Sen. Hon. Michael Halkitis
Minister of Economic Affairs, Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Sen. Hon. Michael Halkitis
Title:Minister of Economic Affairs, Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
The Honorable Michael B. Halkitis was born on February 1st, 1969, in Nassau, Bahamas. He attended St Augustine’s College and Mr. Halkitis began his post-secondary education at the College of the Bahamas and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario. Mr. Halkitis qualified as a Chartered Financial Analyst in 1995.
Mr. Halkitis was first elected to The Parliament of The Bahamas in 2002 and again in 2012. He currently serves as Minister of Economic Affairs and Leader of Government Business in The Senate. His portfolio responsibilities include the promotion of Financial Services, Small Business Development, Ease of Doing Business, Consumer Protection, and International Trade.
Under his many years of leadership, the Bahamas’ Ministry of Finance was not only brought into the modern age through the digitization of its operations but also through the implementation of major taxation reforms which have been applauded for their seamless integration. Currently, he oversees the nation’s trade and the financial services industry which aims to improve our country’s ease of doing business and directs our country’s digitization efforts. He will play an important role in helping to stabilize the country’s finances.
Hon. Wayne Munroe, K.C.
Minister of National Security, Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Hon. Wayne Munroe, K.C.
Title:Minister of National Security, Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
The Hon. Wayne Munroe KC, has served the public on multiple fronts as a Stipendiary and Circuit Magistrate, Acting Justice of the Supreme Court of The Bahamas, President of The Bahamas Bar Association, Chairman of The Bahamas Bar Council and Advocacy Lecturer at the Eugene Dupuch Law School.
A noted civil litigator, the Hon. Wayne Munroe, KC, is an eminent and prominent lawyer and a member of the Organization of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations.
He is the principal at Munroe & Associates Law Firm and was admitted to the Bar of England and Wales by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in July 1990. He was subsequently called to The Bahamas Bar in August, 1990. As a noted human rights lawyer and legal expert, he was appointed Queen’s Council in January 2015.
Born on March 1, 1968, he is married to Dorothea C. Munroe, nee Moree and they are the parents of six children — Ashley, Wayne, Richard, Meagan, Zion and Isaiah.
He is a chalice assistant at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, Kemp Road, New Providence. Mr. Munroe was elected Member of Parliament for Freetown in the September 16, 2021 General Election and was appointed Minister of National Security on September 20, 2021.
His ministerial portfolio includes:
• Public Safety
• Flags & Coat of Arms
• Police Force (Royal Bahamas Police Force)
• Defence Force (Royal Bahamas Defence Force)
• Department of Correctional Services (Prisoners & Prison Officers)
• Prerogative of Mercy
• Relations with the Parliamentary Commissioner
• (Parliamentary Registration Department)
• Elections & Referenda
On the 4th October, 2023, Minister Munroe was appointed Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly by The Prime Minister, The Hon. Philip Davis, KC, MP following the death of the late Obie Wilchcombe.
Wayde Watson, MP
Parliamentary secretary for the Ministry of Finance
Wayde Watson, MP
Title:Parliamentary secretary for the Ministry of Finance
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Wayde Alexander Watson is a Bahamian politician. He was elected Member of Parliament for Bain Town and Grants Town in 2021. Watson is parliamentary secretary for the Ministry of Finance. Prior to being elected to Parliament, Watson worked in the information and technology sector.
Dr. Bright Gameli Mawudor, Phd.
Cyber Security Engineer & Researcher, Co-founder of AfricaHackOn
Dr. Bright Gameli Mawudor, Phd.
Title:Cyber Security Engineer & Researcher, Co-founder of AfricaHackOn
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Dr. Bright Gameli Mawudor is a pioneering leader in the field of Cyber Security who has a strong commitment to shaping Africa’s Cyber Resilience landscape. He is also the visionary founder of Africahackon, a Cyber Security collective dedicated to nurturing excellence through capacity building and fostering a vibrant community of experts across the continent.
