ST ANN, Jamaica —The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) has approved $40 million towards funding the implementation of close circuit cameras in Ocho Rios.

However, calls have been made to the private sector to partner in order to cover the full cost of $70 million for the project.

The Ministry of Security is also expected to partner in the initiative.

According to a letter sent from TEF to the Ocho Rios Resort Board, the private sector is being asked to contribute $15 million to $20 million towards the project.

When the Ocho Rios Resort Board met on Thursday, November 28 for its monthly meeting, chairman Professor Roosevelt Crooks said that he would have loved the cameras to be up for the Christmas season and for the winter tourism season; however, it was not possible.

“CCTV can be a deterrent to criminal activities in the area,” Crooks stated adding that installing cameras would also help to reduce tourist harassment in the town.

Twenty-five cameras are expected to be installed in the first phase of the project; however a total of 96 cameras are expected over time.