Samuda says Stay Alert app being updated as Bunting calls for expanded platform
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of National Security Matthew Samuda says updates are being done on the Stay Alert mobile application, which allowed citizens to contact the police for assistance.
He made the disclosure on Twitter as Jamaicans react to the murder of 20-year-old Khanice Jackson after she went missing on Wednesday.
The state minister was responding to one Twitter user, who asked about the app, which was launched in 2015.
In a series of Tweets, he said that technical difficulties, including legislative issues, were uncovered with the initial Stay Alert app.
He assured that the issues are being addressed before the app is relaunched and said updates are expected within the coming months.
“It is a priority of the GOJ to bring this mechanism of reporting crime to the people of Jamaica,” Samuda said.
“We will update the public on the progress of this app & the varying technology projects underway in the coming weeks. We expect significant strides to be made in the coming months,” he continued.
His utterances preceded a statement from Opposition spokesman on national security, Senator Peter Bunting, who urged the Government to revive and expand the app.
Noting that over 350 people have been murdered so far this year, Bunting said Jackson’s murder has contributed to a heightened climate of insecurity, particularly for women.
“Many Jamaicans had been hoping and praying that Khanice would have returned home safely, but the unfortunate reality is that our women remain vulnerable to predators and need special initiatives to help protect them,” Bunting said.
The Opposition spokesman said: “This app placed personal security into the palms of every citizen with a smartphone.
“A key feature of this application was a panic button, that automatically transmitted a distress signal to police control, including the GPS location. We partnered with telecoms providers who zero-rated the application, thereby removing the cost to users.”
Bunting also called for increased community vigilance, beefed-up police surveillance, and the incorporation of technology to help save lives.
