The R3 Cayman Foundation has donated US$328,663 to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control, which will be used to upgrade the police helicopters and buy scanners for local ports, according to a press release from the charity.
The release noted the grants are part of the foundation’s “readiness mandate and ongoing commitment to fortify the Islands’ ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and natural disasters”.
R3 gave a US$76,708 grant to the RCIPS to modernise and enhance capabilities of the police’s helicopter radar imaging technology with advanced AI software.
The RCIPS operates two helicopters which use thermal camera systems for maritime and land searches.
The grant will provide funding for perpetual licenses for advanced software that will increase the effectiveness of locating people during search and rescue operations.
“With advances in AI, this software combined with human manipulation can more efficiently and accurately seek and identify objects on land and sea during the day and at night,” Police Commissioner Kurt Walton said in the release.
He added, “Having the most innovative capabilities is critical for time-sensitive missions, like search and rescue and will benefit a multitude of agencies including RCIPS, CBC, Search and Rescue and Fire Services. We are grateful to the R3 Cayman Foundation for its generous donation that has significantly enhanced our nation’s search and rescue efforts.”
R3’s US$251,955 grant for the CBC is being spent on upgrading cargo scanners at Cayman’s “most critical ports of entry”.
The release noted that new scanners assist CBC officers with inspecting and processing incoming and outgoing goods “which helps mitigate the impact of illegal and violent crimes”.
The scanners will also streamline importation, allowing for businesses and residents to receive packages more efficiently, the release stated.
CBC Deputy Director Kevin Walton said, “Dozens of firearms, illicit substances and contraband have been seized by diligent officers working at the Courier and Post Office since the formation of CBC in 2018. However, as technology advances, criminals have become more creative in the methods they use to smuggle goods and substances across borders.
“These new scanners with updated features and detection capabilities are instrumental in keeping pace with threats to our economy and citizens.”
In addition to scanning for contraband and illicit substances, the scanners will also be used to determine the contents of commercial or personal items for the purpose of duty collection.
R3 said these security-focused donations are made possible due to donors like The Simpson Group who pledged US$1 million to R3 last year, requesting $500,000 be designated for national security projects to benefit the Cayman Islands.
“Safety and security lie at the heart of the peace and prosperity of any nation. R3 Cayman Foundation is pleased to continue our series of readiness-focused contributions to enhance our Islands’ security, whether from human or environmental threats,” said R3 readiness chair, Michael Meghoo. “Updating the radar and scanning capabilities provides support for our protection services and gives peace of mind to our community that Cayman is leveraging modern technology to safeguard our borders.”
Since launching in May 2020 in response to the COVID crisis, R3 has donated to more than 30 local charitable organisations and governmental departments and authorities that provide emergency preparedness and relief for natural disasters and societal crises, the release noted.
R3 was founded with a US$1 million donation from the Kenneth B. Dart Foundation, which has pledged US$8 million in matching contributions to those from other philanthropic foundations, corporations and individuals.
“Thanks to Cayman’s generous donor community, R3 Cayman Foundation has drawn all but US$1 million of the matching pledges committed by the Kenneth B. Dart Foundation,” said R3 Fundraising Committee chair and Kenneth B. Dart Foundation board member Jackie Doak. “We encourage corporate and individual donors to channel their contributions through R3 to increase their impact by triggering the KBDF match.”
Editor’s note: The Cayman Compass is a subsidiary of Dart Media and Entertainment.
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