The Chamber Board Met with the Commissioner of Police to discuss the work that he was leading towards "A Safe Economy".
The Chamber shared that it’s objective remains the advancement of a “safe economy,” where businesses can operate, invest, and compete within a secure and predictable environment that supports national development and shared community prosperity. In this regard, was encouraged by the openness, the clarity of the Commissioner's vision, and willingness to engage transparently on both the challenges and opportunities facing the Force.
Note was taken on his emphasis on strengthening data collection, coordination, and analysis within the Police, recognizing that evidence-based policing is essential to effective resource deployment and sustained crime reduction. The Commissioner referenced the development of a comprehensive strategic framework, including the 127-point plan, which was welcomed by the Chamber as the Chamber looks forward forward to understanding how elements of this plan may align with areas where the private sector can lend support.
The Chamber was particularly encouraged by the scale of existing surveillance infrastructure, currently deployed island-wide, and the indication of effective monitoring systems. In this regard, the Chamber reiterated its longstanding request for technical specifications and standards that would allow private sector participants to integrate their own systems in a coordinated manner, thereby expanding national coverage in a structured and interoperable way. This remains an area where the Chamber stands ready to mobilize support from its membership.
There was also discussion on several key issues impacting the business community, including traffic management, firearm licensing for business operators, border security, and the broader implications for ease of doing business.
Importantly, the Chamber remains committed to a “whole of society” approach to addressing crime, recognizing that enforcement must be complemented by social interventions, private sector engagement, and strong institutional collaboration. In this regard, we reaffirm our willingness to support initiatives identified by the Police as impactful, including public-private partnerships in surveillance, youth engagement, and community-based programmes.
The Commissioner also expressed his readiness to address the full membership of the Chamber at an Executive Luncheon at a mutually convenient date, location and time.