Motorola awarded contract to optimize Antigua and Barbuda's security communications
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has selected Motorola to bring its radio and telephone communications into the 21st century
Trinidad and Tobago - May 26, 2008 - The dual-island government selected Motorola based on Motorola's global leadership and ability to deliver fully integrated high-end public safety communications solutions. The contract includes the delivery of Motorola's new complete integrated communications solutions to the Eastern Caribbean nation— including a three site digital P25 communications system, a two position dispatch system, a standalone Automatic Fingerprint ID System (AFIS), a three position E911 dispatch system and a three year service and support contract.
The communications equipment will be housed at the police headquarters and will also be utilized by the Emergency Medical Services, the Fire Department, the Antigua & Barbuda Defense Force and Her Majesty's Prison. The new equipment will also have the ability to cross-check dates in a matter of seconds, with direct access to a fingerprint database.
“The Royal Police Force has been deprived of an adequate means for effective communication and responses to calls for assistance from the public," stated Colin Derrick, Minister of Justice and Public Safety about the unfavorable existing situation. Currently, the 550 member force relies on about 100 cell phones to communicate. “The force has been required to rely on cell phones, which have been most unreliable, insecure and very difficult to ensure timely responses for citizens,” he added.
As part of the contract, Motorola has agreed to provide the necessary training for the operation of the equipment, including providing services for the 911 telephone emergency system, which will be manned by specially trained civilians.
“We have had a significant presence not only in the Caribbean but in the rest of Latin America as well as worldwide. So we are honored to add Antigua & Barbuda as part of
our partnership networks that will be able to increase the coverage and the services for the citizens,” added George Spas, Motorola sales and services vice president for Central America and the Caribbean.
All the governments in the Caribbean that are members of Caricom have come to the consensus to use a single entity to improve their communication systems within their respective police units, to which Justice Minister Derrick added: "Motorola has been working throughout the entire Caribbean, so thanks to this alliance we will have the ability to interconnect with other law enforcements agencies in a very amicable manner where the forces will be able to cooperate.”
Motorola's regional system distributor, Illuminiat, Ltd., worked with Motorola to develop the success of the project, providing general local advice through its offices in Barbados and in Antigua. Illuminat has worked with Motorola on projects in Barbados and in Trinidad and Tobago in similar roles.
About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications. The company develops technologies, products and services that make mobile experiences possible. Our portfolio includes communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility solutions, digital set-tops, cable modems, mobile devices and Bluetooth accessories. Motorola is committed to delivering next generation communication solutions to people, businesses and governments. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.6 billion in 2007. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com
To learn more about Motorola's Government & Public Safety business, please visit www.motorola.com/radiosolutions