Montserrat Eligible For Share Of £15 Million To Support Cyber Security

Photo Credit: Mnimedia.com

Montserrat appears to have given itself a head start in strengthening cyber security nationally and taking several bold actions that are now being considered critically important for Commonwealth Member States.

Hon. ICT Minister Paul Lewis is leading a delegation to the Commonwealth ICT Ministers Forum in London where a Cyber Security Implementation Plan was reviewed and endorsed.

The plan serves as a practical guide to ensure the safety, security and resilience of cyber space in the Commonwealth member states including Montserrat.

The document speaks to the provision of training and skills development in cyber security, the strengthening of policies, strategies and legislation and improving cyber security knowledge through awareness raising initiatives at the national level.

Minister Lewis says under his leadership, several of these initiatives have either started or are at an advanced stage.

In addition, Minister Lewis says one police officer has been trained in digital forensics which responds to a specific objective in the implementation plan calling for a more effective law enforcement and criminal justice response to cyber crime.

The British Government has pledged 15 million pounds towards the activation of the implementation plan.

Minister Lewis said discussions are now ongoing to determine how and when Montserrat will access its share of the fund.

Speaking on the Breakfast Show Wednesday, the island’s ICT Minister also reported on bi-lateral talks with a UK Government Minister.

Minister Lewis is being supported at the meeting by ICT Coordinator within his Ministry Loni Howe and a Montserratian UK Based Cyber Security Specialist Dwayne Cassell.