Prime Minister Mark Phillips has adverted to some countries using cyber capabilities to destabilise others and has underlined the need for regional collaboration to confront such threats.
A release from his office said that during Thursday’s opening ceremony of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) training session, he pointed to recent ransomware attacks and other cyber incidents which have impacted Guyana and its neighbouring countries.
He highlighted the transnational nature of cyber threats, often originating from obscure sources, making regional coordination a necessity and cautioned that certain countries have begun to exploit cyber capabilities to destabilise other nations.
In this context, he lauded the role of IMPACS, as “pivotal for combatting this issue at a regional level”.
He described IMPACS’ capacity-building initiatives around cyber threats as “essential and indispensable for the security of our region”.
“I commend the regional and national commitment and drive demonstrated towards addressing the challenges posed by cybercrimes, and I applaud each one of you for your dedication to the security of our people”, he said.
The PM added that the commitment to addressing cybercrimes and enhancing the region’s security is an ongoing journey. He contended that the rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats demands continuous investment in training and capacity-building.
“One of the agency’s most critical functions is capacity building, exemplified by the ongoing training on asset recovery and cybercrime, for which you are all present today… This training is not just beneficial; it is essential and indispensable for the security of our region”, he said.
Guyana’s efforts to secure critical infrastructure and data through new legislation and nationwide Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development were outlined.
He acknowledged the risks associated with the development of ICT infrastructure, including the potential for unlawful access to information.
He assured that the Government is prepared to effectively mitigate these dangers.
“Under our Government’s ICT Master Plan 2030, our administration is committed to ensuring that Guyana operates on the most efficient digital platform, spanning every sector and stakeholder. The plan encompasses our security and technology sectors and covers implementation, monitoring, and evaluation processes. It will address critical issues such as cybercrime, healthcare management, education delivery, and others”, he said.
He also highlighted new legislation implemented this year to protect personal data and privacy rights, including the Data Protection Bill 2023 and the Digital Identity Card Bill 2023, the release said.
The efforts of the Guyana Police Force and related agencies in the fight against cybercriminal acts were also commended, with the Prime Minister emphasising the importance of a regional approach to asset recovery, given the tendency of criminals to conceal ill-gotten gains beyond the jurisdiction of their crimes.
The training session, which is part of the 11th European Union Development Fund for “Capacity Building for CARICOM Member States on Asset Recovery and Cybercrime,” was held at the Police Officer’s Mess.
