Amid the escalating threats and risks in the global digital landscape, Saint Lucia is taking decisive action to elevate standards for the protection of its citizens from negative external forces.
Sheralin Monrose-Gustave, Project Manager for the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) in Saint Lucia, has clearly outlined the Government’s strategic plans to establish a National Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (CIRT).
This initiative is a critical component of the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Public Awareness Launch that took place on August 26. This dedicated unit will be essential in bolstering Saint Lucia’s cyber resilience by effectively coordinating responses to cyber threats, providing support to both public and private sector entities, and enhancing national capacity to detect, respond, and recover from incidents.
Monrose-Gustave emphasized the importance of the Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Awareness Campaign. This campaign is designed to empower citizens, institutions, and vulnerable groups with practical knowledge and safe digital practices.
“This marks a significant step in modernizing public service systems and ensuring the sustainability of our digital initiatives,” Monrose-Gustave asserted during the launch.
It will be rolled out across schools, workplaces, faith-based organizations, media houses, and community hubs. Furthermore, the Department of the Public Service plays a pivotal role in this initiative, currently reviewing the Job Reclassification and Pay Plan for the government.
The Project Manager confidently stated, “These achievements showcase CARDTP’s commitment to building a digitally inclusive and resilient Saint Lucia.”
A critical milestone on the horizon is the establishment of the Governmental Cyber-Security Incident Response Team (CIRT).
“The CIRT will serve as the backbone of our National Cyber-Security Framework in the public sector,” she explained. “Recruitment will commence in 2026, accompanied by comprehensive capacity-building and specialized training, supported by strategic investments in advanced equipment and software to enable effective incident response and protective measures for government systems, businesses, and citizens.”
Monrose-Gustave firmly stated, “The CIRT is more than just a technical unit; it embodies resilience, responsiveness, and trust. It guarantees that Saint Lucia not only keeps pace with digital advancements but also builds the essential safeguards to thrive in this space.” While infrastructure and institutions are vital, she reiterated that “cybersecurity is fundamentally about people.”
The cybercrime and cybersecurity public awareness campaign aims to “raise public awareness of risks, such as phishing scams in cyber games, and promote protective behaviors, including the use of strong passwords for authentication and safe browsing practices.”
Additionally, the initiative seeks to provide tailored education for vulnerable groups, including youth, women, seniors, MSMEs, and rural communities.
Monrose-Gustave stated, “We will build trust by positioning our CIRTs and law enforcement as reliable defenders of digital safety, thus reinforcing CARDTP’s reputation as a trusted entity for safer digital transformation.”
The campaign encompasses several targeted sub-initiatives, including the establishment of a cyber-smart Caribbean to endorse safe digital practices.
The SWIPE SAFE innovation will guide young individuals aged 13 to 24 in navigating the online world, while the SWIPE SAFE Kids edition will use engaging, game-friendly methods to teach children aged 8 to 12 about online safety.
Digital Senior is designed to empower older citizens to ward off scams and fraud, and Safe-Her Online will focus on women and girls, tackling digital violence and promoting safe participation.
Finally, Safer Cyber Spaces targets public servants, MSMEs, and law enforcement to enhance institutional practices and safeguard client data.
In conclusion, Monrose-Gustave asserted, “This campaign guarantees that everyone—from our children to our seniors, and from small businesses to government—is equipped to thrive safely in the digital age.”
The initiative also introduces a new regional website featuring downloadable materials to support ongoing education and awareness.
This intervention underscores the Government’s dual commitment: strengthening institutional cybersecurity capabilities through the planned CIRT while equipping the general public with the necessary tools to remain safe in the digital space.