In a press conference on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Mark Collins said the installation of the cameras will help in the territory’s crime-fighting strategies.

“There was a lot of hard work and contributions from many people. Both people in the public and private sectors have assisted in making this happen. I want to particularly acknowledge my own communications team in the force for their hard work and dedication to the task,” Commissioner Collins stated.

When asked whether the cameras are placed on public or private properties on the sister island, the Police Commissioner responded by saying it varies as cameras are placed in locations that can capture a large portion of the island.

“These [cameras] are placed at strategic places on Virgin Gorda and we will have the ability to view by the Virgin Gorda Police Station and back here at the police control room as well,” the top cop stated.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Collins said the installation of CCTV cameras on Tortola will soon be completed. He said the work continues on the main island and the project is earmarked to be finished in May of this year.

Collins added that once completed, the police force will have a press conference to unveil them and discuss a few crime-fighting strategies.

The top cop further said many resources were recently invested for local policing. Such investments include the commissioning of additional cops and the installation of nearly 200 CCTV cameras on Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

He said 178 cameras will be installed on the main island and the roll-out is an ongoing process. The fibre optics lines and cables along with the poles are already going up according to the Commissioner.

Collins said that the installation will start in central Road Town before expanding towards the other ends of the island.