The end-of-phase exhibition for the Taiwan-financed Enhancing Public Safety with Intelligent Video Analytics Project and the handover ceremony for a bucket truck took place on Friday at the Questelles Police Station.
The Enhancing Public Safety with Intelligent Video Analytics Project, a three-year initiative, has drawn on Taiwan’s expertise in smart surveillance and technological innovation to strengthen St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ capabilities in applying advanced information technology, expanding the coverage and accessibility of smart surveillance systems, and promoting automated image analysis and alert mechanisms.
More than 300 surveillance cameras have been installed at over 20 locations across the country, including Union Island and Bequia, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens, a press release said.
The programme also delivered more than 10 specialised training courses on subjects ranging from cybersecurity and intelligent video analytics to project management and equipment maintenance, led by leading academics from Taiwan and an IEEE fellow.
Over 200 Vincentians participated, significantly strengthening the nation’s pool of technical expertise.
The system now integrates AI-powered technologies, including license plate recognition, enabling law enforcement to rapidly track suspicious vehicles and improve investigative efficiency.
A new centralised video-sharing platform allows real-time footage to be shared securely among multiple government departments, fostering collaboration for public safety, disaster response, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.
During Friday’s ceremony, Taiwan’s ambassador to SVG, Fiona Huei-Chun Fan, expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Finance, the Information Technology Services Division, and the Royal SVG Police Force for their steadfast support and invaluable collaboration.
She noted that the robust CCTV network and iSurveillance system now in place represent an important step forward in national security, and explained that the newly donated bucket truck will help ensure the safety of maintenance teams.
Fan reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to ensuring its allies have access to the latest technological advancements and are empowered to fully participate in the digital revolution.
Acting Commissioner of Police, Enville Williams, described the new system as a transformative tool for law enforcement and a force multiplier for public safety, attributing its success to the strong and growing partnership between Taiwan and SVG.
He stressed that the close of phase two is not the end of the journey, but the beginning of something greater.
Attorney General Grenville Williams, representing Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves, emphasised the strategic importance of the technology in extending CCTV coverage to keep communities safe, and commended Taiwan’s consistent willingness to share its expertise and technology.
“The Taiwan–SVG partnership is founded on shared values and a mutual commitment to progress. Together, both countries will continue to build a safer, smarter, and stronger future for all,” a press release said.