Caribbean News

JamaicaEye Not Infringing on Privacy Rights says Ministry of National Security

Published

6 years ago

August 8, 2018

#Kingston, August 8, 2018 – Jamaica – The Ministry of National Security is assuring citizens that its national closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance programme – Jamaica Eye – is not infringing on their right to privacy.

Speaking at a recent JIS Think, Legal Officer, Ministry of National Security, Tonelle Beecher, noted that the programme is voluntary “and not something placed on you mandatorily”.

“What we are really asking for is access to public-facing camera feed, as the Government has a responsibility to protect persons and to monitor those areas,” she said. “We continue to operate within the law, and we have no intention of breaching the law as it relates to implementing the programme,” she added.

Clause 34 of the Data Protection Act (DPA) provides exemption for the purposes of using data in the prevention and detection of crime, as well as the apprehension and prosecution of offenders.

Senior Director of Modernisation and Strategic Projects in the Ministry, Arvel Grant, told JIS News that “as we roll out the programme, we continue to review (our procedures) and to ensure that we are not breaching the law in establishing the programme”. He noted that the feeds are being monitored at the Joint Information and Operations Centre at the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), with request for footage being accommodated through an established security protocol.

He explained that private citizens will not be able to make requests for the footage from JamaicaEye. However, persons making police reports may indicate if they saw a CCTV in the vicinity of an incident, whether it is an accident or crime. Based on this, the police can request footage.

Implemented in March 2018, JamaicaEye is a public-private partnership designed to network CCTV cameras owned by the Ministry and accommodate feed from privately owned cameras. It is geared at improving public safety and emergency response, by providing useful footage in relation to criminal activity, accidents, natural disasters and other incidents.

Release: JIS

Caribbean News

Work Continues for Implementation of Free Movement of Caricom Nationals

Published

4 mins ago

April 19, 2024

Shanieka

KINGSTON, April 17 (JIS):

Work continues towards the implementation of the free movement of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals in Member countries.

During the 45th regular meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, the leaders agreed to amend the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas by March 31, 2024, to guarantee all CARICOM nationals the right to unrestricted travel to live and work in the Member countries of the Community. The free movement applies to member states that are also part of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

The new agreement will, among other things, move beyond the free movement of skills to freedom of movement of people.

Providing an update at today’s (April 17) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, reaffirmed Jamaica’s commitment to the principle of full free movement, noting that a significant amount of technical work continues, to achieve the goal.

“I had signalled that it had always been Jamaica’s assessment that there was a significant amount of technical work that would have to be done in order to achieve this goal. So, while I reaffirm Jamaica’s commitment to the principle of full free movement, we have always said this is the best way for all CARICOM nationals to experience and believe in the region, the fact is, there is still a lot of work to do, and that has been recognised. There is an intergovernmental task force (IGTF); Jamaica is a part of that,” she said.

“We’re working through matters like the definitions of healthcare at the emergency level and at the primary level, which means different things in different countries and has implications for not only capacity but for cost… . Similarly for education, we’ve been working on this as well because access to primary and secondary education would be a part of what is considered, and of course, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and Ministry of Finance we engage with very closely because… there would be the right to work,” she said.

Senator Johnson Smith informed that further updates will be provided prior to, or during the next full regular meeting of Heads, which will be held in July in Grenada.

“So, there will be a transitional period, but work does continue towards the next full regular meeting of Heads… where we will, undoubtedly, have a significant update if we don’t have one before then. But the IGTF continues to work and Jamaica continues to work as well,” she said.

CONTACT: CHRIS PATTERSON

Caribbean News

Paid internship opportunity in Energy Data Collection, Application DEADLINE is April 19

Published

9 hours ago

April 19, 2024

Deandrea Hamilton

April 19, 2024 – The Caribbean Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) in cooperation with the Energy and Utilities Department (EUD), Ministry of Public Safety and Utilities (MPSU), is looking for a motivated intern to work in close collaboration with regional and national institutions to survey and collect energy-related data that will be used to create the Energy Report Cards (ERCs) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. A stipend for the intern will be provided by CCREEE.

The intern will be based at the EUD/MPSU. The internship program will provide students and/or young professionals with a unique opportunity to work with the energy sector institutions and stakeholders in TCI, gain practical experience in the energy sector, and contribute to the knowledge management functions of the Regional Energy Information System within the CARICOM Energy Knowledge Hub (CEKH).

SCOPE OF WORK

The CCREEE in collaboration with the EUD/MPSU will collect specified data and information that will be used to develop the TCI Energy Report Cards which will be made accessible through the CARICOM Energy Knowledge Hub (CEKH). The hub may be accessed by registering at https://cekh.ccreee.org. The Energy Report Cards will also offer important support to the CCREEE work program, including support for energy planning and the development of sustainable energy projects.

DESIRED PROFILE

Bachelor’s degree or on course for completion of one by December 2024.
Interest in the energy sector and willingness to learn about the socio-economic, technical and environmental aspects of the energy landscape; studies in sustainable energy, environmental sciences or related fields are an asset but not a National or resident of one of the relevant countries.
Proficiency in English.

INTERNSHIP TIMEFRAME

The internship will run for a period of eight (8) weeks from May 27 to July 19, 2024.

APPLICATION

The intern applicant should send their application (motivation letter and CV) on or before April 19, 2024 to recruitment@ccreee.org and copy eud@gov.tc.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Caribbean News

Earth Day 2024: Planet vs Plastics – A Call to Action for Reducing Plastic Waste

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2024

Shanieka

As Earth Day approaches on April 22nd, the DECR is rallying the community to join the global movement towards reducing plastic waste and safeguarding our planet’s future.

Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, threatening the health of our oceans, wildlife, and ecosystems. With an estimated 8 million tons of plastic entering our oceans every year, the need for action has never been more urgent.

This Earth Day, the DECR urges you to take meaningful steps towards reducing plastic consumption and waste. From single-use plastics like straws and bags to microplastics that infiltrate our ocean and food chain, every piece of plastic avoided makes a difference.

By embracing reusable alternatives, recycling responsibly, and advocating for policies that prioritize sustainability, we can all play a role in mitigating the plastic crisis. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.

Join us this Earth Day in committing to reduce plastic waste and protect our precious environment. Together, we can make a difference.

Tune into the DECR’s social media by following us on Instagram @DECR_TCI or on Facebook at DECR Environmental Education & Outreach Group.