Caribbean News
Government Fortifying Jamaica’s Cybersecurity Resilience
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
Regional and U.S. Officials Warn: “Do Not Travel to Haiti” Amid Escalating Violence, Terrorism, and Breakdown in Order
Caribbean News
COMMUNIQUE | Forty-ninth (49th) Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community | Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay, Jamaica, July 14, 2025 – The Forty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica from 6-8 July under the chairmanship of Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica.
Members of the Conference in attendance were: Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Honourable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados; Honourable John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize; His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; His Excellency Laurent Saint-Cyr, Councillor-President, Member of the Transitional Presidential Council, Haiti; Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica; Honourable Terrance Drew, Prime Minister, Federation of St Kitts and Nevis; and Dr the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Dr Vince Henderson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Energy represented the Commonwealth of Dominica; 
Honourable Joseph Andall, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development represented Grenada; Honourable Veronica Dorsette Hector, Deputy Premier, represented Montserrat; Honourable Alva Baptiste, Minister of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs represented Saint Lucia; His Excellency Steven MacAndrew, Minister of Labour, Employment Opportunity and Youth Affairs represented the Republic of Suriname; Honourable Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs,represented the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Associate Members in attendance were Honourable E David Burt, Premier of Bermuda; Dr the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, Premier of the British Virgin Islands, His Excellency Gilmar Pisas, Prime Minister of Curacao; and Honourable Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
OPENING CEREMONY
The Opening Ceremony was held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St James. The event featured remarks by leaders of the Community, and cultural items from several Jamaican performers. There was also a Declaration of solidarity from the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors for Jamaica which underscored their preparedness and desire to support the leaders of the Region in its development, prioritizing creativity, innovation and technology.
In her remarks, CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett noted that the collective action of CARICOM Member States has delivered many commendable results for the people of the Region, in human and social development, economic integration, foreign policy coordination, and security, which provide a useful roadmap for the way forward.
“Unprecedented global uncertainty, economic pressures, technological innovations that challenge our capacity to keep pace, climate vulnerability, and the needs of our young people, our women and future generations, compel us to act collectively, with courage and with conviction,” the Secretary-General said.
Prime Minister of Barbados and Outgoing Chair, Honourable Mia Amor Mottley noted that CARICOM has seen many challenges and urged the gathering to persevere and persist in efforts to advance and strengthen integration. Quoting from popular Jamaican artiste, Jimmy Cliff, she said “We can get it if we really want, but we must try and try and try.”
She pointed to support for Haiti, efforts to control disinformation, and the need to tackle crime and enhance citizen security, as some of the
critical issues which the Community must continue to address. “We must be resolute in preserving CARICOM as a Zone of Peace and reaffirm our commitment to working with the international community to promote de-escalation, uphold diplomacy, and pursue lasting solutions grounded in dialogue and mutual respect”.
In his remarks, the new Chair, Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness said his Chairmanship would focus on regional security, especially as it relates to transnational organised crime and gangs, noting that it is critical that a global war on gangs be declared similar to the war on terror. The Prime Minister called for concerted action to dismantle criminal networks and cripple their resources.
“Our theme: People, Partnerships and Prosperity – Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future” captures the essence of our regional purpose. It reflects a profound truth, that security and resilience are not optional; they are foundations for prosperity; that people-centered development and strategic partnerships are not aspirational, but essential,” the Prime Minister said.
He cited climate justice and climate finance, mobilizing support for Haiti, and strengthening internal coordination and external partnerships as critical to the ongoing work of the Community. Prime Minister Holness also stressed the importance of engaging young people in shaping the decisions that affect their future. He reminded that it was important to engage them in a deliberate, sustained and meaningful manner.
The opening ceremony can be viewed at: https://caricom.org/49hgc/
The COMMUNIQUE in its entirety can be read here: Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community
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