Last Updated on February 20, 2025, 5:15 AM AST by Anthony Morris
The government of St. Kitts and Nevis on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, officially launched a cybersecurity training initiative to help local people equip themselves with skills to thrive in the global digital economy. Aiming to an initial cohort of 100 people, the initiative will facilitate individuals’ career growth and the nation’s financial stability and national resilience.
The transformative programme, named Cyber Nations Program 2025, was unveiled during an event which was attended by top government officials including Prime Minister Terrance Drew, representatives of the information technology sector, education stakeholders, national security personnel and prospective participants interested in the programme.
The initiative marks a collaboration between the Caribbean island-nation and Protexxa, a leading cybersecurity training provider from Canada. It aims to empower the workforce of St. Kitts and Nevis with internationally recognized certifications besides work-integrated learning scopes.
This is not just about jobs: PM Drew
PM Drew, who mentioned the programme in his 2025 Budget address in December last year saying it was aimed at boosting St. Kitts and Nevis’s national security infrastructure and empowering its people, said at the launch that it is not just about jobs.
“This is about ensuring that St. Kitts and Nevis is a leader in cybersecurity preparedness, making us attractive to investors and securing our digital infrastructure as we move towards full e-Governance,” he said.
The leader lauded the programme as a strategic move in advancing St. Kitts and Nevis’s much-anticipated Sustainable Island State Agenda. According to him, the programme will not only lead to well-paying careers but is also a matter of national priority in terms of cybersecurity resilience and economic transformation.
“We are building a nation that is not only technologically advanced but also resilient. We must equip our citizens with the skills necessary to engage meaningfully in the digital economy, not just as consumers but as professionals, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers in the global marketplace,” Drew said.
He added that the transition to e-governance requires strong digital safeguards and along with training professionals in cybersecurity, the initiative will help 25,000 citizens improve their digital literacy and security awareness to ensure the country is ready for digital transformation.
The PM also spoke about the programme on his official Facebook page later, saying, “We are embarking on a mission to train and certify 100 individuals in the field of cybersecurity. This program is about empowerment—about giving our people the opportunity to gain real, in-demand skills that can transform their lives. It will help to protect our nation and our future and help to transform St. Kitts and Nevis into a Sustainable Island State. This is how we power progress!”
The prime minister made special emphasis on the cybersecurity programme in his January Roundtable, citing the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals amid rising cases of hacking and cyber threats.
Deputy PM Hanley speaks
Geoffrey Hanley, the deputy prime minister and education minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, called the initiative a major milestone reflecting on the Labour government’s commitment to preparing its workforce for futuristic jobs.
“Our vision for this programme is to empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world. By equipping our young people with the tools to innovate, we are investing in the future of our nation and the global economy,” he said.
He also thanked Protexxa’s leadership and Canadian government for their support in developing the initiative.
Protexxa official explains programme
Rick Huijbregts, Program Director, Protexxa, explained on the occasion the content of the programme. He said it includes a six-month intensive online training module which will earn the candidates internationally recognized credentials, including the CompTIA Security+ Certification, and a 12-month paid placement programme, which will help the participants gain hands-on experience with industry partners.
He also cited the global demand for cybersecurity professionals and stressed the opportunities available for the Caribbean island-state.
“Globally, over three million cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled, and St. Kitts and Nevis has an incredible opportunity to establish itself as a leader in shaping this workforce. This programme ensures that our citizens have access to well-paying, future-proof careers in cybersecurity,” he said.
After the initiative was launched, prospective participants signed up for the programme, demonstrating its popularity. Those who are interested to be a part of the programme can access the official sign-up portal via St. Kitts and Nevis Information Service and the ELEVATE Programme or attend the follow-up in-person information session which will be held on February 25, 2025, at CUNA Caribbean Conference Centre from 4:30 pm onwards.
Entry criteria and cost:
To become a part of the training programme, one has to be 18 years old and be a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis. The applicant should be unemployed and have a clean police record. No prior experience in IT is required but the applicant needs to have basic math, written and computer literacy.
The total cost is EC $20,400 half of which will be borne by the government through scholarships while the remaining can be secured through student loan through the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis. Those completing the programme will be able to avail of global opportunities and also work remotely.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
