Public officers in Dominica are being urged to adopt a new mindset, positioning cyber security not as a technical issue for Information Technology (IT) departments to solve alone, but as a shared professional duty that belongs to every member of the Public Service.

Addressing participants at a “Safer Cyber Spaces Civil Servants Workshop”, which was held on 15 April 2026, at the Dominica Public Service Union, Mrs. Lydia Capitolin-Toussaint, Chief Personnel Officer (Ag.), Establishment, Personnel and Training Department, emphasised that in an increasingly digital Public Service, every employee serves as a critical line of defence for the country’s data.

“Safeguarding our systems, our data and ultimately our people is the responsibility of every public officer. We can no longer assume that cyber security is purely an IT problem. With one click of a mouse, an officer holds the power to protect, or inadvertently compromise, a citizen’s banking information, personal records, and identity”, she warned.

The workshop was held under the auspices of the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works, Public Utilities and the Digital Economy with support from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission. Funding for this initiative was provided by the World Bank. The session focused on practical strategies to protect sensitive citizen and government information from virtual threats.

The initiative comes as the Government of Dominica accelerates its digital transformation, moving towards paperless operations through programmes like E-Cabinet and E-office. Highlighting these advancements, Mrs. Capitolin-Toussaint pointed to the decommissioning of traditional photocopy centers in favour of digital workflows as a prime example of how innovation saves resources that can be redirected to projects benefiting the Dominican citizenry.

Dr. Jermaine Jewel Jean-Pierre, Project Manager, CARDTP (Dominica), noted that in an era where digital transformation is shaping every facet of daily lives, it is imperative that public officers understand the importance of cyber security, not only to safeguard personal data but to ensure integrity and trust of the service being provided. 

“As custodians of information and administrators of public services, our role in building and maintaining safe digital environments cannot be overstated. Today, we come together to share knowledge, discuss best practices and explore innovative solutions to address the growing challenges of cyber security”, she explained.

Dr. Jean-Pierre advised participants that the landscape was constantly evolving and with the digital age, they must stay ahead of cyber threats, protect sensitive government data and build a resilient framework for safe and secure interactions with citizens.

Mr. Dale Joseph, Chief Analyst Cyber, CARICOM IMPACS, underscored the regional significance of the initiative, noting that the CARICOM IMPACS’ support was part of a broader commitment to the updated Caribbean Cyber Security and Cybercrime Action Plan (CCSCAP).

“Across the Caribbean, public institutions rely on digital platforms to deliver services, manage records, and communicate with citizens. When they are compromised, the impact is felt directly in disrupted services, exposed data and a loss of public confidence. Cyber security is not just about preventing attacks. It is about institutional readiness. We are here to ensure that as our Region accelerates its digital transformation, our public institutions are prepared to respond calmly, decisively and in a coordinated way when challenges arise”, he stated.

He added that strengthening national capacity directly bolsters regional security. “Cyber threats do not stop at organisational boundaries and they do not respect national borders. Strengthening national capacity therefore strengthens regional security, that is the practical logic behind the CCSCAP”, he reiterated.

The workshop, led by Ms. Lynn Delsol, Systems Analyst, Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security (Dominica), provided participants with the knowledge to navigate the opportunities and risks of the technological age. Integrating these practices into everyday workflows helps bolster institutional resilience and public trust, ensuring that government services remain secure as the nation continues its transition to a digital-first environment.