The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) successfully convened the first hybrid meeting of the CARICOM Cyber Security and Cybercrime Action Plan (CCSCAP) Steering Committee. This gathering marked a critical step in operationalising a unified, resilient digital defence strategy for the Caribbean.

The CCSCAP, recently revised through rigorous consultations with Member States and strategic development partners, serves as the Caribbean’s blueprint for navigating the complexities of the digital age. Launched in October 2025, the updated Plan is a collaborative achievement among CARICOM IMPACS, the European Union–Latin America and Caribbean (EU-LAC) Digital Alliance policy dialogue on cybersecurity, implemented by Expertise France, and EL PACCTO 2.0, implemented by the Fundación para la Internacionalización de las Administraciones Públicas (FIAP).

The revised Plan addresses critical vulnerabilities by establishing a harmonised framework of practices, systems and expertise that provides a clear roadmap for Member States to strengthen their digital infrastructure in both the short and medium terms. Central to the CCSCAP’s objectives is a comprehensive approach to vulnerability mitigation through the identification and patching of gaps in regional networks, alongside robust capacity building to develop the technical and legal infrastructure required for the detection and investigation of cyber-enabled crimes.

The meeting, which was held on 5 March 2026, brought together representatives from Members States and partner institutions who form part of the Steering Committee. As the primary governing body for the Plan, the Steering Committee is tasked with providing the strategic guidance, oversight and coordination necessary for successful implementation, ensuring that regional efforts remain coherent with the national priorities of individual Member States. This collaborative approach further aligns the Caribbean’s digital defence with broader regional objectives for a single Information and Communication Technology (ICT) space while upholding rigorous international standards for data protection and cyber diplomacy.

The hybrid meeting followed a robust agenda focused on the immediate operationalisation of the 2025 Plan, beginning with a detailed overview of the updated CCSCAP and the formalistion of the Steering Committee’s governance structure. Strategic planning was a core focus, as members identified priority areas for the 2026–2027 period to ensure resources are directed toward the Region's most pressing threats, while also addressing implementation approaches, monitoring and reporting mechanisms and the allocation of critical funding.

The session also facilitated critical updates from development partners to ensure continued technical synergy, concluding with a formalised meeting schedule and a strategic summary of the immediate next steps. These concluding actions provide clear guidance for Member States and partners to maintain the momentum of the 2025 launch while reinforcing the long-term institutional strengthening necessary for a resilient regional cyber security posture.