– says partnership will support digital resilience, training, and regional cooperation
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips said that Guyana’s decision to join the Latin America and Caribbean Cyber Competence Centre (LAC4) is an important step in strengthening the country’s cybersecurity capacity, while advancing digital resilience, and supporting the Government’s digital transformation agenda.
The Prime Minister made the statement on Thursday after he signed the Letter of Adhesion for Guyana to become part of LAC4. In his remarks, Phillips added that Guyana recognises the critical national importance of cybersecurity as the country continues to advance in technological and digital service spheres.
“The Government of Guyana regards cybersecurity as a critical national priority, one that is fundamental to our development, governance, and digital transformation objectives. As our nation continues to embrace technology and expand digital services, we recognise that this progress must be supported by strong cyber resilience and effective risk management.”
He noted that cybersecurity is fundamental to Guyana’s development, governance, and digital transformation objectives, and added that participation in LAC4 offers a valuable opportunity to advance these national priorities.
Prime Minister, Mark Phillips along with Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Guyana, HE Luca Pierantoni; First Counsellor and Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Guyana, Joan Nadal Sastre; Head of the Latin America and Caribbean Cyber Competence Centre (LAC4), Leonardo Daniel Ortega Prudencio; and General Manager of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Christopher Deen, along with technical staff of the NDMA after the signing ceremony
Guyana’s participation in LAC4, he explained, provides an opportunity to strengthen national capacity through technical, policy, and strategic-level training, while deepening cooperation with regional and international partners.
“It is within this context that Guyana views membership in LAC4 as a valuable opportunity to advance these objectives.”
Phillips said Guyana has already benefited from engagement with LAC4, including its annual CyberWeek events in 2022, 2023, and 2024. “These much-appreciated engagements have reinforced our commitment to strengthening cybersecurity and advancing digital resilience.”
LAC4 is a European Union-funded initiative established in 2022 and implemented by the Estonian Information System Authority and EU CyberNet. The Centre, which is based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, serves as a regional hub dedicated to strengthening cybersecurity capacity across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Prime Minister added that through this formalised partnership, Guyana looks forward to enhancing its cyber capabilities and working more closely with partners to address emerging threats.
“We look forward to sharing knowledge and expertise, enhancing our cyber capabilities, and working more closely together to address the evolving cybersecurity challenges facing our region and the wider digital world.”
Guyana’s participation in LAC4 also aligns with the goals of the European Union-Latin America and the Caribbean Digital Alliance, which Guyana joined in 2024. The partnership is expected to support specialised cybersecurity training, including cyber drills and breach simulation exercises, as well as institutional capacity development and cybersecurity crisis management planning. The National Data Management Authority has been identified as Guyana’s national focal point for the initiative. (OPM)
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