It took a while, but Curaçao is finally installing its long-announced closed circuit television (CCTV) system purchased in China, to enhance public safety (see related story). The first phase will focus on
the capital Willemstad and other strategic locations along the busy South coast.
St. Maarten too has been talking about a similar video surveillance network in tourist-sensitive areas, including Philipsburg, for quite some time. The latest word is that TelEm had been given the job and its technicians even held a walk-through in the downtown shopping centre with police to identify the best spots.
The Government-owned company’s project team met with the Chamber of Commerce early November and the latter reported an envisioned “prompt” execution. Parties were to focus on funding the implementation and subsequent recurring monthly cost, because somewhere along the line bills are going to have to be paid.
Due to ongoing budgetary issues the country is unable to borrow money for capital projects. On the other hand, fighting crime on the island was given priority not just locally, but also by the Netherlands. Assistance is being made available and while security cameras are not directly part of that exercise, the latter may help create at least some breathing space within the law enforcement system.
The former Gumbs cabinet actually had filed an appeal with the Council of State against the aforementioned part of the instruction by The Hague, but the appeal was withdrawn at the last minute. The plan is to comply fully and solve the problem that way.
Moreover, the Committee for Financial Supervision CFT stated recently that additional investments in health care, collecting taxes and justice were justified, but needed to be budgeted in a responsible and realistic way. Its letter also advised utilising 38 million guilders in loans left from 2014.
By now it appears unlikely much will still get done for this upcoming high season, so the Dutch side faces yet another busy period without the intended added protection. Hopefully, it is going to be the very last one.
