Senator Professor the Honourable Prakash Persad, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, attended the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s (UTT) ‘Enhancing Cybersecurity Resilience through Policy, Best Practices and Capacity Building Seminar’ held on Thursday 18th September, 2025 at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port Spain.

In delivering the Feature Address at the Opening Ceremony, Minister Persad encouraged attendees to be mindful of the existing digital divide and vulnerabilities; as he highlighted the global call for digital users to be vigilant to online threats and the protection of organisational and personal information. Minister Persad extended his gratitude to the High Commission of Canada and the Canadian Government for sponsoring the activity; whilst also commending the UTT and its staff for being pioneers in the cybersecurity education activities within the country.

Also speaking at the ceremony were Mr. Mahindrapersad Koon, Senior Instructor, Centre for Information and Communication Technology, UTT; Professor Selwyn Cudjoe, Chairman of UTT; His Excellency Michael Ryan Callan, High Commissioner of Canada and Professor Rean Maharaj, President (Ag.) of UTT.

The seminar is being hosted to encourage awareness on cyber threats amongst stakeholders – including government agencies, businesses and academic institutions – so that they may be supported in the enhancement of their cyber resilience, security strategies and digital awareness. The Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training welcomes the participation and support of its stakeholders in building the capacity and learning mechanisms available so that Trinidad and Tobago may be better enabled for the achievement of its development goals.