Community Action NOW! (CAN), in partnership with residents of the Savan community and SmartNet, LLC, today announced the launch of the Savan Community Safety Initiative, a community-led effort designed to enhance public safety and strengthen neighborhood security throughout one of St. Thomas’ most historic communities.
The initiative comes in response to growing concerns about community violence and follows the recent tragic loss of 15-year-old Tre’Vante E. Etienne. Over the past decade, Savan has experienced the loss of several young people to violence, leaving residents seeking meaningful solutions that help protect families, preserve community well-being, and create a safer future for the next generation.
As part of the initiative’s first phase, surveillance cameras will be installed at three strategic entry points into the Savan community. These initial installations represent the beginning of a community lead, broader long-term strategy to establish the Savan community as a safe zone.
“Our goal is not simply to install cameras,” said Iffat Walker, Executive Director of Community Action NOW!. “This initiative is about creating a safer environment for residents, families, businesses, and visitors while supporting community-led efforts to prevent violence and improve quality of life. The residents of Savan have made it clear that they want solutions, and we are committed to helping turn those solutions into action.”
For Moses Carty, a lifelong resident of Savan and Chair for the Savaneros United NOW! community group, the issue is deeply personal.
“Moses was among those who remained with Tre’Vante Etienne following the shooting and stayed by his side until he passed away,” Walker said. Unfortunately, Moses has seen far too many lifeless bodies in our streets in Savan. “Like so many residents, he is devastated by the loss, and the continued impact violence has had on our community.”
Carty believes that grief must be met with action. “I will never forget that day,” said Carty. “No one should have to watch a child take their last breath. The pain our families continue to experience is heartbreaking, and I don’t want another family to go through it. We cannot bring back the young people we’ve lost, but we can honor them by taking action. This initiative is about protecting our community, protecting our children, and doing everything we can to prevent another tragedy.”
SmartNet, LLC, led by CEO Michael Carty, is serving as the technical implementation partner for the initiative. A St. Thomas-based technology company specializing in network infrastructure, cybersecurity, managed technology services, and large-scale IP video surveillance systems, SmartNet has committed the equipment and installation services necessary to launch the project’s first phase.
“SmartNet is proud to partner with Community Action NOW! and the residents of Savan on this important initiative,” said Michael Carty, Chief Executive Officer of SmartNet, LLC. “We believe technology can play a valuable role in supporting safer communities, and we are honored to contribute our expertise and resources to help launch this effort.”
Community leaders emphasize that the initiative is designed to support public safety while respecting the privacy, rights, and dignity of residents. The surveillance systems are intended to serve as a deterrent to criminal activity, improve situational awareness, and provide valuable information when incidents occur.
While the installation of the first three camera locations represents a significant milestone, community leaders acknowledge that this is only the beginning. The long-term vision includes expanded surveillance coverage throughout Savan, supported by ongoing maintenance, monitoring, system upgrades, equipment replacement, and sustainable operational funding.
The community is now calling upon elected officials, government agencies, businesses, philanthropic organizations, and community stakeholders to support the long-term sustainability and expansion of the initiative.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility,” Attiah added. “The community is taking the first step, and SmartNet has stepped forward to help launch this effort. Now we need partners who are willing to invest in its long-term success. Together, we can create a safer, stronger, and more resilient Savan.”
About Community Action NOW!
Community Action NOW! is a U.S. Virgin Islands-based nonprofit organization that has served the Territory since 2015. Through community development, workforce development, public health initiatives, disaster recovery efforts, youth programming, and neighborhood revitalization projects, CAN works to create pathways to opportunity and strengthen communities throughout the Virgin Islands.
