Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves, on Tuesday, received a certificate from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) signifying the completion of the first phase of the closed circuit television (CCTV) project.
The presentation ceremony, in Kingstown, heard remarks from Gonsalves, Taiwan Ambassador to St. Vincent and the Grenadines Calvin Ho, and Commissioner of Police Colin John.
Gonsalves said Taiwan has assisted SVG in modernising and outfitting a monitoring station at the Questelles Police Station with cameras and equipment that are operational 24 hours a day.
He highlighted Taiwan’s continued contribution and expressed his appreciation to the Government and people of Taiwan.
Work on the second phase of the project, the Intelligent Bus Management and monitoring system has started and is expected to intensify.
The technology minister added that Taiwanese associates, in collaboration with the commissioner of police, installed CCTV cameras at various locations across St. Vincent to ensure general safety.
He said there are 88 cameras in Kingstown, 26 along the leeward coast and 58 on the windward coast.
Meanwhile, Ho thanked Gonsalves and John for the support rendered to this project over the years.
The envoy said his tour of duty to SVG end at the end of this month.
Ho made the announcement at the ceremony, noting that he has been stationed in Kingstown for three years.
The ambassador said that although he is about to leave his post, he regards SVG as family and thanked Gonsalves and John for their support over the years.
He said that SVG and Taiwan, which celebrates 40 years of diplomatic ties this year, will continue to foster their relationship and work together, noting that
And, John spoke of the benefits of the intelligent project, adding that the police force welcomes the initiative and thanked Taiwan for its efforts.
The police chief said that the initiative can assist in enhancing the transportation system, aid in time management, and provide a more equipped system to monitor and more effectively regulate traffic.
The Commissioner hailed the CCTV program as an initiative that is helpful to the police force in the detection, and prosecution of criminals, noting that it would also act as a deterrent from criminal activities.
John thanked Taiwan for its efforts and gave the assurance that the system would be successfully and efficiently run and managed.