The Jamaica Technology and Digital Alliance (JTDA) is calling for urgency in addressing inefficiencies in procurement and operational practices to ensure a sustainable resolution to issues with the JamaicaEye closed-circuit television (CCTV) network highlighted by Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang.

JTDA, a non-profit serving tech professionals and vendors in Jamaica and the Diaspora, with a mission of providing access, influence, and empowerment through technology, said in a statement Sunday that it has taken note of recent remarks by Dr Chang regarding the operational challenges affecting the network, with reports indicating that a significant number of cameras are currently non-functional due to systemic maintenance issues.

President of the JTDA Almando Cox highlighted several key obstacles hindering the effectiveness of such initiatives, even while he said JTDA recognises the complexity of maintaining such a critical national security asset.

“The Government’s preference for the lowest bid often undermines the quality and long-term value of projects,” Cox noted. “Providers whose operational costs are tied to the United States dollar face challenges with payments strictly in Jamaican dollars. Allowing payments in US or at commercial bank selling rates could significantly ease this burden.”

Cox also highlighted delays in the procurement process, stating that, “Lengthy procurement timelines often result in price fluctuations, stock shortages, and logistical changes, eroding profit margins and project feasibility by the time contracts are finalised.”

He added, “Delayed payments stifle cash flow for small and medium enterprises, discouraging them from participating in critical national projects.”

He said Dr Chang’s statement that “one company has shown the ability to set up the operation required” and is in negotiations for a roll-out this financial year underscores the difficulties faced by potential service providers.

Cox emphasised that while other companies are capable of managing such projects, the existing procurement process poses significant challenges.

“If issues such as delayed payments and the focus on lowest bids over long-term value were addressed, more companies would be motivated to participate,” Cox stated.

He proposed three practical solutions to improve the technical approach to JamaicaEye’s maintenance.

“[There is] the need for a standard operating procedure (SOP), establishing a clear SOP to cover the standard the Government is seeking to maintain, such as the service interval, a checklist on how the camera servicing is to be executed, define that ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard cables will be required and jobs certified. A SOP will help to level the playing field and minimise the cutting of corners.”

He said collaborative financing models for bucket trucks are also needed.

“Bucket trucks are not necessary for most jobs; however, when needed, leasing options or government-owned bucket trucks could broaden eligibility and enable more providers to contribute to the project.”

Finally, “Establishing maintenance zones across the island and assigning companies to manage specific areas could improve efficiency and encourage wider participation.”

“Many capable companies are hesitant to engage in government projects due to the current procurement and payment challenges,” Cox added. “Adopting a more streamlined and equitable approach would be critical to the long-term success of JamaicaEye instead of contracting to one company.”

He said JTDA reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with government stakeholders to address these challenges.

“By resolving procurement and operational bottlenecks we can build a robust and resilient security infrastructure that aligns with JamaicaEye’s mission to deter and detect criminal activity,” Cox added.

The JTDA also encouraged businesses and citizens with external cameras facing public spaces to partner with the Ministry of National Security by registering their cameras and sharing footage with the local authorities.

Dr Horace Chang revealed last week that a significant number of cameras on the JamaicaEye surveillance network were down.

Responding to a question posed by the Jamaica
Observer at a town hall meeting in New Market, St Elizabeth, on Wednesday, the minister explained that there is a technical problem with maintaining the system.

“The reality is that maintenance is a problem. Since we have gone digital with the telecommunications system, nobody in the country has an effective islandwide technology maintenance system. Cable and Wireless used to have technicians across the island. A wire breaks they fix it same time. There is no national body with a full maintenance programme… there are a significant number of cameras that are down…” he said.

Dr Chang’s response followed a
Television Jamaica report with citizens in Santa Cruz expressing concern over malfunctioning cameras after Shamar Bryan, 28, a vendor from St Catherine, died from stab wounds in the south-central town. He reportedly died in the vicinity of a JamaicaEye camera that is not working.

CHANG… there are a significant number of cameras that are down.

COX… the Government’s preference for the lowest bid often undermines the quality and long-term value of projects.