(L-r) – British High Commissioner John Hamilton, Minister responsible for ICTs, Utilities and Energy, Melford Nicholas, Director of Cyber Security Gordina Hector-Murrell
Antigua and Barbuda has taken another major step to bolster its cybersecurity defenses ahead of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom aimed at strengthening the country’s digital resilience and cyber response capabilities.
The agreement, signed between the Ministry of Information, Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities and Energy and the United Kingdom, is intended to enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to cyber threats while reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
Minister responsible for ICTs, Utilities and Energy, Melford Nicholas, said cybersecurity has become an essential component of national development as governments increasingly rely on digital systems to deliver services.
He noted that while digital transformation creates new opportunities, it also exposes countries to evolving cyber risks, making it critical to continuously strengthen national defenses. According to the minister, the technical assistance provided under the agreement will enhance the work of Antigua and Barbuda’s Cyber Incident Response Team (CERT) and leave the country better equipped long after CHOGM concludes.
British High Commissioner John Hamilton said cybersecurity is no longer simply a technical concern but a matter of national security that directly affects economic stability, public confidence and the protection of critical infrastructure.
As part of the partnership, the United Kingdom will provide cyber incident response and cyber management support during Antigua and Barbuda’s preparations for CHOGM 2026. The UK has also donated 10 laptop computers to the Directorate of Cyber Security to strengthen its operational capacity.
Director of Cyber Security Gordina Hector-Murrell said the agreement further strengthens the relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the United Kingdom while improving the country’s ability to address cyber threats during one of its most significant international engagements.
Looking beyond CHOGM, Minister Nicholas said the Government intends to expand the national cybersecurity framework by increasing collaboration with key sectors, including telecommunications, utilities, banking, healthcare, ports and law enforcement.
He emphasized that protecting critical digital infrastructure remains essential to safeguarding both national security and the country’s economic resilience.
Government officials said the agreement is designed to create a lasting legacy by strengthening institutional capacity, improving cyber governance and deepening cooperation between Antigua and Barbuda and the United Kingdom, ensuring the nation is well prepared to host one of the Commonwealth’s premier international gatherings.
Good move for Antigua. With CHOGM coming, keeping our systems secure is very important.