CIRT Division to Roll Out Five-Year Capacity Building Project

Director of Jamaica’s Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) Division, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Godphey Sterling, has announced a major five-year project, aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s cyber security capacity.

Speaking at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, Lt. Col. Sterling said the initiative involves the creation of a National Cyber Authority, which will develop national cyber security policies, monitor cyber threats, provide skills training, and develop human capital.

“This is going to start in earnest about April in the new financial year. CIRT has been building capacity in a very slow but steady way over the years. This initiative will accelerate Jamaica’s efforts to prepare for growing cyber challenges,” the Director said.

He noted that a significant component of the programme will focus on education and skills training across all levels of the learning system.

At the primary level, a new cyber security curriculum will be developed, with teachers receiving training to deliver the material.

For the secondary level, cyber security content will be incorporated into the existing information technology curriculum, ensuring that students develop awareness and interest before reaching higher education.

Meanwhile, at the university level, the programme will conduct a desk review of all currently accredited cybersecurity programmes.

“Where there are gaps in the delivery of the practical aspects of these courses, we’re going to also work with them to ensure that they have the equipment, the setup, and the ability to deliver hands-on training,” Lt. Col. Sterling said.

Although the project will officially launch in April, the Director pointed out that preparations are already underway, ensuring that the country can build the expertise and institutional frameworks needed to safeguard its digital future.