Local and Regional Leaders Meet to Secure the Bahamas’ Digital Lifeline

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – As digital threats continue to pose risk, international experts and Bahamian officials gather here at the Paul Farquharson Conference Centre for a three-day workshop to strengthen Bahamian ports and logistics networks.

This three‑day workshop, hosted by the National Computer Incident Response Team of the Bahamas, the Port Department, and the Latin America and Caribbean Cyber Competence Centre, is focused on strengthening defenses and building resilience together. 

Deputy Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Captain Carlon Bethel of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force explains why cybersecurity is now seen as a matter of national security.

Captain Carlon Bethel – Deputy Commander, RBDF

“When our ports are disrupted, the impact can be felt far beyond the terminal or the control room. It reaches businesses, households, supply chains, and national economy. Of course, also becoming more connected, automated, and dependent on digital systems…”

This discussion also focused on regional expertise. 

At the Latin America and Caribbean Cyber Competence Centre, Partnerships and Technical Engagement Manager Leonardo Ortega and his team work on strengthening port and maritime cybersecurity. 

He cautions that the systems driving trade and logistics face growing challenges.

Lleonardo Ortega – Partnerships and Technical Engagement Manager, LAC4

“Seaports and maritime trade routes are the backbone of the Bahamian economy, and every container that moves through this house, every vessel that docks, every logistic chain that connects Bahamas to the world, depends on interconnected digital systems…”

Minister of Transportation Leon Lundy also attended today’s session, saying that protecting the nation’s ports requires agencies working hand in hand.

Leon Lundy, Minister, Transportation 

“This workshop is, therefore, about more identifying threats. It is about building the capacity, the systems, and the relationships necessary to respond when; and perhaps, most importantly, it is about recognizing that no agency can do it alone…”