Cayman’s national CCTV programme is facing scrutiny in the aftermath of the 25 Feb. shooting at Ed Bush Stadium in West Bay.
The National Security Council, on Tuesday, requested an audit of the programme “to assess its effectiveness in enhancing surveillance capabilities”.
Governor Jane Owen announced the audit through a media statement on Wednesday night as she provided an update on discussions from a special council meeting held the day before.
Cayman has a 326-strong camera network which is managed by the Department of Public Safety Communications.
Last year it was announced that the network would be expanded on Grand Cayman and this would extend to include Cayman Brac to aid in crime deterrence and detection.
Sean Vasquez, director of the department, has said previously said that work has already begun.
The NSC meeting was convened at the request of the premier, the statement said, and was attended by all council members “to discuss national security measures taken after the incident at the Ed Bush Stadium on Sunday, 25 Feb”.
Seven people were injured in the shooting in which a lone gunman opened fire on spectators gathered at a Premiere League football match.
The shooter reportedly gained access to the stadium through a neighbouring pasture.
As of Thursday morning, no suspects had been arrested in connection with the shooting.
Tougher penalties considered
According to the NSC statement, the council urged the exploration of law changes to increase penalties for firearms offences and gang-related activities.
Police Commissioner Kurt Walton, who attended the meeting, also provided updates on the investigation into the shooting and “outlined plans for a firearms amnesty”.
The council, the statement said, also agreed that a comprehensive revision of the national security structure be conducted “to enhance coordination among key departments”.
When it came to maritime security, Coast Guard Commander Robert Scotland, the statement said, “was tasked with developing an urgent plan to combat trafficking and illegal maritime activities”.
The council also thanked the government and the Chamber of Commerce for their contributions to the Crime Stoppers award of $250,000 which was announced on Monday for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the shooting.
“The meeting underscored a collaborative effort to address security challenges and implement effective strategies for the well-being and safety of the Cayman Islands and its people,” the statement said.
The council is chaired by the governor and consists of ex-officio members including the premier, leader of the opposition, deputy governor, attorney general and commissioner of police. It also consists of four other governor-appointed members.
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It is apparent that many of the cameras don’t work. Either they are broken or are not hooked up. Cameras on Bankers road were installed months ago, yet work to hook them up only started after this shooting.