PHILIPSBURG:---TelEm Group executive officers and technical staff have been personally praised for their part in delivering a telecommunication fiber infrastructure that will greatly assist in public safety and maintenance of public order on St. Maarten.
The infrastructure is the backbone of a brand new Camera Surveillance System that officially went live Friday, February, 1st 2019 after many months of preparation, and interruption from Hurricane Irma in 2017 when some already installed equipment was damaged.
TelEm Group technicians and engineers laid the telecommunication infrastructure required and provided network connections to the project.
Speaking about all the elements that came together to realize Friday’s historic launch, Police Chief Karl John said his own team could not have insisted on delivery of the best equipment and systems that meet international standards, without others involved, such as TelEm Group, the company C-3, and contractor, Leonardo Bromet, also delivering of their best.
TelEm Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mrs. Helma Etnel, said something wonderful has been achieved for St. Maarten with the delivery of the Camera Surveillance Project.
“As a telephone company you usually think of a phone call, pleasure pictures and communication on Whatsapp, but we have shown that with fiber technology and with future technology we can now do much more for our communities,” said Mrs. Etnel.
The CFO said the camera project means safety and security for the island, but it also means the start of a Smart City concept for St. Maarten.
“Government can continue to believe in their telecommunication company as TelEm continues to invest in the Smart City concept,” suggested the CFO.
According to Mrs. Etnel, the Camera Surveillance Project has been carried out in collaboration with the Police, the Minister of Justice and TelEm for the past two years.
“No stone was left unturned to get the best for the police, which caused some happy moments and also some tense moments, with a fight for only systems that are of the highest quality meeting the highest international standards,” Mrs. Etnel said.
She said, at certain moments, she was forced to personally question the passion of those behind the project, but many months later, she has a different perspective.
“Today I am happy that my safety and security as a citizen is enhanced because the police and the gentlemen involved have shown that they don’t take anything but the best and only go for the best, even if their budget is limited. Despite our difference of opinion, I admire that you have fought to get the best that was on the market. Thanks to the Police and TelEm Group for a job well done and I am extremely proud as a citizen to have my safety in your hands,” said the TelEm Group executive.
Mrs. Etnel praised the police chief Mr. Carl John, and Mr. Benjamin Gout for their input. She also thanked project contractor of Security Concepts and Solutions, Mr. Leonardo Bromet, who installed the equipment.
The CFO thanked TelEm Group CEO Mr. Kendall Dupersoy for supporting this project which was started before he joined the company but which he nevertheless also played a part in by approving the project as a TelEm Group Board member at the time.
Others singled out for mention were the Minister of Justice Mr. De Weever, who was present at the opening ceremony and who also cut the ribbon to officially open the Camera Surveillance Center. Members of the TelEm Group team of technicians and engineers included: especially Jed Carty and Ann Jeuken and others, Windell Hughes, Frank Carty, Elroy Hughes, Steve Simmons, Edsel Martina, and Robert Webster.
The Camera Surveillance Center is managed by the Emergency Dispatch Center under the responsibility of KPSM and police say it is being implemented on the island due to a growing economy and growing population.
Police say the system of monitoring will be used to maintain public order and safety within the community.
It is required by law that the community be informed when they are in an area which is monitored by the Camera Surveillance Center.
