Guyana has formally joined the Latin America and Caribbean Cyber Competence Centre (LAC4) in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s cybersecurity capacity and supporting its ongoing digital transformation efforts.
This is according to Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who signed the Letter of Adhesion on Thursday at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the PM said the Government views cybersecurity as a critical national priority that is essential to the country’s development, governance, and digital transformation objectives.
“The Government of Guyana regards cybersecurity as a critical national priority, one that is fundamental to our development, governance, and digital transformation objectives. As our nation continues to embrace technology and expand digital services, we recognise that this progress must be supported by strong cyber resilience and effective risk management,” Phillips stated.
He noted that as Guyana continues to expand its use of technology and digital services, stronger cybersecurity systems and risk management mechanisms are required to protect national interests and ensure the reliability of digital infrastructure.
According to the PM, membership in LAC4 will provide Guyana with opportunities to strengthen its national cybersecurity capacity through technical, policy, and strategic-level training. He said the partnership will also deepen collaboration with regional and international stakeholders in addressing cybersecurity challenges.
“It is within this context that Guyana views membership in LAC4 as a valuable opportunity to advance these objectives,” he said.
Phillips highlighted that Guyana has already benefited from engagement with LAC4 through participation in its annual CyberWeek events in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
“These much-appreciated engagements have reinforced our commitment to strengthening cybersecurity and advancing digital resilience,” he added.
LAC4 is a European Union-funded initiative established in 2022 and implemented by the Estonian Information System Authority and EU CyberNet. Based in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, the centre serves as a regional hub focused on building cybersecurity capacity across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The PM said Guyana expects the formal partnership to further enhance its cyber capabilities while facilitating greater cooperation in responding to emerging cyber threats.
“We look forward to sharing knowledge and expertise, enhancing our cyber capabilities, and working more closely together to address the evolving cybersecurity challenges facing our region and the wider digital world,” Phillips said.
Guyana’s participation in LAC4 also supports the objectives of the European Union-Latin America and the Caribbean Digital Alliance, which the country joined in 2024.
The partnership is expected to provide access to specialised cybersecurity training programmes, including cyber drills, breach simulation exercises, institutional capacity-building initiatives, and cybersecurity crisis management planning.
The National Data Management Authority (NDMA) has been designated as Guyana’s national focal point for the initiative.
Among those attending the signing ceremony were Ambassador of the European Union to Guyana, Luca Pierantoni; First Counsellor and Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Guyana, Joan Nadal Sastre; Head of the Latin America and Caribbean Cyber Competence Centre, Leonardo Daniel Ortega Prudencio; General Manager of the NDMA, Christopher Deen; and technical staff from the authority.
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