National

MARCO Alert System to Launch in Two Weeks

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Mandatory Action Rescuing Children Operation (MARCO) alert child abduction alert system is just weeks away from launch.

Published

4 years ago

May 13, 2022

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Mandatory Action Rescuing Children Operation (MARCO) alert child abduction alert system is just weeks away from launch; however, it seems Apple iPhone users won’t receive the alerts – at least for now.

The MARCO alert system is expected to launch in two weeks, following final testing on the Family Islands, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police Zhivargo Dames.

The system, which will send out alerts in the event of a child abduction case, has been in the works for years.

However, not all smartphone users will be able to receive the alert when the system is launched.

ACP Dames says iPhone users will not receive messages from the MARCO alert system immediately.

The MARCO alert system is expected to be similar to the Amber alert system in the United States, which is a voluntary partnership involving law enforcement agencies, broadcasters, transportation agencies, and the wireless industry to activate an urgent bulletin in child abduction cases.

It’s named after 11-year-old Marco Archer who was kidnapped near his home and murdered in September 2011.

Billboards for the system are already erected across New Providence and are being used to issue missing person alerts, and according to officials more are on the way.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe says the alert system will be used to issue other critical alerts as well.