IN an effort to bolster the safety and security of Maxfield Park Children’s Home, Jamaica Energy Partners (JEP) Group has donated a camera system to the facility, a move that has been welcomed by its administrators.

In fact, Karen Dawkins, administrative assistant at the children’s home, said they now have “eyes on key areas of the compound that were previously of concern” as she spoke about the impact the donation will have on the facility.

The implementation of the camera system addresses critical security challenges, particularly in areas where unauthorised personnel might enter or where children, especially those with special needs, might wander into off-limits sections of the property.

The camera system operates with continuous 24-hour recording and will be monitored from the main office. While the cameras play a crucial role in safeguarding the facility, Dawkins was clear that the children’s and staff’s privacy remains paramount, pointing out that no cameras are placed in bedrooms, changing rooms, or bathrooms. Instead, the focus is monitoring public areas, entrances, and other locations where security risks are more prevalent.

Beyond enhancing security, the camera system is also seen as a tool for educating children about accountability.

“The goal is to increase awareness of their surroundings and the importance of protecting life and property,” Dawkins said, adding that the system allows for real-time monitoring, which is particularly vital when a child may have wandered off or when identifying unauthorised individuals on the premises.

In addition to the camera system donation, the project was made possible through partnership with SiteWatch, whose Managing Director Stafford Francis contributed the labour for the installation free of charge. SiteWatch will also provide ongoing support to the children’s home.

“Yes, we will provide all training for staff and technical support on the system as required going forward for free. We will also schedule service at least once a year to ensure the full functioning of the system,” Francis added.

The total value of the camera system, including SiteWatch’s contribution, is $540,000.

Dawkins noted that, for many years, JEP has been a consistent supporter and donor to Maxfield Park Children’s Home.

“Our dedication to corporate social responsibility is deeply rooted in the belief that every child deserves a safe environment to thrive. This donation is not just a contribution, it’s a commitment to safeguarding the future of these young lives. Our partnership with the home, spanning over a decade, reflects our unwavering support, and we will continue to stand by them, ensuring that their needs are met in every possible way,” expressed JEP’s Senior Marketing Officer Moya Mullings-Whyte.

Looking ahead, Maxfield Park Children’s Home plans to enhance its security measures further.

“Very soon, we want to improve the gate to be automated and operated solely from the security post. Additionally, we aim to add more cameras to areas more prone to security breaches,” Dawkins shared.

The Home remains hopeful that other organisations will recognise their civic duty to assist in caring for the nation’s most vulnerable.

“Your support helps us provide a safe and secure home for the children in our care and ensures that we can take care of them properly,” Dawkins said, noting that the children and staff are excited about this new sense of security and the bright future it promises.