The 2nd Annual Cybersecurity Summit, scheduled for February 19, 2026 at Atlantis Paradise Island, will bring together leading voices in cybersecurity from across the region and internationally. Among the featured speakers are two distinguished Bahamian professionals returning for a second year: Shakera Johnson, Director of Information Security at Cable Bahamas Ltd., and Sametria McKinney, Director of the National Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT-BS) in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Building on the success of last year’s event, the summit will serve as a hub for collaboration and knowledge exchange, addressing the evolving threat landscape and strategies for resilience. Attendees will engage with experts on critical topics shaping the future of cybersecurity, including: national and regional defense strategies, artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, digital trust and governance, financial cybercrime, and the strategic role of cybersecurity in enabling business growth and transformation.

“Cyber resilience is no longer a theoretical exercise; it is a leadership responsibility,” said Shakera Johnson, Director of Information Security at Cable Bahamas Ltd. “This summit brings decision-makers together to confront real risks, exchange proven approaches, and align on how we protect the systems and services our economies depend on. Strong partnerships between the public and private sectors are essential to building resilience that is coordinated, credible, and sustainable.”

New for 2026 is the introduction of a dedicated Workshop Day on February 20 at Crypto Isle from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. These interactive sessions are designed to deepen the learning and engagement offered at the summit by providing participants with practical exercises and guided sessions facilitated by seasoned professionals. The workshop format responds to increasing demand for practical skills-focused learning and capacity-building opportunities. It enables IT practitioners, executives, and policymakers to work through real-world challenges, build muscle memory in crisis response, and apply best practices to everyday operational realities.

“Cybersecurity is ultimately a team sport,” said Sametria McKinney, Director of CIRT-BS. McKinney highlighted that the summit and workshop together create a platform for building collective defense strategies and improving readiness across sectors. She stressed that regional collaboration is essential to address emerging threats effectively.

Charnette Thompson, Vice President of Aliv Business, emphasized that hosting the summit again reflects Aliv Business’s vision to empower Bahamian enterprises with secure, innovative solutions that turn cybersecurity into a growth enabler. She noted that Aliv Business is finalizing details of new cyber solutions designed to support local businesses, which will be introduced during the summit. “Our goal is to help organizations strengthen resilience, accelerate digital transformation, and position themselves for success regionally and globally,” Thompson said.

This year’s summit emphasizes that cybersecurity is fundamentally about people, leadership, and culture, reinforcing resilience as a shared responsibility across organizations and sectors. With cyber threats evolving at an unprecedented pace, organizations across The Bahamas and the Caribbean are recognizing that security is a shared responsibility. The event will showcase practical frameworks, and collaborative models that empower businesses and governments to work together in safeguarding digital ecosystems. Attendees will also have opportunities to network with peers, explore cutting-edge solutions, and gain actionable insights to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.