Dominica joined OECS partners in St. Vincent to develop a regional cybersecurity roadmap aimed at strengthening digital defenses.
Dominica: Digital and national security experts from Dominica have participated in a workshop, organised by the OECS and IMPACS, to develop a Regional Cybersecurity Roadmap for tackling cyber threats in the Eastern Caribbean.
Yesterday, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) shared that different Member States, including Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, sent participants to attend a three-day cybersecurity workshop conducted by NRD Cyber Security firm in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
This initiative was organised through the collaboration of the OECS and CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) as part of the World Bank–funded Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP).
During the three days, the Dominican digital and national security experts, along with those from the mentioned countries, not only reviewed the national cybersecurity strategies currently being implemented in each State but also cooperated to create a unified defence that is aligned with regional and international frameworks.
According to the OECS, the workshop was aimed at enhancing the “participants’ skills in identifying and protecting Critical Information Infrastructure (CII), supporting the development and refinement of National Incident Management Plans through practical exercises, and strengthening cyber crisis preparedness through a simulated table-top exercise.”
Key government members, including the Minister of Education, Vocational Training and Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Information in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Phillip Jackson, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Disaster Management, and Immigration, St. Clair Leacock attended this workshop. Moreover, the Director General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules and Ms. Marolla Haddad, Task Team Lead for CARDTP were also present.
In her opening speech, the OECS’ Director General shared that cybersecurity is a matter of “collective regional responsibility”, not a solidarity endeavour. She explained that the initiative will strengthen governance and prepare the Member States against the threats they face in cyberspace.
“The development of a Regional Cybersecurity Roadmap, accompanied by actionable national implementation plans, represents a critical step toward strengthening governance, coordination, and preparedness across our Member States,” stated Dr. Jules.