A world-class academic, Dr. Bright earned his PhD in IT Convergence and Application Engineering with a specialization in Information Security from Pukyong National University, South Korea. His outstanding professionalism has earned him prestigious positions on Advisory Boards, including EC-Council Global Advisory Board Member for CTIA, Cybersafe Foundation, Moringa School.
With over a decade of experience in the Cyber Security industry, Dr. Mawudor possesses profound expertise in Cyber Security Strategy, Resilience, and system penetration testing. A seasoned speaker, he has captivated audiences at more than 260 Cyber Security conferences, and his wisdom has been shared with students at various universities and through contributions to prominent Cyber Security publications.
Recognition has been no stranger to him, as he was honored by Tribe of Hackers: Blue Team 2020 and acknowledged among the Top 40 Under 40 young entrepreneurs in Kenya for his exceptional achievements. Having worked with esteemed organizations such as Dimension Data/NTT, Cellulant, and Ushahidi, Dr. Mawudor has conducted numerous evaluations and selections of Cyber Security tools, successfully implementing cutting-edge IT security systems to safeguard critical business environments and mitigate risks.
A technically skilled expert, especially within the Cyber Security space, Dr. Bright is dedicated, collaborative, and exhibits excellent leadership qualities. His indomitable spirit drives him to shape a more secure digital future for Africa and beyond
Jaime Chanagá
Fortinet Inc - Field Chief Information Security Officer, Latin America & Caribbean
Jaime Chanagá
Title:Fortinet Inc - Field Chief Information Security Officer, Latin America & Caribbean
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Jaime Chanagá is the Field Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Latin America and the Caribbean at Fortinet, Inc. With a career spanning more than twentyfive years as a CISO, he has made significant contributions as an executive advisor and board consultant, providing global perspectives and security strategies to Fortune Global 500 companies, governments, and leading organizations in the United States, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.
As a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and graduate of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Citizens Academy, Mr. Chanagá not only holds distinguished qualifications. Beyond his professional responsibilities, he has stood out as a thought leader in his field and as a meaningful contributor to the broader discourse in his area. His insights are featured in the book Corporate Security in the Information Age, and he frequently writes articles and contributes to media that shape the conversation in the cybersecurity field.
His involvement extends to prestigious government security and intelligence agencies, demonstrating a commitment to collaboration between the public and private sectors for the benefit of international security. As a member of InfraGard, he participates in a public–private partnership between the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), businesses, academic institutions, and national security and law enforcement agencies. He is also an active volunteer member of the U.S. Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force (CFTF), combating digital security threats and fraud.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Mr. Chanagá brings the international and multilingual expertise required in today’s global cybersecurity landscape.
Nestle Maullon
CPA & Director in the Risk Assurance Practice PwC Bahamas
Nestle Maullon
Title:CPA & Director in the Risk Assurance Practice PwC Bahamas
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Nestle Maullon is a Certified Public Accountant and Director in the Risk Assurance practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Bahamas. For the past 13 years, she has provided audit support for external audit engagements and has led internal audit engagements for clients across multiple industries in The Bahamas. Nestle also manages various types of engagements including cybersecurity, information security, IT audits, enterprise risk management, and internal audit.
Her international experience includes two years with PwC in London, UK, within the Risk Assurance practice, and four years at another Big 4 firm in the Philippines. In the Philippines, she gained extensive internal audit experience, performing COBIT reviews, Information Security and ISO 27001 preparedness reviews, SoX reviews, ITGCs reviews, and business process reviews (e.g., purchasing and payables, payroll, revenue and receivables).
In her current role, Nestle manages a diverse team of young professionals within the Risk Assurance Services line of service, focusing on managing external and internal audits. Her team is also responsible for digital transformation, assisting clients in enhancing their processes and managing risks through data analytics and digital tools.
Nestle’s experience locally includes reviewing and assessing ITGCs and assessing the functionality of IT dependencies including automated controls, system reports testing, and data auditing. She also performs other services such as IT risk governance by aligning client’s existing processes with best practices and international standards and helping clients to comply with regulatory requirements. She leads the local cybersecurity practice, working closely with regional specialists and assisting clients in drafting and improving policies on information security and enterprise risk management and regulations.
