Antigua and Barbuda Launches Government Cyber Incident Response Team to Strengthen National Cybersecurity

Antigua and Barbuda Launches Government Cyber Incident Response Team to Strengthen National Cybersecurity

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua and Barbuda - August 31, 2026The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has officially launched the Antigua and Barbuda Government Cyber Incident Response Team (AB govCIRT), establishing a dedicated national capability to strengthen the Government's preparedness, detection and response to cybersecurity incidents

The official launch took place on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at the Sir John E. St. Luce Conference Centre, bringing together representatives from the Law Enforcement Agencies including the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, ONDCP, officials from across other government agencies, to include the Budget Office, Ministry of Finance and Foreign Affairs, IT staff from the Airport Authority and Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, private-sector partners such as the internet service providers.

The launch marks an important step in the Government's ongoing efforts to build a more resilient digital environment and strengthen the protection of government information systems, services and critical digital assets.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICTs, Utilities and Energy, Ms. Olivette Williams, underscored the importance of building confidence in the country's digital environment, noting that cybersecurity must be supported by a culture of trust.

Director of the Cybersecurity Department, Mrs. Gordina Hector-Murrell, described the establishment of AB govCIRT as essential to strengthening cybersecurity across the Government.

"The CIRT is a must for security in cyberspace," Mrs. Hector-Murrell stated, acknowledging that while the journey toward establishing the team has been a long one, the work now moves into a new phase with AB govCIRT serving as a central mechanism for strengthening government cybersecurity.

She explained that the team will provide greater visibility over the Government's digital environment, including real-time monitoring and coordinated response to cybersecurity incidents, with the objective of ensuring that government assets are better protected.

Officially launching AB govCIRT, Minister for Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities and Energy, the Hon. Melford Nicholas, emphasized that cybersecurity can no longer be viewed as a secondary consideration, but must be treated as a fundamental reality of modern government.

Minister Nicholas stated that cybersecurity is critical to improving the Government's ability to respond effectively to crises, strengthen resilience and protect the nation's digital infrastructure.

"Cybersecurity must be treated as a fundamental reality if we are to improve our response to crisis, become a more resilient government and build a more secure nation," Minister Nicholas said.

AB govCIRT will operate under the leadership of Mrs. Hector-Murrell and will serve as a focal point for the Government's cybersecurity incident response efforts. The team will be responsible for coordinating responses to cybersecurity incidents, supporting monitoring and threat detection, strengthening cybersecurity awareness and training, and helping Government entities improve their overall cyber resilience.

The establishment of AB govCIRT also reflects the importance of collaboration across Government and with national stakeholders. The participation of the Defence Force, Royal Police Force, ONDCP, Budget Office, private-sector partners and other Government officials demonstrates the shared responsibility required to protect Antigua and Barbuda's digital ecosystem.

As part of the ceremony, Minister Nicholas and Mrs. Hector-Murrell unveiled the official AB govCIRT banner, formally marking the launch of the new cybersecurity capability. Minister Nicholas was also presented with a commemorative plaque displaying the official AB govCIRT logo.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to strengthening cybersecurity capacity, protecting government digital assets and ensuring that citizens can have greater confidence in the security and resilience of the digital services on which they increasingly depend.

AB govCIRT is being funded by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda signaling its commitment in this new chapter of the country's cybersecurity journey - strengthening preparedness, improving response and building a safer and more resilient digital nation.