Jamaica Cyber Youth Empowerment Academy Launched

Thirty young Jamaicans, aged 18 to 24, have commenced a six-month intensive cybersecurity training programme at the newly launched Jamaica Cyber Youth Empowerment Academy.

The Academy is a collaborative initiative involving the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the Ministry of National Security and Peace, and the Organization of American States (OAS), with funding support from the Government of Canada.

Developed under the OAS Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) Cybersecurity Talent and Workforce Development Programme, the Academy is the first of its kind in the Americas.

The institution was officially launched during a ceremony held at the S Hotel in New Kingston on Monday (September 29).

Permanent Secretary in the OPM, Ambassador Dr. Rocky Meade, who delivered the keynote address, noted the shortage of skilled individuals in the cyber security field at the global, regional, and national levels.

“According to the latest available data, the cyber security workforce gap worldwide is over 4.8 million. North America, our area, has a gap of just over half a million, according to the recent report,” he stated.

Ambassador Meade pointed out that while Jamaica’s cybersecurity skills gap has not yet been quantified, public and private sector entities are increasingly recognising the need for trained professionals to support their operations.

He further explained that despite the high demand for cybersecurity experts, a shortage persists—driven by limited awareness of the field’s rewarding career opportunities, outdated and lengthy training programmes, misconceptions about complexity and accessibility, and the prohibitive cost of certification.

Dr. Meade advised that the Government is working with international partners to equip young Jamaicans with the technical skills and certification required to launch careers in cybersecurity.

“We have another programme that will do similar training, the Vincula LAC (Latin America and the Caribbean) World Bank Pilot Project, of which Jamaica will be implementing about 500 opportunities for training. Two hundred persons will receive dedicated cybersecurity training, while the remainder will benefit from other technical and soft skills that are associated,” the Permanent Secretary informed.

Ambassador Meade emphasised that Jamaica requires talented, skilled, and dedicated professionals to achieve national cybersecurity and data sovereignty as it advances toward developed country status.

In her remarks, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe, said the Academy’s establishment signals the Government’s unwavering commitment to positioning Jamaica at the forefront of regional efforts to cultivate skilled cybersecurity talent and strengthen national resilience.

She encouraged the 30 trainees to make the most of the opportunity, noting that the significant investment will provide them with foundational cybersecurity knowledge and practical insights into the secure use of emerging technologies.

“I look forward to witnessing the transformative impact this academy will have on our young people and our nation as a whole,” Ambassador Stone Roofe added.

Meanwhile, Resident Representative of the OAS General Secretariat in Jamaica, Jeanelle van Glaanenweygel, commended the Government for its commitment to advancing cybersecurity education and workforce development.

Citing statistics that revealed 34 million cyberattack attempts in Jamaica during the first half of 2025, she said the figure serves as a stark reminder of escalating cyber threats and underscores the urgent need to build a resilient cybersecurity workforce.

“Today’s launch of the Jamaica Cyber Youth Empowerment Academy marks a pivotal step forward in addressing this pressing need. Over the coming months, 30 talented young people will participate in a structured training pathway that includes aptitude testing, foundational cybersecurity instruction, mentorship, and the opportunity to earn an internationally recognised certification,” the OAS Representative outlined.

Ms. van Glaanenweygel emphasised that with the skills and certification from the SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network, Security) Institute, which will deliver the training programme, participants will be positioned to compete globally and have a competitive edge in the job market.

She added that initiatives like the Academy are essential to bridging the cybersecurity skills gap, creating meaningful opportunities for youth, and ensuring the Caribbean is equipped to safeguard its digital future.

In his remarks, High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica, His Excellency Mark Berman, expressed pride in Canada’s support for the Academy through its anti-crime capacity building programme.

“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to building a safer, more resilient digital future, not only for Jamaica, but for the entire region. This programme is a powerful example of what can be achieved through meaningful partnerships,” he affirmed.

Mr. Berman added that cyber threats do not respect borders, and “that’s why Canada is committed to supporting regional cooperation and collective response mechanisms.”

The pilot cybersecurity training programme will be delivered in a hybrid format—combining virtual and in-person sessions. Participants will engage in two core courses: ‘Computers, Technology and Security Training’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI): Security Essentials for Business Leaders’.

Upon successful completion, they will be eligible to pursue the industry-recognised Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) at no cost.