational. I refuse to reward anyone for a job half done. This isn’t elementary school.

  6. Nope says:

    Wonder if all the dummies above realize a private entity that half of Bermuda uses everyday has the contract and is actually performing the work. Yet the oba (Out Bound Anxiety) clowns will make everything political because they have nothing else.

  7. Triangle Drifter says:

    A project that is way overdue and will likely be overbudget as well is praised by the Minister.

    Only in Bermuda is incompetence praised. Surprised that he is not blaming the pandemic for the delay. Surely the OBA has had a part to play in this as well. They were supposed to get it done in the one short term they had, right?

    • Haha says:

      The oba! Who are they? They don’t actually exist you know. It’s just a custom name on top of the UBP. Know wonder so many people left them with 30-6. LOL Even John Swan knows the party is pathetic and will continue to lose.

      • Joe Bloggs says:

        “It’s just a custom name on top of the UBP”

        I understand that you have a job to do and that the truth does not matter to you, but for the rest of the people the UBP was dissolved in June 2011. It has not existed for more than a decade.

        • No says:

          I understand your refusal to accept the facts but the OBA is the UBP. Why do you think it was 30-6 last election? It’s over before the race begins but you keep trying to convince yourself the next results will change.

        • Come Correct says:

          Which rest of the people. They didn’t win the last election pal because it’s the same party. The rest of the people decided that.

    • Joe Bloggs says:

      It is the PLP Government. The same PLP Government that introduced the Public Access to Information Act and touted themselves as transparent while at the same time refusing to appoint an Information Commissioner, so denying the public access to information.

      The history of the PLP Government over the past 20 years or so shows that it does what “looks” good but then refuses to deliver on things that “do” good.

      • Hilarious! says:

        Our Government has Information Officers who know how to delay and obfuscate the PATI process and are supported by their managers who rubber-stamp internal reviews. Delaying is a tactic used to let the public forget what the documents reveal. IF the documents are released, any outrage is minimized because the public has moved on to other things.

        • Southampton says:

          Well the OBA candidate did say a black civil service is bad for Bermuda.

          • Joe Bloggs says:

            “Well the OBA candidate did say a black civil service is bad for Bermuda.”

            I missed that statement. Can you provide a link that horrible statement please?

            • History repeats says:

              A few days later new candidate King claimed that he was misquoted after receiving so much push back. Why you think John Swan’s contemplating running against him? Funny thing is a number of people applauded Robert for saying this. Later the OBA will wonder why the majority of black voters refuse to join back. Words like that will affect the opposition next election trust and believe. He should’ve did the honorable thing and step aside instead he’s going to bring the whole party down with him.

              • Joe Bloggs says:

                Thank you for your comment.

                Can you provide a link that horrible statement please?

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