Drone technology emerges as a transformative solution to agricultural and law enforcement challenges in Jamaica, led by JC Hutchinson, Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth North Western.

His initiatives involve integrating surveillance drones, valued at $52,000 each, into St Elizabeth’s Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) extension services, revolutionizing crop monitoring and reporting in JP Farms (Myers, 2022). With a range of 500 meters and a height reach of 100 meters, these drones enhance accuracy in crop assessments, streamlining decision-making for farmers and authorities.

Proposing the extension of drone use to combat praedial larceny and enhance law enforcement, Hutchinson envisions empowering the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) with drone technology. The application extends to crime prevention and traffic management in areas like Kingston and Ocho Rios (Hutchinson, 2022).

Member of Parliament Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn supports drones in crime fighting, aligning with the broader trend of incorporating advanced technology into law enforcement strategies (Hutchinson, 2022).

Jamaican tech entrepreneur Dwight Thanos Smith collaborates with legal consultants Milton Samuda and Ambassador Tony Hylton to explore innovative drone use in border security, creating job opportunities for STEM graduates and enhancing economic growth (Allen, 2022).

Combining drones with Jamaica Eye and relevant AI tech could offer a comprehensive solution to protect agriculture and address crime at both land and sea borders, surpassing traditional approaches like closed-circuit television systems (Helps, 2021).

In conclusion, the versatile role of drones in addressing Jamaica’s challenges is evident, making them indispensable assets for safeguarding agriculture and contributing to comprehensive crime prevention strategies. Urging the administration to consider widespread drone implementation, this technology promises holistic betterment for Jamaican society.

References:

1. Allen, D. (2022, Jun 19). Jamaican tech wizard wants to protect island’s borders. Retrieved from https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/jamaican-tech-wizard-wants-to-protect-islands-borders
2. Helps, H. (2022, Nov 27). Better technology a must in fighting crime — Bunting. Retrieved from https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/better-technology-a-must-in-fighting-crime-buntingbunting-you-have-something-called-shotspotter-technology-which-is-an-acoustic-system-that-can-identify-firearm-shots-and-geo-locate-them/
3. Helps, H. (2021, Nov 21). Invest more in cameras, Former security minister wants more police, better pay for them. Retrieved from https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/invest-more-in-cameras-former-security-minister-wants-more-police-better-pay-for-them/
4. Smith, A. (2022, Sep 30). Cuthbert-Flynn wants greater use of drone technology in crime fighting. Retrieved from https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/cuthbert-flynn-wants-greater-use-of-drone-technology-in-crime-fighting/
5. Lyons, R. (2021, Jul 18). Drone tech could put customers’ info at risk, warns Forrest. Retrieved from https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/drone-tech-could-put-customers-info-at-risk-warns-forrest/
6. Myers, G. (2022, Aug 28). Surveillance drones for St Elizabeth’s extension service. Retrieved from https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/surveillance-drones-for-st-elizabeths-extension-service/

Lindsworth Deer, Dip.Eng, (UTECH), BSc. Electronics and Chemistry (UWI), Dip.Ed (MICO) is a physics and integrated science teacher at Tivoli Gardens High School.