Letter of the Day | JamaicaEye is expanding, is its oversight keeping up?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Jamaica is making another substantial investment in its national surveillance network. The government has approved almost $791 million in JamaicaEye contracts, including $439.4 million for 300 CCTV cameras and related infrastructure in Portmore. Another $351.1 million contract will fund maintenance and associated services islandwide.

For a country grappling with serious crime and security challenges, the value of expanded surveillance coverage is evident. Camera footage can assist investigations, reconstruct incidents and provide evidence that might otherwise be unavailable.

However, as JamaicaEye expands, its governance must receive the same attention as its technology.

The programme has grown significantly since its launch as an islandwide network combining government-operated cameras with feeds voluntarily provided by private camera owners. The government has also announced a three-year expansion that will add another 2,500 cameras.

As the network grows, the public should understand who can access recorded footage, how that access is monitored, how long information is retained and what rules govern disclosure. Cybersecurity is also critical as more cameras and monitoring points become connected.

Jamaica already has an important legal framework. The Data Protection Act, 2020, which took effect in December 2023, establishes standards for handling and protecting personal data, including limiting information to legitimate purposes, retaining it only as long as necessary and implementing safeguards against unauthorised access or loss.

The broader policy question is how those principles are applied to JamaicaEye. The Office of the Information Commissioner reportedly advised Parliament in July that full enforcement of the Act is not expected before 2028.

JamaicaEye has demonstrated its value, but public confidence will depend on strong safeguards. As the system becomes more extensive and capable, its oversight framework must mature with it.

RENEE WATKIS