Grenada, with lead responsibility for Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), is fully aware of its role in setting the pace for digital transformation in the Region.

Speaking at the official launch of the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Public Awareness Campaign on 4 September 2025, Mr. Edmund Burke, Digital Director, ICT Division, Grenada, highlighted the country’s proactive approach, noting it was the first English-speaking country in the Caribbean to accede to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime and has also established a Cyber Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT).

“Our nation has embarked on a transformative journey. Under our Digital Transformation Agenda, we have made significant strides to enhance government services, expand broadband access and build the foundational digital infrastructure that will drive our economy. Our progress is a testament to the hard work of many and is clearly outlined in our national strategy which centers on key pillars, including digital government and a secure digital identity” he explained.

The Campaign is a key component of the World Bank-funded Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) and was launched at the National Cricket Stadium in St. George's, Grenada. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) together with the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) are collaborative partners in the Campaign, which is aligned with the goals of the CARICOM Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Action Plan (CCSCAP).

Mr. Burke added that the digital evolution, while full of opportunities, also brings new challenges. “The online world, much like the physical world, has its risks. We have seen a rise in sophisticated cyber threats, from data breaches to financial fraud, which have the potential to undermine the very trust we are building in our digital ecosystem. This is why cybersecurity is not a choice, it is a necessity. It is the fourth pillar of our national security and a fundamental requirement for our economic growth,” he explained.

He also took the opportunity to announce that Grenada’s digital infrastructure was being fortified with the establishment of a dedicated building that will house a state-of-the-art Security Operations Center (SOC), a new Network Operations Center (NOC) and a new Cybersecurity Agency.

“This physical and institutional investment, which we aim to have completed by 2027, will provide us with the tools and the framework to proactively monitor our digital landscape, respond swiftly to threats, and protect our nation's critical assets. This is a clear signal that we are not just raising awareness, we are building a robust, long-term defence against cyber threats” Mr. Burke stated.

Ms. Nadine Bushell, Assistant Director – Projects, CARICOM IMPACS, advised that as digital transformation continues to be embraced, the Region must also confront the darker side of technology. “Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and their tactics more deceptive. It is no longer a distant issue - it is here, and it is real” she warned.

Pointing to current trends in Grenada, which highlight the critical need for awareness, she noted that this Campaign was timely given the island’s rise in various cyber threats, including phishing and smishing among others.

Additionally, she announced that CARICOM IMPACS was advancing the CARICOM Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Action Plan (CCSCAP), which was being updated with new provisions on Artificial Intelligence (AI), along with a stronger monitoring and evaluation framework. The Plan will be available by the end of the year to all Member States and overseen by CARICOM IMPACS’ Cyber Fusion Unit, which is already providing critical cyber threat intelligence, technical assistance and capacity building to Member States.

During the launch, there were also presentations on CARDTP goals and how they align with CCSCAP, as well as a summary of the Campaign and the importance of regional support. The Campaign is part of a coordinated regional effort to enhance digital resilience in four OECS countries.

The six-month campaign is designed to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to safely navigate the digital world. It aims to address a gap in public awareness, particularly among vulnerable populations such as seniors, women and rural communities. The campaign will provide practical guidance on recognising and avoiding common cyber threats like phishing and social engineering and will promote a culture of digital safety.

Grenada was the fourth country to launch the Campaign, following St. Lucia (August 26), Dominica (August 28) and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (September 2).