The Progressive Labour Party has called on the Bermuda Government to expand the Island’s CCTV system into the schools.

In a statement, Shadow Minister of National Security Walter Roban said: “In May of this year the Minister of National Security announced the near completion of the installation of a more than $6 million island wide system.

“It was in June that the Whitney Institute had the unfortunate experience of a break-in and bomb scare. This event required a significant deployment of personnel and resources to make sure there was no risk. It also raised a concern about the security of our school properties.

“The PLP believes we must have good security for our schools for them to remain peaceful sanctuaries of teaching and learning. This must be the high priority since we do live in a world where security concerns like this are a reality. It is unreasonable to believe we can have the police, or private security patrolling these properties night and day especially in an era of limited budgets.”

Mr Roban said it would make sense to extend the CCTV system into the Island’s public schools so that there is 24-hour surveillance.

“These cameras can be limited to the exterior of the physical buildings surveying areas that are most vulnerable to entry by prowlers or vandals,” he said.

“The Bermuda Police Service is now facing further budget challenges and reduced manpower to meet spending targets. The PLP believes that in light of the substantial investment already made, it makes good fiscal and common sense to maximise the use of the system technology in any public areas where security gaps may exist.

“Our children are our greatest assets and their safety, along with the teachers and those who care for them during schools hours and after hours, must be a top priority.”