Defence Headquarters, October 3, ‘23 (RBDF): The Honourable Wayne Munroe, K.C., Minister of National Security, and Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond E. King, proudly led the Bahamian delegation at the Western Hemisphere Cyber Conference held in Washington, D.C., from September 27 to 28, 2023. Hosted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at the Organization of American States (OAS) Headquarters, this prestigious conference convened key stakeholders from various partner agencies to address urgent cybersecurity issues and foster collaborative action.
The primary aim of the conference was to facilitate discussions on persistent threats facing partner countries and shared cyber challenges, particularly those related to securing critical infrastructure and combating cybercrime. Distinguished participating agencies included the Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Homeland Security Investigations, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the United States Coast Guard, and the United States Secret Service. Prominent leadership representatives from the White House, the Civilian Cyber Defense Agency, and the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State were also in attendance.
During the conference, Minister Wayne Munroe was honored to participate in a panel alongside key stakeholders from the United States Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration, and Panama’s Head of Cybersecurity. The panel’s focal point was the cybersecurity challenges within the Transportation Sector, with a particular emphasis on cyber priorities and experiences in the aviation, rail, and maritime sectors.
The conference concluded with an insightful overview of the White House’s approach to Western Hemisphere partnerships and the future of the Organization of American States (OAS) concerning cybersecurity in the Western Hemisphere.
Minister Wayne Munroe underscored the critical need for ongoing development of cybersecurity as an essential capability. In an era marked by the increased utilization of the internet and associated risks, bolstering cybersecurity capabilities is paramount. The knowledge and insights gained during this two-day conference will play a vital role in enhancing the cybersecurity capabilities, enabling the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to mitigate risks and fortify the security of critical equipment and information systems.
Under the leadership of Commander Defence Force, Commodore Raymond E. King, the RBDF is dedicated to exploring advanced technology and fostering innovation. We value the passion and talent within our organization’s human capital, and through these efforts, we aim to unlock their potential. By embracing modern technology and encouraging creative thinking, we empower our personnel to contribute to the ongoing success of the RBDF.
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The RBDF remains dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in guarding our heritage. We are committed to upholding the highest standards as we protect and preserve the rich legacy that defines our nation.
