The Cayman Islands will soon be home to the most modern radio system for public safety and emergency communications in the Caribbean, after signing an agreement with Motorola Solutions on Thursday, 14 December 2017.

During a press conference the Ministry of Home Affairs announced its newest partnership with the leading supplier of emergency telecommunications equipment.

Minister for Home Affairs, Hon Tara Rivers says the company was recently awarded a tender to replace Government’s radio inventory with a state-of-the-art “P25” system, designed for use by public safety organisations.

“The brand new mission-critical radio system will play a vital role in enhancing the capabilities of our country’s first-responders,” she stated during the press conference. “I believe inter-operable emergency communications is integral to initial response, public health, community safety, national security and economic stability.”

All public safety agencies will have their current hand-held units replaced with the new technology and the coverage will expand to all parts of the island, as well as waterways for Maritime units.

“Whether it is a scheduled event or an unexpected disaster, the “P25” radio system will enable a high standard of communication between stakeholder agencies within our public safety and national security framework and deliver the information required to coordinate a safe and effective response,” Minister Rivers remarks.

The next-generation radios will include some of the latest technologies, such as GPS tracking of emergency services personnel, the ability to send SMS messages to radios and greater range of GPS tracking for maritime units.

Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands McCleary Frederick says to ensure full coverage, three new radio frequency sites will be added to West Bay, Frank Sound and the West End of Cayman Brac.

“The new radio communication system makes it possible to authenticate radios and encrypt communications, thereby preventing possible clones and keeping third parties from listening in on conversations in which mission-critical information is shared,” he explained. “Also, because radio programming can be done automatically and remotely with this new system, communications are not interrupted.”

Director Frederick adds: “Soon, with the touch of a button, all first responders will be fully interconnected and able to respond to any type of emergency or large-scale event more quickly. This application can be used to determine an officer’s location, thus facilitating the assignment of tasks and missions in the case of an emergency or situation that requires fast action.”

“Safer cities make thriving communities and it’s an honour for us to be able to supply this product and solution for the Cayman Islands, and a great pleasure to continue this partnership,” Motorola Senior Vice President of Government Sales in Latin American & Caribbean Region Michael De Vente remarked during the press conference.

The Cayman Islands Government purchased its current Motorola SmartZone 4.1 Radio System in 2003. The new “P25” system will cost US$ 5.9 million and will be fully implemented by August 2019.

Photos by: Jamie Hicks, GIS

Government and Motorola leaders sign contract: (left to right) Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands McCleary Frederick, Chief Officer for the Ministry of Home Affairs Dax Basdeo and Motorola Senior Vice President of Government Sales in Latin American & Caribbean Region Michael De Vente

Press conference held to announce new system: (left to right) Deputy Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands Lee Madison, Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands McCleary Frederick, Minister for Home Affairs Hon. Tara Rivers and Motorola Senior Vice President of Government Sales in Latin American & Caribbean Region Michael De Vente