Edward Millington BSc, CISSP, CISO, SOC 2, ISO, FCIIS, CCCF, MIET
Managing Director, CariSec Global
Edward Millington BSc, CISSP, CISO, SOC 2, ISO, FCIIS, CCCF, MIET
Title:Managing Director, CariSec Global
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Edward Millington (BSc, CISSP, CISO, SOC 2, ISO, FCIIS, CCCF, MIET) is a distinguished cybersecurity and digital resilience expert with nearly three decades of experience. His esteemed credentials, including CISSP and CISO certifications and his peer-elected status as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information Security (FCIIS), underscore his authority. As a strategic board advisor and principal security consultant, he specialises in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), enabling diverse sectors like banking, government, and telecommunications to achieve strategic objectives while bolstering cyber resilience.
A prolific thought leader, Millington shapes the global cybersecurity landscape. He is a Commonwealth Caribbean Cyber Fellow and an EU CyberNet Expert, regularly keynoting at international conferences and authoring influential publications on AI governance and operational resilience. His leadership as Founder and Managing Director of CariSec Global Inc., Founder and Chairman of the Caribbean Chartered Institute of Cyber and Information Security, and Co-Chair of regional initiatives, underscores his commitment to advancing cybersecurity policy and capacity-building, particularly in the Caribbean.
Globally recognised, Millington’s career is a testament to his ability to drive innovation and foster development. His unique fusion of deep technical acumen and strategic foresight positions him as a trusted advisor, expertly translating complex frameworks into actionable business outcomes and preparing organisations for the future’s digital threats.
Shakera Johnson
Director Of Information Security, Cable Bahamas Ltd.
Shakera Johnson
Title:Director Of Information Security, Cable Bahamas Ltd.
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Shakera Johnson, MBA, CCISO, CISSP, CISM, CISA, CRISC has extensive experience in the field of information security and compliance. Shakera is currently serving as the Director of Information Security at Cable Bahamas Ltd. where they oversee the management of the company’s security measures. Prior to this role, they worked as the IT Security and Compliance Manager at the same company.
Before joining Cable Bahamas Ltd., Shakera worked at Atlantis Resorts as the Manager of IT Security and Compliance. Shakera was responsible for ensuring the security and compliance of the company’s IT systems.
Shakera’s career in the field of information security began at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas where they served as a Senior Security and Compliance Analyst. Shakera later transitioned into the role of Security and Compliance Analyst at the same company.
With their extensive experience and multiple certifications, Shakera Johnson is undoubtedly a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional in the field of information security and compliance.
Shakera Johnson holds an MBA degree from Georgia Southern University, which they obtained from 2006 to 2008. Prior to that, they earned a BA in Computer Information Systems from Savannah State University from 2004 to 2006. Additionally, they have obtained various certifications including the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) from ISACA in 2021, the InsightIDR Certified Specialist from Rapid7 in 2020, and several certifications from CompTIA and ISACA. Shakera is also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
John R. Mills
Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy
John R. Mills
Title:Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Deputy Assistant Secretary John R. Mills has served in the U.S. Government since the latter part of the Cold War. John is the former Director of Cybersecurity Policy, Strategy, and International Affairs in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. His service has been both in uniform and as a career civilian and included time as the DOD representative to the original NSC Cyber office. Retired Colonel Mills has served in joint, conventional, and special operations units and as a senior staff planner on the Chairman’s Joint Staff. His last uniformed military assignment was acting as a Homeland Defense liaison between Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security.
Since retiring from Government Service, John spent time with The Aerospace Corporation, The Center for Security Policy, the Committee on Present Danger China, The Spectrum Consulting group, an adjunct Professor for two major Universities, and a National Security Media Contributor for multiple broadcast and print media.
