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Government Fortifying Jamaica’s Cybersecurity Resilience

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Kingston, Jamaica – The Government is enhancing Jamaica’s cybersecurity resilience through a comprehensive strategy that strengthens prevention, detection, and response capabilities against threats.

Addressing the opening of Guardsman Group of Companies’ Cyber Intelligence Security Operations Centre (SOC) at 14-16 Balmoral Avenue in Kingston on Wednesday (May 14), Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said the Government has made cybersecurity a key initiative in efforts to promote digitalisation and build out digital public infrastructure.

To this end, he said the Government is reviewing and strengthening legislation, including the Cybercrimes Act and the Data Protection Act, to create a legal environment that protects the public and promotes responsible digital innovation.

Additionally, Dr. Holness said investments are being made to train cybersecurity professionals, “because we recognise that technology without talent is ineffective”.

“We understand that digital resilience is national resilience. We are, therefore, very happy to see the opening of the Guardsman Cyber Intelligence Security Operations Centre; it will complement and strengthen the Government’s own framework. Through our National Cybersecurity Strategy and the national Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT), we are building national capacity to prevent, detect and respond to cyberthreats,” he said.

Dr. Holness emphasised that the Centre’s opening signals a transformative shift in the security landscape, strengthening Jamaica’s and the wider region’s resilience against cyberthreats.

“It is a nerve centre that allows for 24/7 monitoring of systems and networks, real-time detection of malicious activity, rapid response to incidents and proactive threat intelligence gathering from across the globe.

“This is about defending ourselves from known risks and also anticipating and neutralising unknown ones. As society becomes more digitalised, we must also develop the culture of digital vigilance where protection is not only reactive, but also strategic,” he stated.

Consequently, Dr. Holness welcomed Guardsman’s focus on cybersecurity awareness training for employees and executives, pointing out that the organisation’s “commitment to education, awareness and workforce development in this field is not only commendable, it’s essential”.

The Prime Minister also highlighted how digital transformation is reshaping every sector, bringing both unparalleled opportunities and significant risks that must be carefully navigated.

“Cyberthreats are growing in scale, frequency and sophistication, targeting everything, from critical infrastructure to privacy. No country is immune, and no sector is untouched. Latin America and the Caribbean has seen the fastest regional growth in reported cyberincidents; about 25 per cent annually since 2013. More than 200 billion attacks or attempts across the region in 2023,” he indicated.

Dr. Holness said Jamaica, like many other countries, has witnessed a rising tide of cyberincidents.

“We recorded 43 million attempted attacks in 2023. We have seen ransomware attacks on businesses, phishing schemes targeting citizens as well as attempted breaches of Government systems,” he informed.

Against this background, Dr. Holness said Guardsman’s Cyber Intelligence Security Operations Centre positions Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, not just as participants in the global digital economy but as front runners in digital security.

“What is particularly impressive is that the SOC is not a replica of a foreign model; it is regionally grounded. Guardsman Cyber Intelligence understands the unique technological, cultural and regulatory conditions of the Caribbean, and it has built a system tailored for those realities,” he stated.

“That localisation, paired with global best practices and enterprise grade tools, makes this facility both exceptional and indispensable. The SOC’s capabilities in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, data protection compliance, forensic analysis and dark web monitoring are world-class,” the Prime Minister added.

Dr. Holness encouraged other private-sector stakeholders to contribute to the continued development of Jamaica’s robust cybersecurity framework, emphasising that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will play a key role in Guardsman’s cybersecurity operations.

Guardsman Group’s Executive Chairman, Kenneth Benjamin, said the Centre is the first facility of its kind in Jamaica, “and probably the first in the Caribbean”.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to innovative security solutions. As we evolve to address the growing threats of cyberattacks, this SOC will provide real-time monitoring and rapid response to safeguard Jamaica’s digital landscape. We believe in strong partnerships between private sector and the State [security] forces for a safer Jamaica, and we will remain dedicated to anticipating change and embracing innovations,” he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Executive Chairman, Nick Benjamin, announced that the company will roll out a series of islandwide initiatives, including drone surveillance, drug-detecting dogs at airports, artificial intelligence integration, and advanced camera overlays.

“This Centre… is a symbol of our commitment to keeping Jamaica safe and secure, not just on the ground but in cyberspace as well,” he said.

CONTACT: CHRIS PATTERSON

RELEASE: JIS

PHOTO CAPTIONS

CAPTIONS:

Header: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (second left), along with Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte (fifth right), and Executive Chairman, Guardsman Group of Companies, Kenneth Benjamin (fourth left), cuts the ribbon to officially open the Guardsman Cyber Intelligence Security Operations Centre (SOC) at 14-16 Balmoral Avenue in Kingston on Wednesday (May 14). They are joined by Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge (left), employees of Guardsman Group of Companies, and other guests.

1st insert: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (right), greets Executive Chairman, Guardsman Group of Companies, Kenneth Benjamin, on arrival for the official opening of Guardsman Cyber Intelligence Security Operations Centre (SOC) at 14-16 Balmoral Avenue in Kingston on Wednesday (May 14).

