R3 Doubles Down on Readiness and Disaster Resilience with Donations Focused on Safety and Security

R3's latest donation enhances the capabilities of the RCIPS helicopter radar imaging technology with advanced AI software. Photo provided by RCIPS. 

Grand Cayman, 16 September, 2024 - The R3 Cayman Foundation has made donations totaling US$328,663 to the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) and Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control (CBC). These grants are part of R3 Cayman Foundation's readiness mandate and ongoing commitment to fortify the Islands’ ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies and natural disasters.

To support the RCIPS vision for making our country safer, R3 has made a grant of US$76,708 to modernise and enhance capabilities of the helicopter radar imaging technology with advanced AI software. The RCIPS currently operates two helicopters which use thermal camera systems for both maritime and land searches. The grant from R3 will provide funding for perpetual licenses for advanced software which increases the effectiveness of locating people through search and rescue in emergent situations.

“With advances in AI, this software combined with human manipulation can more efficiently and accurately seek and identify objects on land and sea during the day and at night,” says Police Commissioner Kurt Walton. “Having the most innovative capabilities is critical for time-sensitive missions, like search and rescue and will benefit a multitude of agencies including RCIPS, CBC, Search and Rescue (SAR) and Fire Services. We are grateful to the R3 Cayman Foundation for its generous donation that has significantly enhanced our nation’s search and rescue efforts.”  

R3 has also given a grant of US$251,955 for the CBC to enhance its capabilities to protect Cayman’s borders. The funds support CBC in upgrading cargo scanners at Cayman’s most critical ports of entry. The new scanners assist CBC officers with inspecting and processing incoming and outgoing goods which helps mitigate the impact of illegal and violent crimes. Scanners will also streamline importation, allowing for businesses and residents to receive packages more efficiently.

“Dozens of firearms, illicit substances and contraband have been seized by diligent officers working at the Courier and Post Office since the formation of CBC in 2018. However, as technology advances, criminals have become more creative in the methods they use to smuggle goods and substances across borders,” says CBC Deputy Director Kevin Walton. “These new scanners with updated features and detection capabilities are instrumental in keeping pace with threats to our economy and citizens.”

In addition to scanning for contraband and illicit substances, the scanners are also a useful tool to determine the contents of commercial or personal items for the purpose of duty collection, a key revenue stream for the Cayman Islands Government which annually funds beneficial public-sector initiatives and projects.

These security focused donations are made possible due to donors like The Simpson Group who pledged US$1 million to R3 last year, requesting $500,000 be designated for national security projects to benefit the Cayman Islands.

“Safety and security lie at the heart of the peace and prosperity of any nation. R3 Cayman Foundation is pleased to continue our series of readiness-focused contributions to enhance our Islands’ security, whether from human or environmental threats,” said R3 Readiness Chair, Michael Meghoo. “Updating the radar and scanning capabilities provides support for our protection services and gives peace of mind to our community that Cayman is leveraging modern technology to safeguard our borders.”

Since launching in May 2020, R3 has donated to more than 30 local charitable organisations and governmental departments and authorities that provide emergency preparedness and relief for natural disasters and societal crises. R3 was founded with a US$1 million donation from the Kenneth B. Dart Foundation which has pledged US$8 million in matching contributions to those from other philanthropic foundations, corporations and individuals.

“Thanks to Cayman’s generous donor community, R3 Cayman Foundation has drawn all but US$1 million of the matching pledges committed by the Kenneth B. Dart Foundation,” said R3 Fundraising Committee Chair and Kenneth B. Dart Foundation board member Jackie Doak. “We encourage corporate and individual donors to channel their contributions through R3 to increase their impact by triggering the KBDF match.”