KINGSTON, Jamaica — A groundbreaking initiative has been unveiled in Jamaica with the launch of the Jamaica Cyber Youth Empowerment Academy, where 30 young Jamaicans aged 18 to 24 have embarked on a six-month intensive cybersecurity training programme. This pioneering academy, the first of its kind in the Americas, is a collaborative effort involving the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the Ministry of National Security and Peace, and the Organisation of American States (OAS), with financial backing from the Government of Canada. The programme is part of the OAS Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) Cybersecurity Talent and Workforce Development Programme. The academy was officially inaugurated at a ceremony held at the S Hotel in New Kingston on Monday. Ambassador Dr. Rocky Meade, Permanent Secretary in the OPM, highlighted the global cybersecurity workforce gap, which exceeds 4.8 million, with North America alone facing a deficit of over half a million professionals. While Jamaica’s specific skills gap remains unquantified, both public and private sectors are increasingly aware of the urgent need for trained cybersecurity experts. Meade attributed the shortage to limited awareness of the field’s lucrative career prospects, outdated training programmes, misconceptions about accessibility, and the high cost of certifications. He revealed that the government is partnering with international organisations to provide young Jamaicans with the necessary technical skills and certifications. Additionally, Jamaica is set to implement the Vincula LAC World Bank Pilot Project, offering 500 training opportunities, including 200 dedicated to cybersecurity. Meade stressed that Jamaica’s journey toward developed country status hinges on cultivating a pool of skilled cybersecurity professionals to ensure national cybersecurity and data sovereignty. Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, emphasised the government’s commitment to positioning Jamaica as a regional leader in cybersecurity talent development. She urged the trainees to seize the opportunity, as the programme equips them with foundational knowledge and practical insights into emerging technologies. Stone Roofe expressed optimism about the academy’s transformative impact on Jamaica’s youth and the nation’s overall resilience.