Shervin Evans
21st Century Cybersecurity
Shervin Evans
Title:21st Century Cybersecurity
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Shervin Evans is a seasoned ICT and cybersecurity leader with over 30 years of experience in the financial services sector. He brings deep expertise in cybersecurity strategy and governance, infrastructure design, ICT risk management, incident response, threat intelligence, digital forensics, and cyber recovery, helping organizations build resilient and secure operating environments.
He holds a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and numerous industry certifications, including CCISO, CHFI, CHE, CTIA, ECIH, CISE, CIAM, and CBE. A highly sought-after speaker, Shervin regularly presents at webinars and professional seminars on cyber resilience, leadership, and technology risk. He is an EC-Council CyberTalk Speaker and co-host of the Cyber Alert Podcast, alongside his daughter Aaleyah Evans (Cybergirl), where they promote cybersecurity awareness across generations.
Shervin previously served on the BFSB FinTech Working Group and currently serves in executive and advisory roles with the CyberEdBoard, the CISO Society, and the Cybersecurity Breakfast Club Florida Chapter, contributing to global conversations on governance, innovation, and risk oversight. He is also a proud member of the Rotary IT Fellowship, a Distinguished Toastmaster, and a Rotarian.
Sametria McKinney
Director of The National Computer Incident Response Team - 2025
Sametria McKinney
Title:Director of The National Computer Incident Response Team - 2025
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Sametria McKinney is a national leader in cybersecurity and digital resilience, currently serving as Director of the Bahamas’ National Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT-BS). In this role, she leads efforts to strengthen national cybersecurity capacity, build resilience across critical sectors, and coordinate the implementation of The Bahamas’ National Cybersecurity Strategy.
Over the course of her career, Sametria has broken new ground as one of the first women to hold top cybersecurity leadership roles in The Bahamas, including serving as the inaugural Chief Information Security Officer at the Central Bank of The Bahamas. Today, she continues to champion cyber resilience through technical capacity building, national awareness campaigns, and policy development.
Her passion extends beyond strategy and systems, she is deeply committed to advancing gender representation in cybersecurity, mentoring women entering the field, and leading child online protection initiatives across schools and communities.
Sametria’s leadership has been recognized globally: she received the ISSA International President’s Award for Cybersecurity in Public Service (2023) and the ISC² Global Achievement Award for Professional Leadership in the Americas (2024). She is frequently invited to speak at regional and international forums, where she shares her expertise on building cyber resilience and shaping inclusive, people-centered approaches to digital security.
Michelle Drolet
Founder & CEO, Towerwall
Michelle Drolet
Title:Founder & CEO, Towerwall
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Michelle Drolet is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Towerwall, a cybersecurity and compliance firm she established in 1999. Under her leadership, Towerwall has delivered security and compliance services to organizations including BPL, NIB, BTC, Cable Bahamas, Central Bank of the Bahamas, Bahamar and Atlantis. She has been doing business and supporting information security initiatives in Nassau since 1995.
Michelle is recognized for her longstanding commitment to cybersecurity education and community engagement. She is the founder of the Information Security Summit, now in its 15th year, which has raised more than $92,500 in scholarships for MassBay Community College students pursuing cybersecurity careers.
Michelle has served as Chair of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the MassBay Community College Cyber Advisory Board. Her industry leadership has been acknowledged with numerous honors, including recognition as a Top Woman in Cybersecurity by CTO Magazine, inclusion in Forbes’ “50 Over 50,” and the Security Innovator Award from Security InfoWatch.
Levan D. Rolle
Deputy Chief ISO, Central Bank of The Bahamas
Levan D. Rolle
Title:Deputy Chief ISO, Central Bank of The Bahamas
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Levan D. Rolle serves as the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer at the Central Bank of The Bahamas, where he is recognized for his mix of strategic and tactical leadership in cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection. With more than 10 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity, Levan has built a strong technical foundation across networking, virtualization, incident response, vulnerability management and threat intelligence. Throughout his career, Levan has demonstrated a unique ability to bridge deep technical expertise with strong business acumen; enabling him to effectively assess and relay cyber risk, prioritize threats, and guide remediation strategies at the executive and board level. This skill set has made him a trusted advisor in shaping cybersecurity priorities within the financial sector.
