Dear Editor,

Jamaican taxpayers need to ask for an audit into the $55 million allegedly spent on surveillance cameras for Montego Bay.

I did my own research on CCTV and surveillance cameras, because it was my intention to donate some to the security minister. I even contacted him via twitter about the idea — to which he did not reply. I guess he didn’t want any donations. A good CCTV/surveillance camera can range anywhere from US$299 up. Note, they come in sets of eight, so that’s eight cameras and a CCTV for $299.

Given the reputation of our politicians in Jamaica, I think it’s time for us to do our own research into the prices they put on items, because that’s the only way we are going to get them to stop putting their sticky fingers in Jamaica’s cookie jar.

I am however very happy to see that the minister is taking a step in the right direction, but please, Mr Minister, So let’s do the math: US$299 x 19 = US$5,681 converted to JA$568,100 for 19 cameras. Even if the cameras are sold for five times this amount it would have cost under $3 million. At 10 times my source price it’s still not $55 million.

May the light of the true and living God continue to shine on our leaders and restore conscience within them, so that they will do the honourable thing, and put Jamaica’s interest first, once and for all.

bshantelee@yahoo.com

Montego Bay