JamaicaEye remedy

A Jamaica-based technology group has criticised the government’s execution of the procurement process which it says focuses on the lowest bids instead of those that are “value-driven”, following a revelation by National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang that the JamaicaEye surveillance network is facing maintenance struggles.

Chang disclosed last week that a significant number of cameras are currently non-functional due to systemic maintenance issues.

The Jamaica Technology and Digital Alliance (JTDA), headed by President Almando Cox, on Sunday said while the entity – a non-profit organisation serving tech professionals and vendors in Jamaica and the Diaspora – recognises the complexity of maintaining such a critical national security asset, it wanted to emphasise the urgent need to address inefficiencies in procurement and operational practices to ensure a sustainable resolution.

Cox said the government’s preference for the lowest bid often undermines the quality and long-term value of projects.

Additionally, he said providers whose operational costs are tied to the US dollar face challenges with payments strictly in Jamaican dollars. He said allowing payments in US dollars or at commercial bank selling rates could significantly ease this burden.

Cox said the lengthy procurement timelines often result in price fluctuations, stock shortages, and logistical changes, eroding profit margins and project feasibility by the time contracts are finalised.

Impacts development

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has repeatedly lamented Jamaica’s lengthy procurement processes which he said often delay projects and directly impact the country’s development.

In November, Holness announced a national drive to reduce red tape and bureaucracy.

“To achieve rapid economic growth, we must become the most business-friendly and customer/citizen-focused country in the region. We are fully committed to making Jamaica the best place to do business in the region,” Holness said.

Yesterday, Cox also pointed to lagging payment schedules in the process, noting that delayed payments stifle cash flow for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), discouraging them from participating in critical national projects.

Further, he said Chang’s statement that “one company has shown the ability to set up the operation required” and is in negotiations for a rollout this financial year underscores the difficulties faced by potential service providers.

He stressed that while other companies are capable of managing such projects, the existing procurement process poses significant challenges.

“If issues such as delayed payments and the focus on lowest bids over long-term value were addressed, more companies would be motivated to participate,” Cox stated.

He wants the Government to look at three practical solutions to improve the technical approach to JamaicaEye’s maintenance.

Firstly, the JTDA president said there is a need for a standard operating procedure (SOP) as this would establish a clear pathway to cover the standard the government is seeking to maintain such as the service interval; a checklist on how the camera servicing is to be executed; the ISO standard cables that will be required and jobs certified.

He said an SOP will help to level the playing field and minimise the cutting of corners.

Secondly, Cox is also calling for collaborative financing models for bucket trucks. He said bucket trucks are not necessary for most jobs but, when needed, leasing options or government-owned bucket trucks could broaden eligibility and enable more providers to contribute to the project.

Third, he said, too, that there needs to be regional maintenance zones as establishing maintenance zones across the country and assigning companies to manage specific areas could improve efficiency and encourage wider participation.

“Many capable companies are hesitant to engage in government projects due to the current procurement and payment challenges,” Cox said. “Adopting a more streamlined and equitable approach would be critical to the long-term success of JamaicaEye instead of contracting to one company.”

He said the JTDA has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with government stakeholders to address these challenges.

“By resolving procurement and operational bottlenecks, we can build a robust and resilient security infrastructure that aligns with JamaicaEye’s mission to deter and detect criminal activity,” Cox noted.

Launched in March 2018 in an effort to improve safety and security across the island, the JamaicaEye is a national public-private closed circuit television (CCTV) surveillance system that incorporates feeds from public cameras and allows registered private citizens to share footage from their cameras with local authorities free of cost.

The system aims to use digital imagery to detect and deter criminal activity, as well as help in the arresting and arraignment of offenders.

Chang said a shift to digital technology has left the system underfunded and understaffed.

“The reality is that maintenance is a problem. Since we have gone digital with the telecommunications system, nobody in the country has an effective islandwide technology maintenance system,” the national security minister said.

kimone.francis@gleanerjm.com