Caribbean CCTV and Security

Just north of Venezuela in South America lies the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. With one of the largest industrial and commercial hubs in the Caribbean, Trinidad has massive demands for security and surveillance solutions. 

We first visited many years ago in the capacity of assistance for our security reseller network throughout the island. We were greeted warmly and felt the anticipation of receiving as much information as possible on all things security related. During a presentation many attendees felt that the requirements for their specific industries were very difficult to achieve. For example, some clients had requirements involving tracking containers from cargo ships to their main consolidation warehouses. Others required extremely complex analytic functions that far exceeded their current budget. With so many requirements that fell outside the financial accessibility of these corporations it was clear to see that we had a lot of work to do. Presenting simple close circuit surveillance systems with just enough Advanced features like point-of-sale integration and easy to use user interfaces was enough create demand from the audience. 

Military and government agencies who attended felt that the products provided could cover many of their requirements. However, military agencies in Trinidad also had LPR and ALPR demands with security budgets that would not cover the current technology necessary. Additional concerns in security included smart perimeter security, industrial monitoring of access control, building automation and production line visual assistance from IP and close circuit cameras. After years of follow up and revisiting many of those requirements, many security camera installers have found innovative solutions to the budgetary constraints and have in fact deployed systems that can alleviate many of the problems. 

The Trinidad CCTV Market continues to grow with additional entries from computer and network companies that have penetrated the overlapping security vertical. Additional entries into the security systems field includes electronics distributors that have seen their margins shrinking and have found that security cameras and access control systems can increase their bottom line. Many have some experience with web cameras sold to the retail market that provide limited solutions for security quickly be remedied with a complete professionally installed security camera system. Ultimately, demand from customers for professionally installed and programmed security solutions has generated many new partnerships from locksmiths to telephone system companies. 

Port of Spain is by far the largest import area but not necessarily the largest growing in demand with so many industrial complexes popping up all over the island. Installers regularly travel throughout in order to meet demand. The petroleum industry has a massive presence on this specific island with partnerships all over the Caribbean including Venezuela in South America. The oil industry has its own specific requirements and demands for security and surveillance which include explosionproof and corrosion resistant products which usually carry a hefty price tag. Some petroleum companies also impose certification requirements for products that they place on their oil rigs offshore. 

As we move into 2018 we expect that the Trinidad CCTV market will continue to diversify and many new installation companies will venture into the security arena. Another threat to the professional security market is retail web cameras which have evolved and come in many different shapes and sizes. Recently many computer web camera companies even introduced outdoor web cameras that can increase their sales volume, and although useful for limited applications, can provide users with a false sense of security. Many professionals know that making a web camera weatherproof does not solve its limitations and even battery powered offers which initially seem like an easy installation can be detrimental to actual security needs. Many limitations include low level and short range nighttime illumination, low-cost sensors with low sensitivity in low light and limited resolution storage. There’s nothing like having solid evidence after a security breach or industrial accident. It is usually through failed products in the field which can be detrimental to users after a potentially life-threatening event that the limitations are brought to light. Make sure to involve a security professional whenever dealing with security requirements.