The government urged to re-examine procurement procedures.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC—The Jamaica Technology and Digital Alliance (JTDA) says the government’s preference for the lowest bid often undermines project quality and long-term value. It calls for urgent action to address inefficiencies in procurement and operational practices.

JTDA, in a statement, responded to the announcement by National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang, who last week confirmed that a significant number of cameras on the JamaicaEye surveillance network were not operational.

“The reality is that maintenance is a problem. Since we have gone digital with the telecommunications system, nobody in the country has an effective island-wide technology maintenance system,” Chang told the Jamaican Observer newspaper.

“He said that no national body with a full maintenance program acknowledges that “a significant number of cameras are down.”

Television Jamaica had reported that citizens in Santa Cruz, a town in Saint Elizabeth, which is one of the largest parishes located in the southwest of the island, expressed concern over malfunctioning cameras after a 28-year-old vendor was stabbed to death.

He reportedly died in the vicinity of a JamaicaEye camera that was not functioning.

In its statement, the JTDA president noted several obstacles hindering the effectiveness of such initiatives, even while acknowledging the complexity of maintaining such a critical national security asset.

“The Government’s preference for the lowest bid often undermines projects’ quality and long-term value. Providers whose operational costs are tied to the United States dollar face challenges with payments strictly in Jamaican dollars. Allowing payments in the US or at commercial bank selling rates could significantly ease this burden,” he said.

“Lengthy procurement timelines often result in price fluctuations, stock shortages, and logistical changes, eroding profit margins and project feasibility by the time contracts are finalized,” he said, adding that delayed payments stifle cash flow for small and medium enterprises, discouraging them from participating in critical national projects.”

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

The JTDA, non-profit serving tech professionals and vendors in Jamaica and the Diaspora, said that while other companies can manage 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 said, proposing three practical solutions to improve the technical approach to JamaicaEye’s maintenance.

The JTDA said there is a need for a standard operating procedure (SOP). Establishing a clear SOP 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, and defining that ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard cables will be required. Jobs certified will help to level the playing field and minimize the cutting of corners.

JTDA said collaborative financing models for bucket trucks are also needed.

Bucket trucks are not necessary for most jobs; however, when needed, leasing options or government-owned bucket trucks could broaden eligibility and enable more providers to contribute to the project.”

“Establishing maintenance zones across the island 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. Adopting a more streamlined and equitable approach would be critical to the long-term success of JamaicaEye instead of contracting to one company,” the JTDA added.