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Jamaica is celebrating ten years of steady progress toward becoming a cyber-secure nation, marked by major milestones in safeguarding its digital infrastructure, protecting citizens online, and strengthening national resilience against cyber threats. As the country prepares to observe Cybersecurity Awareness Day on October 30, 2025, the Government is reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a robust and secure digital environment.
Key Details
At a Post-Cabinet Press Briefing on October 1, 2025, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Godphey Sterling, Director of the Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (JaCIRT), reflected on Jamaica’s achievements since the launch of the National Cybersecurity Strategy in 2015.
Sterling explained that the establishment of JaCIRT gave Jamaica “visibility into the risks and threats within its cyberspace,” transforming how the nation manages and mitigates cyber risks.
“In the ten years that we’ve been delivering cybersecurity on behalf of the Government of Jamaica, our sovereign interests have fundamentally changed the way we view, manage, and respond to threats,” Sterling said. “What began in 2015 as a foundational step has grown into a robust national infrastructure that allows us to not just see and understand our vulnerabilities, but to mitigate them with precision and sustainability.”
Major Milestones
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National Security Operations Centre (NSOC) – Established in 2022, the centre provides real-time national data and enables agencies to detect and address vulnerabilities before they become breaches.
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Strengthening Cybersecurity in Jamaica Project – Backed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), this project introduces advanced cybersecurity tools, training, and frameworks to boost national defences.
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Jamaica Cyber Youth Empowerment Academy – Developed with support from the Government of Canada, this academy is preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and positioning Jamaica as a regional leader in talent development.
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CCGM Cyber Collaboration Platform – Strengthens cooperation among regulators, banks, and law enforcement to enhance the security of the financial sector.
Building a Future-Ready Cyber Workforce
Sterling highlighted the overwhelming response to Jamaica’s participation in the VINCULA LAC programme, which received 25% more applications than expected. The initiative focuses on building a sustainable talent pipeline that keeps pace with global cybersecurity needs.
“This is not just about creating professionals for today’s needs,” Sterling emphasized. “It’s about ensuring Jamaica has the expertise in the near, medium, and long term to keep pace with evolving global threats.”
Theme 2025: “Secure Today – Smarter Tomorrow”
As Jamaica observes Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025, the national theme — “Secure Today – Smarter Tomorrow” — underscores the Government’s forward-thinking approach to digital resilience and innovation.
The Administration continues to invest in digital security infrastructure, capacity building, and international collaboration, ensuring that Jamaica remains a safe and trusted digital hub in the Caribbean.
Our Opinion
Jamaica’s decade-long investment in cybersecurity represents one of the most important, though often overlooked, pillars of national development. The country’s steady progress — from establishing JaCIRT to developing a National Security Operations Centre and training new cyber professionals — signals a mature and forward-looking digital strategy.
The Government’s decision to link cybersecurity to education, youth empowerment, and regional cooperation demonstrates an understanding that digital security is national security. As global cyber threats become more sophisticated, Jamaica’s proactive and inclusive approach positions it well for the future.
However, sustained investment and public awareness remain critical. The success of this decade must now evolve into a culture of cyber vigilance — one where every citizen recognizes their role in securing Jamaica’s digital tomorrow.
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