As a forward‑thinking leader, Levan currently oversees the Central Bank’s Information Security Departments Security Operations Center (SOC), where he directs efforts to strengthen the resilience of the Bank’s internal networks and infrastructure. His work extends beyond the organization, as he is actively engaged in advancing cybersecurity hygiene and best practices across the broader Bahamian financial sector.
Guy Pensa
Executive Vice President, Gathid
Guy Pensa
Guy Pensa is a seasoned identity and security executive with more than three decades of leadership in architecting, governing, and modernizing enterprise identity ecosystems for global Fortune 50–1000 organizations. Throughout his career, he has served as a trusted advisor to CIOs, CISOs, and CTOs, helping them navigate large-scale digital transformation, security modernization, and identity governance initiatives across highly regulated industries.
As the founder and president of a successful software services firm, Guy has led multi-million-dollar delivery programs, built and mentored high-performance engineering teams, and defined enterprise identity strategies for some of the world’s largest financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, and government institutions. His experience spans the full identity spectrum, including customer and workforce IAM, directory services, access management, integration architectures, and emerging AI-driven identity models.
Guy is widely respected for his ability to translate complex technical landscapes into clear, actionable strategies for executive leadership. He has served as a senior mentor and subject-matter expert to organizations such as Visa, HSBC, ANZ, Capital One, Verizon, major U.S. federal and state governments, national defense agencies, and numerous Fortune 100 enterprises. His leadership roles across ForgeRock, Oracle / Sun Microsystems, Red Hat, Netscape, and global consulting organizations have earned him a reputation for delivering stable, scalable, and secure identity foundations at enterprise scale.
Today, as Executive Vice President for North America, the UK, and Europe at Gathid, Guy continues to help organizations strengthen their security posture by gaining clear, evidence-based visibility into identity risk, authority, and access across complex IT and digital ecosystems.
Rodrigo Ricaurte
Cybersecurity Manager in Nokia Cloud and Network Services LAT
Rodrigo Ricaurte
Title:Cybersecurity Manager in Nokia Cloud and Network Services LAT
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Rodrigo Ricaurte is a recognized leader in the cybersecurity industry for the telecommunications sector in Latin America. With over 15 years of experience, he has developed solid expertise at the intersection of cybersecurity and telecommunications.
As a security solutions specialist at Nokia, Rodrigo has empowered Communication Service Providers (CSPs) and enterprises with robust network security strategies. His work focuses on mitigating risks, countering threats, and strengthening detection and response capabilities against the growing cyber threat landscape.
His deep technical knowledge and strategic vision position him as an authority in protecting critical telecommunications infrastructures in the region.
Rodrigo is an-Electronic Engineer, a graduate of the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana of Colombia, and holds numerous specialized cybersecurity certifications.
Michael Wright
Data Protection Commissioner
Michael Wright
Title:Data Protection Commissioner
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Michael Wright was born March 9, 1967 in Nassau The Bahamas. He has over 23 years’ experience in finance and financial services. A finance executive for most of his professional career, Mr. Wright has successfully built or spearheaded the implementation of strict corporate governance regimes, developing thereby a strong foundation in corporate law and Industry Compliance.
He has been credited for his strict adherence to control guidelines in his various roles in strategic management. He has acquired international assignments and personal experiences as a result of the critical responsibilities placed under his management in multinational companies and personally through his deliberate network with Global firms and industry professionals. This network has resulted in his participation, through attendance and presentations, at best practices forums in various countries.
Due to Mr. Wright’s functional expertise in a myriad of financial services and disciplines – he has since developed a reputation for being well grounded and versed in project implementation. He has served on various rollout teams across industries involving National Projects and selective participation in round table discussions.
Mr. Wright has played other key roles in areas of successful project implementation involving data migration, data security system disruptions and change management. He is a former managing director of a boutique investment and corporate governance firm and currently serves on local and international boards. The relations fostered by his past and current service in this regard, affords him continued exposure in the international business world of corporate compliance, governance and cyber capabilities.
