Of the 1,796 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed throughout T&T, 733 are not fully functional or are non-functional,
National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said in Parliament yesterday. Replying to queries from UNC MP Kadijah Ameen, Hinds said as at February 28, 2022, there were 1,796 CCTV cameras installed throughout T&T.
“Of this number, 1,063 were fully functional, with 733 considered to be either not fully functional or non-functional.”
Hinds said there were plans to install additional cameras but was unable to say what dates the 733 would be fixed. He added that cameras are repaired on a routine basis and made functional.
He was also unable to say if the 733 cameras were in hotspot areas. He said it depended on what was considered a hotspot, quipping—but being made to withdraw his remark—that the UNC bench might be considered a conglomeration of that.
He said Ameen’s question was “so banal and irritating”, to which she asked if he’d withdraw that also, as he was “banal and irritating.”
House Speaker Bridgid Annisette George had to demand “Order!”
Hinds also responded on whether there are plans to install CCTV cameras at the Heights of Aripo, where the bodies of murder victims have been found.
He said, “According to information from the Police Commissioner, in order for CCTV cameras to be installed at the Heights of Aripo, careful consideration must be given to the site compatibility, including the availability of electricity supply and the connectivity challenges at this remote location.
“In fact, consideration must be given to these issues as regards a possible expansion of the CCTV network throughout the country at large, including at Aripo Heights. To this end, discussions with stakeholders are currently underway.”
UNC MP Saddam Hosein asked who the stakeholders were.
Energy Minister Stuart Young, remarked, “Ask (PDP leader Watson) Duke.”
Hinds said stakeholders would be the TTPS, intelligence gathering agencies, potential service providers and experts “...None of which exists on your side.”
Annisette -George asked him to desist from his innuendoes.
Policy draft on PH cars law with AG
A policy draft document on the regulation of PH taxis is being reviewed by the Attorney General and will be given to Cabinet.
House Leader Terrence Deyalsingh indicated this yesterday, confirming Government is actively pursuing a policy aimed at regulating PH taxis. He said the draft policy document materialised after talks on the issue last year.
He said the imposition of any regulated measures will be given with consideration to commuters’ needs. He said the Works Ministry had identified several issues with the PH sector. This included insurance coverage for passengers, public safety and security, the Motor Vehicle/Road traffic law and perceived unfair treatment of licensed taxi drivers.
$2.4m earned from Taste of Carnival
Tourism Minister Randall Mitchell said yesterday that the National Carnival Commission generated $2.4 million from the Taste of Carnival.
Replying to Opposition queries, he added that performance spaces under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, namely the National Academy for the Performing Arts—North and South, Naparima Bowl and Queen’s Hall, also earned $317, 735.25 from the hosting of events at the permitted spaces.
“And I am happy to report that not only was the Taste of Carnival a success but 25 days following the hosting of the Carnival events, there has been no significant spike in COVID-19 or disruption to our health services,” he also said, detailing the events and stakeholders involved in the thrust.