The National Defence Institute (NDI) held its inaugural CEO Cybersecurity Workshop last week. A government release said 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 vision for the institute’s strategic mission, positioning it as a transformative force in Guyana’s defense landscape. Persaud said the Institute is “more than an entity; it is the cornerstone of our nation’s resilience against emerging threats.”
Colonel Sheldon Howell, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the National Defence Institute (NDI) and Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), provided practical insights into the policy, implementation, and governance of national cybersecurity.
Howell, drawing on his extensive experience, 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.
Assistant Director Dr. Seon Levius addressed 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, Levius detailed the tactics employed, from disinformation campaigns and ransomware attacks to phishing schemes aimed at destabilising institutions. He ,however, assured the attendees that Guyana knows exactly what is happening and the country is defenseless.
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 simulation exercise of a ransomware attack on the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. This simulation engaged participants in crisis response and decision-making, highlighting real-world implications of cybersecurity breaches.
Muriana McPherson, Director of Cybersecurity at the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), provided a walkthrough of how cybersecurity incidents can be reported to NDMA. She 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.
Christopher Lawrence, a Guyana-based Information Security Expert, wrapped up the session with talk on Corporate Security Best Practices, emphasising actionable steps for CEOs to fortify their organizations against cyber threats.
The workshop is said to underscore NDI’s commitment to fostering a robust cybersecurity culture at all levels of leadership in Guyana. By providing CEOs with the tools and strategies to address modern threats, the NDI seeks to position Guyana as a regional leader in digital defense and resilience.
