Private security company Guardsman on Tuesday unveiled a suite of high-tech security solutions and called for a partnership with the government to address the country’s out-of-control crime problem.
Dubbed the Guardsman Metaverse, the options promise an innovative, new integrated approach to security, inclusive of highly trained security guards combined with sophisticated technology including artificial intelligence (AI) powered cameras, cyber intelligence, aerial surveillance and a new mobile app.
Several ministers and opposition members present were impressed with the presentation at the AC Marriott Hotel in Kingston and agreed with the need for more collaboration between the private security industry and government.
“For us to deliver more seamless and intelligence-powered solutions to deal with crime in our island nation, Honorable Minister (Dr Horace) Chang, as a leader of the largest security company in Jamaica, my team and I are in a unique position and along with our national security (agencies) we can play a critical role in diminishing crime in Jamaica”, Guardsman Executive Chairman Kenny Benjamin said, directly addressing the Minister of National Security.
Dr Chang in his comments said he looked forward to further “collaboration and partnership with the private security companies to reduce the level of criminality in the country.”
“The Guardsman Group and by extension the private security industry in Jamaica is a critical partner in our crime fighting efforts”, adding that with effective public-private sector partnerships “we will overcome the criminals in this country."
Meanwhile, Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Daryl Vaz suggested that a few members of the Guardsman team should be sent to his Ministry for a month to share their ideas and solutions.
“Anybody who says they are not blown away by what we have seen this evening would not be telling the truth. This is absolutely unbelievable”, Vaz said.
Describing the presentation as “mind-blowing and very impressive”, Opposition leader Mark Golding called for brainstorming on how a public-private partnership with the security industry could be achieved.
Founded by Benjamin in 1977, the Guardsman Group is the largest security company in Jamaica and employs 8,000 persons in 10 Caribbean countries.