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The National Defence Institute (NDI), a visionary initiative established under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, successfully executed its inaugural CEO Cybersecurity Workshop. 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 defense 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 Colonel Sheldon Howell, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the National Defence Institute (NDI) and Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). Colonel Howell provided practical insights into the policy, implementation, and governance of national cybersecurity. Drawing on his extensive experience, he emphasized 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 organizations 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 destabilizing institutions. “Let there be no doubt—Guyana knows exactly what is happening, and we are not defenseless,” Dr. Levius declared, underscoring the nation’s superior countermeasures.

Mr. Kester Hutson, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised President Ali’s visionary leadership in establishing the NDI and emphasized 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. This simulation engaged participants in crisis response and decision-making, highlighting the real-world implications of cybersecurity breaches.

Muriana McPherson, Director of Cybersecurity at the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), 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.

Christopher Lawrence, a Guyana-based Information Security Expert, concluded with a session on Corporate Security Best Practices, emphasizing actionable steps for CEOs to fortify their organizations 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 defense and resilience.

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Many of the popular locations that were considered ‘hot spots’ for heaps of garbage have been reduced in the country, especially in the capital city of Georgetown.

This is a result of the frequent National Clean-up Exercises that were formed and continue to be led by His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

On Saturday the 10^th clean-up exercise was held in the country which saw members of the Cabinet, the private sector, and joint forces among other government workers collaborating to execute yet another successful campaign.

Joining the efforts along Mandela Avenue, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill revealed that the government employs small contractors to clean main access roads, drains, and weed parapets two to three times a month to ensure effective water flow and a clean environment.

The minister also called on all Guyanese to embrace collective responsibility for environmental cleanliness.

“I would like to make this appeal to all Guyanese. Parents teach your children right, business people provide containers and receptacles for your patrons when they are finished entertaining themselves, they can dump their debris,” the minister urged.

While at the Kingston Seawall, the Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar stressed the effectiveness of the exercise, noting that aids in the control of garbage within the country.

“We are seeing that the place is getting cleaner. Some of the previous sites that were known as illegal dumping sites are not being seen anymore because once we clean them folks are trying their best to keep it that way. For example, at Hill Street, we haven’t seen anything there,” the minister pointed out.

However, while acknowledging that to some extent the country still faces a challenge with littering, Minister Indar said that the clean-up exercise also acts as a pre-revitalisation for the country’s upcoming activities such as the historic visit by India’s Prime Minister, the Honourable Shri Narendra Modi, and the Global Super League Cricket.

The exercise was also conducted at the Soesdyke Junction on the East Bank of Demerara, a crucial location for incoming visitors.

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy underscored the importance of maintaining one of the country’s key gateways.

“It is one of the first areas that our tourists and visitors experience, and as they travel to other parts of the country, they will take note of the environment we uphold,” he remarked.

Minister McCoy joined the residents living along the junction in the clean-up exercise.

Meanwhile, at Houston, East Bank Demerara, ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were seen clearing the drains and discarding the waste from along the streets and walkways.

Leader of the team, Major Andre McFarlene noted that national clean-up campaigns are a part of the army’s civil duty in ensuring a safer Guyana.

He stated that “having a clean community will aid in [promoting] a healthy community and more so a safer community, and if we have safer communities then we will have a safe clean, and healthy Guyana.”

The National Clean-up Campaign targeted about 15 major sites around the city. To aid in the effort, tools, and essential machines were donated by the Chinese Association. [DPI]

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