Jamaica to establish National Cybersecurity Authority

Jamaica is to establish a National Cybersecurity Authority that will develop national cybersecurity policies, monitor cyber threats, provide skills training, and develop human capital, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has said.

The new entity will receive funding support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Sir Patrick, addressing the ceremonial opening of the 2023/24 session of Parliament, said the regulations under the Data Protection Act 2020 are being finalized.

He said Cabinet had also approved the establishment of the National Broadband Network as a national development project, noting it is the second of its kind and implementation of this project will allow access to technology islandwide.

In addition, with the assistance of the IDB, the government has developed a strategic framework to guide the introduction of electric mobility in Jamaica. The initiative was approved by Cabinet in March 2022, along with fiscal incentives in June 2022. The Electric Vehicle Policy is scheduled for completion by June 2023.

“The government will also be pursuing the development of the energy efficiency and conservation guidelines for government buildings,” the governor general, said as he outlined the priorities of the Andrew Holness administration for the next 12 months.

Other legislative priorities include the Petroleum (Amendment) Bill and the Petroleum (Downstream Activities) Bill intended to improve the regulatory framework of the petroleum sector.

CMC/