Jamaica: Technology Minister outlines roadmap for cybersecurity legislation
Jamaica: Technology Minister outlines roadmap for cybersecurity legislation
Publish Date: 2026-07-01 23:56:00
Source Domain: www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com
Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points. – Advertisement – KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jul 1, CMC – Jamaica is moving to develop a new national cybersecurity law aimed at strengthening the country’s cybersecurity framework and protecting critical information infrastructure.Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr. Andrew Wheatley, announced the initiative during his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr. Andrew Wheatley.Wheatley said the groundwork for the legislation has already been established, with a comprehensive legislative drafting instructions matrix for Jamaica’s Cybersecurity Act completed in July 2024.He said the matrix was among six documents produced to strengthen Jamaica’s national cybersecurity ecosystem as part of preparations for an investment programme involving the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).“That matrix provides a near-complete blueprint for what this law will contain and how it should be structured,” Wheatley said.He outlined a proposed timeline for advancing the legislative process, saying a cybersecurity policy and legislative gap assessment would be completed within the first four months of the new national governance framework, drafting instructions finalised by month six, and Cabinet submissions on the full legislative package targeted within months nine to 12.Wheatley said the legislation would provide a formal framework for designating and protecting critical information infrastructure and would establish the National Cybersecurity Directorate in law.He said placing the directorate on a statutory footing would provide a permanent legal foundation for Jamaica’s cybersecurity authority.The minister said the proposed law would also introduce minimum cybersecurity standards across regulated sectors, with enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance.It would establish obligations for incident reporting, responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities and regulation of cybersecurity service providers operating in Jamaica, he added.Wheatley said the legislation would position Jamaica as a regional leader in cybersecurity law and policy. – Advertisement –