2nd insert: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (second left), in discussion with Cybersecurity Analyst, Guardsman Group of Companies, Jacqueline Comrie (seated), during a tour of the company’s security operations centre at 14-16 Balmoral Avenue in Kingston, following the official opening on Wednesday (May 14). Listening (from left) are Executive Chairman, Guardsman Group, Kenneth Benjamin, and Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte.

Photographer: Yhomo Hutchinson

Caribbean News

Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion  

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Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.

The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.

“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.

“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”

Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.

Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.

Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.

Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.

Photo Caption: 

TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain

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Mottley Sworn in After Historic Clean Sweep in Barbados Election

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Barbados, February 12, 2026 – Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley was this afternoon officially sworn in for a third consecutive term, hours after delivering one of the most emphatic election victories in Caribbean political history — another complete capture of all 30 seats in Barbados’ House of Assembly.

The ceremony, conducted by President His Excellency Lt. Col. The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic, marked the formal start of a new administration following the February 11, 2026 general election, which returned the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to power with a renewed and overwhelming mandate.

In a statement after taking the oath, Mottley said she accepted the responsibility “with humility and resolve,” thanking the people of Barbados for placing their trust in her leadership once again and urging national unity as her government begins its new term. Attorney Wilfred Abrahams was also sworn in as Attorney General.

The result is historic not only for its scale but for its consistency. This is the third straight general election in which the BLP has won every constituency, reinforcing Mottley’s dominance in national politics and extending an unmatched era of one-party control in the modern democratic period.

Voting day unfolded under the watch of a CARICOM Election Observation Mission, led by Antigua and Barbuda’s Supervisor of Elections Ian Hughes and supported by senior electoral officials from Belize and Jamaica. The team engaged key institutions ahead of the poll and monitored the process across the island.

Regional leaders were swift in their congratulations.

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali described the outcome as “emphatic and historic,” saying the clean sweep reflected how deeply Mottley’s leadership has connected with Barbadians and expressing optimism about strengthening ties between the two countries.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness also hailed the victory, noting that her re-election provides an opportunity to deepen cooperation within CARICOM and advance shared regional priorities.

The scale of the win again leaves Barbados without a parliamentary opposition, a reality that has become a defining feature of the political landscape since 2018. Supporters argue the repeated mandate reflects public confidence in Mottley’s stewardship of economic reform, climate diplomacy, the transition to a republic, and Barbados’ expanding global influence.

Now, newly sworn in and backed by another unanimous parliamentary majority, Mottley begins a third term with both extraordinary political capital and equally high expectations at home and across the region.

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Liberty Caribbean Committed to ‘Elevating Region’ at CANTO  

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Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad & Tobago

Liberty Caribbean is Diamond Sponsor of CANTO Connect 2026 and 42nd AGM

 

Port of Spain, TRININDAD & TOBAGO (February 1, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow. Liberty Business and BTC, has reaffirmed its commitment to turning regional connectivity into measurable economic and social outcomes as Diamond Sponsor of CANTO Connect 2026 and its 42nd Annual General Meeting.

CANTO is the leading regional body that brings together telecommunications operators, ICT providers, regulators, governments, and industry partners to support the development of the Caribbean’s digital and communications landscape.

Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad & Tobago delivered the sponsor’s address on behalf of Liberty Caribbean.

“The work of laying fibre and lighting towers is done; connectivity is now our foundation,” she said.

“The real task before us is to translate that foundation into innovation, productivity and prosperity for our people. Intelligent connectivity, such as networks designed for 5G, AI and IoT, will be the platform for smarter public services, more resilient systems and scaled opportunities for Caribbean entrepreneurs.”

Martin-Sulgan emphasised that infrastructure alone will not deliver sustainable progress.

“Digital progress must become digital prosperity. That means creating career pathways for young people, helping local businesses scale and ensuring citizens across our communities can fully participate in the digital economy. A connected Caribbean should also be a confident, creative and globally competitive Caribbean,” she said.

Liberty Caribbean is represented by a senior delegation at CANTO Connect to support the conference objectives of aligning policy, investment and execution across the region under this year’s theme ‘Elevate the Caribbean – From Connectivity to Global Competitiveness’.

Liberty Caribbean’s delegation includes Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer; Desron Bynoe, VP and General Manager, Flow Barbados; Susanna O’Sullivan, VP and General Manager, North Caribbean; Marilyn Sealy, Senior Director, Head of Communications; Dominic Boon, VP, People; Daniel Neiva, Chief Commercial Officer, B2B; Bradley Ramcharan, Director, B2B, Trinidad & Tobago; Yolande Headley, Country Manager, Dutch East Caribbean; and Jade Reymond, Country Manager, Flow Anguilla.

Martin-Sulgan thanked CANTO’s local secretariat for convening the forum and urged delegates to convert conversation into action.

“If we align policy, capital and capability, the Caribbean can move from connectivity to competitiveness. Liberty Caribbean will continue to invest in resilient networks, nurture homegrown talent and partner to deliver measurable social and economic value across our markets,” she said.

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