The Ministry of National Security had, as part of the focus on crime prevention and the concerted efforts to reduce the number of road traffic offences, committed to advancing a new island-wide CCTV system.
The new CCTV system will include newer features to assist the police in
tackling road traffic offences and violent crime. An upgraded CCTV system will result in increased safety for our community, as a functional CCTV system will serve as a deterrent to potential criminals. The system will also aid in the identification of suspects in the event of
criminal activity.
In terms of the progress for this initiative, an open and competitive
tender process was undertaken in July with a submission deadline of the
8th September 2022. An Evaluation Committee has considered the bids
and Cabinet will shortly be considering the Committee’s recommendation.
Following Cabinet’s decision the contract will be awarded.
The other initiative from the 2021 Throne speech was the commitment
to introduce a Cybersecurity Act, which will establish minimum standards for cybersecurity for critical assets such as energy supply, telecommunications, water infrastructure and government data.
I am pleased to report that the Bill is currently being drafted by Chambers and it is intended to table the Bill in the House of Assembly in our March sitting.
Turning to this year’s Throne Speech, you will note that the Ministry of
National Security has two initiatives both involving the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service.
The first is to amend the Fire Safety Act 2014 to clarify that the National
Fire Protection Agency Codes do not apply to the operation of air crash
and fire rescue services and does not constitute legislation for the purposes of satisfying the UK Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Orders or any Overseas Territories Aviation Requirements.
This will ensure that there is certainty around the appropriate minimum
staffing levels and operations for the LF Wade International Airport.
The second is to invite His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and
Fire & Rescue Services to conduct a review of the Service, the first since
2010. This will ensure that we are not just fit for the role but meeting
the needs of the community that we serve.
The review will include:
• The services provided by our first responders and if they meet the
current needs of our community.
• The staffing and resource needs to provide those services Island
wide.
• The entry and recruitment process for ensuring that we continue to
recruit Bermudians fit and suited for the service.
• The ongoing training requirements to ensure that the service
maintains its readiness to respond when called.
The Legislature will be invited to take note of that review and its
recommendations.
Any content which is considered unsuitable, unlawful, or offensive, includes personal details, advertises or promotes products, services or websites, or repeats previous comments will be removed.
User comments posted on this website are solely the views and opinions of the comment writer and are not a representation of or reflection of the opinions of TNN or its staff.
TNN reserves the right to remove, edit or censor any comments.
TNN accepts no liability and will not be held accountable for the comments made by users.