Venezuela’s orchestrated cyber operations targeting Guyana: “Guyana knows exactly what is happening, we are not defenceless” – NDI Deputy Director

– as inaugural Cybersecurity Workshop held

The National Defence Institute (NDI), a visionary initiative established under the leadership of President Dr Irfaan Ali held its inaugural CEO Cybersecurity Workshop on Saturday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
The event brought together leaders from Guyana’s critical infrastructure sectors to address the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures in the world’s fastest-growing economy.
Opening the workshop, NDI Director Dr Randolph Persaud delivered a bold and compelling vision for the institute’s strategic mission, positioning it as a transformative force in Guyana’s defence landscape. “The National Defence Institute is more than an entity; it is the cornerstone of our nation’s resilience against emerging threats,” Dr Persaud asserted.
His address set the tone for an impactful day of high-level discussions and actionable insights.
A key highlight was the presentation by the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the NDI and Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Colonel Sheldon Howell who provided practical insights into the policy, implementation, and governance of national cybersecurity.
Drawing on his extensive experience, he emphasised the need for a cohesive national strategy to combat cyber threats and highlighted the critical role of public-private partnerships in building a resilient digital infrastructure. His pragmatic approach offered participants a clear roadmap for translating policy into action.
Assistant Director Dr Seon Levius delivered a hard-hitting exposé on Venezuela’s orchestrated cyber operations targeting Guyana. He unveiled the faces, names, and organisations behind the malicious campaign to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty over the Essequibo Region.
Using high-definition visuals and intelligence, Dr Levius detailed the tactics employed, from disinformation campaigns and ransomware attacks to phishing schemes aimed at destabilising institutions. “Let there be no doubt—Guyana knows exactly what is happening, and we are not defenceless,” Dr Levius declared, underscoring the nation’s superior countermeasures.
President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Kester Hutson, praised President Ali’s visionary leadership in establishing the NDI and emphasised the importance of cybersecurity for Guyana’s private sector. “As the fastest-growing economy in the world, Guyana must lead in cybersecurity innovation to protect its economic future,” he stated.
Steven A. Williams, a leading authority on cybersecurity and data privacy in the Caribbean, led the keynote presentation and an interactive tabletop simulation. As the Executive Director of Sunisle Technology Solutions, Williams conducted a dynamic exercise simulating a ransomware attack on the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). This simulation engaged participants in crisis response and decision-making, highlighting the real-world implications of cybersecurity breaches.
Director of Cybersecurity at the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Muriana McPherson delivered a detailed presentation on Government policy creation and management. She provided a walkthrough of how cybersecurity incidents can be reported to NDMA and showcased tools and resources available through the NDMA website, including guides for incident reporting, threat management best practices, and access to the cybersecurity response network.
A Guyana-based Information Security Expert, Christopher Lawrence concluded with a session on Corporate Security Best Practices, emphasising actionable steps for CEOs to fortify their organisations against cyber threats.
The workshop underscored the NDI’s commitment to fostering a robust cybersecurity culture at all levels of leadership in Guyana. By equipping CEOs with the tools and strategies to address modern threats, the institute continues to position Guyana as a regional leader in digital defence and resilience.