LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR VARGRAVE RICHARDS DECRIES EUDORA KEAN SCHOOL VANDALISM,
JOINS FIGHT AGAINST VANDALISM THROUGH INITIATIVE TO INSTALL SECURITY
CAMERAS IN SCHOOLS
Lieutenant Governor Vargrave Richards decries the continued vandalism
of schools on St. Croix and St. Thomas as an act that marginalizes the
educational efforts of the school system, the government and the learning
process for students. Richards states" "This continued rape
of the precious equipment that is so vital to teaching and learning
is sadly unfortunate and disgusting. Burglars do damage to the very
communities in which they are a part of, and in which their relatives
and family depends on to educate their children. It also sets school
and government budgets back by thousands of much needed dollars. It
must come to a halt."
In his effort to help fight vandalism in St. Croix Schools, Lieutenant
Governor Vargrave A. Richards announces that he has initiated a pilot
project in one public school in which high tech surveillance cameras
will utilized to help monitor vulnerable areas.
The entire project will be funded to the tune of $26,400.00 dollars
by the generous donations of 4 EDC companies located on St. Croix. Lieutenant
Governor Richards states: As a former school teacher at Elena Christian
Junior High, and as a advocate against violence and disruptions in schools,
I am disheartened by the repeated break-ins and loss of vital equipment.
I believe that it is everyone's responsibility to become proactive and
am pleased that 4 EDC beneficiaries have stepped up to the plate to
show that they also care."
Richards shared that: "The surveillance cameras will be mounted
at a nameless school on St. Croix for security reasons. This safeguards
the main objective of monitoring to ensure prevention and hopefully
will be
cause of deterrence for all schools."
Additionally, Lieutenant Governor Richards states: "The cameras
will not be operational during school hours, but will be monitored from
a different location during the hours schools are closed."
Further, Richards thanks EDC beneficiary companies Global Capital Advisors,
LLC., Azimuth Trust, James River Capital Corporation and Shoreline Management
Group, LLLP., for there contributions to this effort and to the entire
community. "I must commend these companies and the many others
who invest in our communities by purchasing homes and land and by their
willingness to make charitable contributions to a myriad of community
needs. Their assistance is greatly needed and there are fulfilling their
promise of being good corporate citizens. I appreciate the efforts and
commitment of all 4 companies and also that of the St. Croix Foundation
and its Executive Director Roger Dewey." Richards noted.
Stephanie Hodge of Azimuth Trust also applauded Lieutenant Governor
Richards "efforts to fight vandalism, and to protect the teaching
capabilities of our schools."
Richards also extends his appreciation to Insular Superintendent Terrance
Joseph, the principal of the public school receiving the equipment and
to Police Commissioner Elton Lewis for their enthusiastic support and
collaboration.
Finally, Richards expresses this deep gratitude to ASI Caribbean for
their donation of 9 security cameras to this initiative. For obvious
reasons the details of the equipment cannot be released, but ASI Caribbean
who are installing the equipment assures Richards and the public that
the school chosen will be monitored be 'virtual surveillance camera
guards' with the ability to instantly detect a break-in and respond
appropriately.
"At the end of a one year trial, the program will be evaluated
for its effectiveness, and may be expanded, maintained or dropped,"
Richards stated. "Our schools and the entire well-being of our
communities are at great risk by the continued replacement costs associated
with vandalism. It is a cost that affects the economy of the entire
school system, the government and the entire community. We must become
proactive by every means possible to safeguard equipment and to convict
those guilty of school vandalism. "