He holds a Bachelor of Administration Degree from Fort Valley State University (Georgia) and is a graduate of St. Augustine’s College (Bahamas). He aggressively pursues opportunities for continuing education, certification and training in various areas of management, trade negotiations, data migration and specific areas of law.
An active member in notable civic and fraternal organizations, Mr. Wright is committed to affecting positive change among young men and others through volunteer initiatives. He is the father of three children and married to his wife Tanya for over 22 years.
Jorge Vendries
Senior Territory Account Manager, English Caribbean – Cloudflare
Jorge Vendries
Title:Senior Territory Account Manager, English Caribbean – Cloudflare
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Jorge Vendries is a distinguished technology strategist with over 30 years of leadership experience in the telecommunications and cybersecurity industries. Currently serving as the Senior Territory Account Manager for the English Caribbean at Cloudflare, Jorge is dedicated to the mission of building a better, more secure internet. His extensive career has been defined by a deep technical background and a commitment to digital transformation, helping organizations navigate the complexities of modern connectivity to achieve robust cyber resilience and operational efficiency.
With a specialized focus on the Caribbean region, Jorge has spent decades acting as a trusted advisor to major Service Providers and enterprise leaders. He possesses a unique understanding of the local landscape, partnering closely with customers across critical verticals—including Finance, Government, Retail, and Hospitality—to secure their digital frontiers. Jorge’s expertise lies in translating complex cybersecurity challenges into strategic business solutions, empowering these sectors to protect their infrastructure while driving innovation and sustainable growth in an increasingly connected world.
Carlon Antwan Bethel
Captain Royal Bahamas Defence Force
Carlon Antwan Bethel
Title:Captain Royal Bahamas Defence Force
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Captain Carlon Bethell is a 35-year veteran who has work in almost every area of the RBDF during his time on the force. He presently holds the position of Captain Communications Branch with responsibility for the Operations Command Center, RBDF Communications, and the RBDF Cyber Security team. Additionally, he is the director of the ministry of National Security Unmanned Systems Program also known as BAHNUS (Hehehe National Unmanned Systems).
Most of his career has been in an operational role; however, his academic background resides in Computer Information Systems, Strategic Studies, and National Security.
Notable achievements include:
- Transforming the RBDF computer section into an Information Technology Section.
- Spearheading the initiative to transform the Communications Center to a Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Operations Command Center under the De-centralization Strategic Plan.
- Serving as a commission member to form the 2008 Comprehensive Maritime Agreement between the Bahamas and The U.S.A.
- Member of the council that developed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Cuba (Border Control) and The Bahamas (RBDF).
- Served as a member of the council who developed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Dominican Republic (Military) and The Bahamas (RBDF).
- Director of the Ministry of National Security Multi-agency Bahamas Unmanned Systems (BAHNUS) program.
- RBDF Liaison for the PM/Ministry of National Security Delivery Unit Program.
- Coordinator for development and implementation of the RBDF Strategic Plan.
- The developer of the RBDF Multi-Layered Security Plan.
- Officer responsible for the implementation of the RBDF Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) framework.
- Founding member of the Caribbean Region Information Operations Council (CRIOC).
- Served as the Lead officer for the RBDF Information Operations campaign Marlin Spike.
- Served as the Lead officer for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas’ long-range coastal RADAR initiative.
- Served as the Lead officer in the RBDF decentralization strategic initiative.
- Chief Information Security Officer of the RBDF Cyber Security Team.
