Fifteen cybersecurity experts from across the Caribbean have created a strategic roadmap to enhance regional digital defense and tackle the growing threat of cybercrime.
During a two-day meeting in Port of Spain on January 21-22, 2025, representatives from The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and key regional security organizations collaborated to establish a framework for improving cyber threat prevention.
Supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, the initiative aims to bolster cybersecurity capabilities in small Caribbean nations with limited technological resources.
“The roadmap will provide a valuable platform for fellows across the region to share expertise, exchange ideas, and develop adaptable models to strengthen cybersecurity,” said Trezawnah Gordon, Senior Director of Cyber Intelligence Policy and Incident Response from Jamaica’s Ministry of National Security.
Anish Bachu, Head of Trinidad and Tobago’s Cybersecurity Incident Response Team, emphasized the urgent need for collaboration, noting that some Caribbean nations have as few as one or two cybersecurity personnel. The initiative will allow these countries to pool resources for a more coordinated approach to cyber threats.
Elizabeth Macharia from the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Rule of Law Section highlighted the dual nature of digital connectivity, warning that while it drives societal development, it also exposes businesses and individuals to significant cyber risks that demand urgent attention.
Key components of the roadmap include an online knowledge-sharing platform, national cybersecurity strategy exchanges, and mechanisms for handling electronic evidence. British High Commissioner Jon Dean described the initiative as a crucial step in equipping the region to address emerging cyber threats.
The Commonwealth Caribbean Cyber Fellowship, launched in 2024, aligns with the Commonwealth Cyber Declaration, which aims to create a safer digital environment for Commonwealth citizens.
