During the previous Anguilla Progressive Movement (APM) Administration, Government had set the stage for the implementation of island-wide CCTV cameras. Now, on the heels of the first two gun-related murders for 2026, Opposition Member Haydn Hughes, has made a plaintive cry for the urgent installation of CCTV cameras all over the island. He said that these devices can act as a deterrent to criminal activity as well as an investigative tool of the Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF).
Mr. Hughes’ appeal was sparked by the shootings of two young men in quick succession. A 19-year-old male in Blowing Point was assassinated on January 10th, while in South Hill on February 14th another male was murdered.
While on the Opposition radio broadcast “In the Know” on Monday 16th February, 2026, Mr. Hughes used the opportunity to call for the island-wide measure to be put in place. He mentioned there had been efforts by the APM to install cameras around the island, an initiative readily supported by the former Premier Dr. Ellis Webster, who also committed to making funds available in the national budget for a CCTV islandwide network.
Mr. Hughes claimed, “ CCTV was something that we had fought for. In addition, the former Commissioner of Police Rudolph Proctor, had advocated for CCTV, and on his bidding a pilot project was put in place that covered the area from Lakes stoplight down to the Valley Main Road. This initiative worked very well.”
“When the idea of Islandwide CCTV was brought to the Executive Council,” Mr. Hughes said, “the Governor did not agree with it; however, Premier Webster was adamant that it happen, and we placed it in the national budget to go through the process.”
He lamented that it has been quite some time since the initial role out of the islandwide CCTV plan, but it still has not become a reality. He said he could not understand why this particular project had been delayed for so long.
“We cannot blame the current Anguilla United Front Government,” he said, “and we definitely can’t blame APM. It is the procurement process that is causing this long delay for some reason.”
He noted that the groundwork had been undertaken including consultation with telecommunication personnel and there were preliminary discussions regarding the procurement process.
The original plan envisioned a planned implementation over a three-year period, with approximately EC$1 Million allocated annually to expand coverage and reduce surveillance blind spots,” Mr. Hughes said.
With violent crime again in focus, Mr. Hughes is urging renewed attention to the matter, maintaining and reiterating that comprehensive CCTV coverage could strengthen crime prevention efforts and assist the RAPF in solving serious offenses.