A graduate of Robert Melville Bailey (R. M. Bailey) high school Nassau Bahamas. Capt. Bethell joined the RBDF on the 8th of January 1990. He was commissioned as an officer in Her Majesty’s Service in 1995 on completion of his midshipman training at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, England. He attended the Officer Indoctrination School at the Coast Guard Academy in 1999 and possesses a Bachelor of Administration in Computer Information Systems (Management Information Systems) achieved from the College of The Bahamas. Capt. Bethell is a graduate of the Naval Staff College (NSC 82) of the Naval War College New Port Rhode Island which he attended in 2013. During the course, he served as the class vice president and on completion, he received honorable mention for the Rear Admiral C. Strasser International Leadership Award. In 2020 Sr. Cdr. Bethell became the first Bahamian to attend the Naval Command College (NCC) in Rhode Island, where he attained his Masters in Strategic Studies and National Security. Captain Bethell has a broad range of expertise and has served in nearly all areas of the RBDF including, Training, Commando Squadron, Administration, Public Affairs, Head Quarters, Squadron, Sick Bay, Information Technology, Supply, and Disaster Response. His broad range of skills results from hard work and extensive training at some of the world’s most respected institutions. He is a career officer who finds balance in his demanding job through active involvement in his church (Grace Community Church) and intentional time spending with his family. He is the husband of Orinoco Bethell and the father of three children; Carlon Antwan Bethell II (30), Kyla Lauren Bethell (22) and Daniel Nathan Bethell (15). His hobbies include walking, running, swimming, arts, graphic design, desktop publishing, carpentry, and website development.
Calnan Weech
Managing Director of IHG Consulting Partners
Calnan Weech
Title:Managing Director of IHG Consulting Partners
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Calnan Weech is a senior cybersecurity and information technology executive with over two decades of experience leading enterprise technology, governance, and security programs in large, complex organizations. He spent more than 20 years at Atlantis Resort & Casino, where he built and led the cybersecurity function, aligning the organization to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and significantly improving its security maturity.
He is the Managing Director of IHG Consulting Partners and also serves as a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant with SWITS Consulting Bahamas, advising organizations across the Caribbean on cybersecurity risk management, governance, and regulatory readiness. Calnan holds the CISSP and CISM certifications and is known for his ability to bridge business leadership and technical security teams to deliver practical, business-aligned cybersecurity outcomes.
Akeem Saunders
Head of Enterprise Solutions, Aliv Business
Akeem Saunders
Title:Head of Enterprise Solutions, Aliv Business
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Akeem Saunders is a senior technology and enterprise solutions executive with more than two decades of experience helping organizations leverage technology to drive efficiency, resilience, and growth. His career spans the Military, Financial Services, and Telecommunications industries, where he has led large-scale initiatives in enterprise IT management, operational optimization, and the adoption of emerging technologies.
As Head of Enterprise Solutions, Akeem works closely with executive teams to design and deliver technology strategies aligned with business objectives. He holds a Master of Science in Information Technology with a focus on Project Management and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, specializing in Applied Technology, and holds several industry certifications.
Derek W. Smith Jr., MBA, CAMS, CRCMP, CCE
Enterprise Transformation Leader
Derek W. Smith Jr., MBA, CAMS, CRCMP, CCE
Title:Enterprise Transformation Leader
Categories: Speakers & Panelist
Derek W. Smith Jr., MBA, CAMS, CRCMP, CCE, is an enterprise transformation leader with two decades of experience across financial services in the Caribbean, currently serving as Assistant Vice President of Compliance and MLRO at Coralisle Group, where he leads governance, risk, and regulatory accountability across multi-jurisdictional financial services operations across six territories. He is the author of The Compliance Blueprint and a frequent international speaker, known for translating governance, risk, and compliance into practical executive decision-making for boards, regulators, and senior leaders. Beyond his executive work, Derek chairs the Governance, Risk, Audit, and Compliance Committee of the Bahamas Red Cross and holds regional leadership roles in Rotary District 7020 and ACAMS, contributing to policy dialogue, leadership development, and community impact across the region. With Derek experiences and a MBA in Information Systems and Governance, his work focuses on translating complex technology and cyber risks into clear executive accountability and durable digital trust.

Join us as we embark on a journey to unleash resilience in the cyber world. Together, let’s explore innovations and strategies that will strengthen our collective cyber defense and pave the way for a safer digital future.

BICA Approved
The Summit
For Details
Call:
601-8911 (Nassau)
602-8811 (Family Islands)

