The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has officially launched its updated CARICOM Cyber Security and Cybercrime Action Plan (CCSCAP) 2025, marking a significant stride in safeguarding the region’s rapidly accelerating digital transformation. Unveiled on October 31, 2025, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, this pivotal strategic blueprint signifies a crucial shift towards prioritizing cyber resilience over traditional cybersecurity measures.
The launch event was a collaborative effort, spearheaded by the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and supported by key international partners including the European Union–Latin America and Caribbean (EU LAC) Digital Alliance and the EL PAcCTO 2.0 program. The CCSCAP 2025 serves as a definitive roadmap, guiding CARICOM Member States in building robust national and regional cybersecurity frameworks, harmonizing cybercrime legislation, and fostering a widespread culture of digital safety and trust across the Caribbean.
A New Era of Cyber Resilience
The CCSCAP 2025 represents an evolution from previous frameworks, addressing identified gaps and strengthening its strategic pillars. A notable advancement is the explicit emphasis on cyber resilience – the ability of an organization or region to anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to disruptive cyber incidents while maintaining operational continuity. This approach is critical as the region increasingly relies on technology for economic growth and public services.
“Cybercrime is often portrayed as a technological battle – firewalls versus malware. But at its core, cybercrime is profoundly human,” stated Deputy Commissioner Natasha George of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) at the launch. She highlighted the urgency, citing an alarming rise in online fraud, which accounted for over TT $3 million in losses in the last fiscal year alone. This underscores the need for a strategy that not only protects systems but also addresses the human element of cyber threats.
The updated plan is structured around six core pillars: Public Awareness, Education, and Advocacy; Capability Development and Capacity Building; Technical Standards and Infrastructure; Policy, Institutional, and Regulatory Frameworks; Cyber Incident Management; and Regional and International Cooperation. This comprehensive framework aims to fortify the region against evolving digital threats.
Collaborative Efforts for Digital Security
The launch signifies a deepened commitment to regional cooperation. IMPACS, under the leadership of Executive Director Lt. Col. Michael Jones, plays a central role in coordinating and implementing the plan. The collaboration with the EU LAC Digital Alliance and EL PAcCTO 2.0, which provides technical assistance for cybercrime research and capacity building, is vital. Furthermore, the America and Caribbean Cyber Competence Centre (LAC4), an EU-funded hub in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, serves as a crucial resource for cybersecurity education and training, directly supporting the CCSCAP’s capacity-building objectives.
Her Excellency Cécile Tassin, Ambassador of the European Union to Trinidad and Tobago, lauded the CCSCAP launch as a “milestone” for collective digital security and resilience, reaffirming the EU’s ongoing support through various initiatives.
Addressing the Caribbean’s Digital Landscape
The Caribbean is undergoing a significant digital transformation, with increasing adoption of e-commerce, e-governance, and advanced technologies. This digital surge, while promising for innovation and efficiency, also expands the region’s digital footprint and exposes it to a growing array of cyber threats. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within the region face particular vulnerabilities due to often limited resources and specialized capabilities to combat sophisticated cyberattacks.
Challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, and limited public awareness are being actively addressed by the CCSCAP. The plan aims to build a skilled workforce, enhance technical capabilities, and promote best practices to mitigate risks effectively.
Investing in a Secure Digital Future
Lt. Col. Michael Jones emphasized that investing in cyber resilience is not merely an expenditure but a “long-term investment in national stability and future prosperity.” The CCSCAP 2025 is designed to ensure the continuity of vital infrastructure and essential services, thereby protecting not only businesses and governments but also the trust and confidence of citizens in the digital economy. This initiative is a critical step in securing the ongoing digital transformation agenda across the Caribbean, ensuring that the region can harness the full potential of technology in a safe and secure manner. The successful implementation of this plan is anticipated to foster a more secure and prosperous digital future for all its inhabitants.