THE CYBER PEOPLE

Summit Speakers

CLIFFORD BENJAMIN

Clifford Benjamin is a certified Cybersecurity Analyst with 11 years of experience in the telecommunications and IT industries. He is skilled in identifying vulnerabilities and implementing robust security measures to protect organizations. His expertise includes threat intelligence reporting, developing security policies, and managing cloud network environments across Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform. Clifford holds a CompTIA Security+ ce Certification.

Slogan: Cybersecurity starts with Cyber-Sense.

CHARLES GRANT

Originating from Dominica, Charles Grant began his IT journey in 2000 as a Hardware Technician and has since evolved into a cybersecurity professional and IT leader, currently serving as the CEO of Q C Grant Ltd and IT Manager at Jolly’s Pharmacy, where he manages the core IT infrastructure for the island's largest pharmacy. A strong proponent of open-source technology for digital transformation in the Caribbean, his expertise is backed by multiple certifications including CompTIA Security+, Pentest+, and SecurityX, as well as a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Forensic Information Technology with research focused on securing IoT devices. Beyond his immediate IT and security roles, Charles is a passionate advocate for the Caribbean to move beyond consuming technology and become a creator and producer of AI and other homegrown systems to meet the region's unique needs, with a core mission to enhance cybersecurity, champion open-source, and establish the Caribbean as a digital innovator.

DEVON PARRIS

Devon's career transition from pastry chef to cybersecurity professional is a powerful example of how diverse experience can create a unique skill set. His 14 years in the kitchen, a world of precision and attention to detail, laid the groundwork for his success in digital security. The meticulous process of building a perfect pastry parallels the need to establish strong, resilient security foundations. His background also gave him practical experience in risk management and problem-solving, which he now applies to identifying and mitigating digital threats. Combined with his CompTIA Security+ and Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certifications, Devon's passion for making security concepts accessible makes him a valuable educator and a unique asset in the field.

Slogan: Think Like a Hacker. Defend Like a Pro.

EDWARD MILLINGTON

Edward Millington is the Founder and Managing Director of CariSec Global Inc., a strategic leader with nearly three decades of experience in information systems security, ICT, and telecommunications. As a Strategic Board Advisor and Principal Security Consultant, he helps executives and boards integrate digital trust and ethical technology governance into their organizational culture. Known for his ability to translate complex frameworks like ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST CSF into actionable, board-level strategies, Edward specializes in AI governance, Digital Operational Resilience, and Cyber Risk Management. He is a Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP), a Fellow of the Royal Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec), and a Commonwealth Caribbean Cyber Fellow (CCCF). His global advocacy focuses on integrating cyber risk into enterprise risk management, shaping cybersecurity strategies worldwide.

Slogan: Simplifying learning, you can use.

GARNER DOWNES

Garner Downes is the Manager of Information and Security Operations at Protexxa, where he directs the company's Service Desk and Security Operations Center (SOC). He ensures continuous monitoring, swift incident response, and reliable operational support. Garner also spearheads initiatives to bolster observability, security monitoring, and reporting across diverse cloud environments, enabling his team to proactively detect, respond to, and resolve issues that could impact security and business operations.

DR. KRISTEN CLARKE

Dr. Kristen Clarke is a Psychiatry and Public Health Professional who holds a Master of Public Health with a focus on mental health policy. She has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable communities across the region, from hosting talk sessions with former female sex workers to organizing food initiatives for the unhoused in Jamaica and Barbados. Her work also addresses maternal and adolescent mental health, emphasizing the interplay between social conditions, technology, and psychological well-being. Currently, her research and advocacy focus on the intersection of mental health, cybersecurity, and youth resilience in the Caribbean, a passion that drives her to create systems that promote online safety, prepare young people for a digital future, and ensure their cyber-safety and mental wellness.

NEIL HINDS

With over 30 years of experience, Neil Hinds has developed digital forensics capabilities throughout the Caribbean region. He enjoys building human capabilities, from the basic level of identifying and securing digital evidence to training digital forensics investigators. Hinds believes in being proactive instead of reactive and building cybersecurity awareness from the most vulnerable to the least vulnerable. Therefore, he advocates for collaboration starting with youth, who should be trained in the positive use of social media to protect their identities and social well-being online.

OMAR CLARKE

Omar Clark is a cybersecurity professional specializing in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). He has experience in risk assessments, policy development, and aligning organizations with frameworks such as SOC 2 and CAN/CIOSC. Passionate about cyber awareness, he has led sessions for students on online safety and is committed to helping businesses, non-profits, and communities strengthen their cyber resilience.

Slogan: Cybersecurity starts with Cyber-Sense.

ROGER BLACKMAN

Roger Blackman is an accomplished Information Technology leader with over 27 years of experience in public sector IT management, systems development, and cybersecurity. His career highlights include serving as Senior Manager of IT at the Barbados Revenue Authority and Manager of Information Systems at the Land Tax Department, following an earlier role as Systems Analyst/Programmer. With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Physics & Mathematics from the University of the West Indies (UWI) and an International Certificate in Enterprise Risk Management, he recently enhanced his expertise as a Cyber Analyst, specializing in vulnerability management and GRC. Roger's technical proficiency spans a wide range of platforms, from Oracle and Red Hat Linux to cybersecurity tools like Wireshark and Tenable Nessus, and is complemented by certifications in leadership development, project management, and strategic planning. A lifelong learner, he is dedicated to applying his skills to protect organizations from cyber risks while aligning IT strategy with business and regulatory objectives.

ROGER BLENMAN

Roger O. Blenman is an experienced educator and cybersecurity professional with more than 25 years of experience in IT education, now focusing on cybersecurity and risk analysis. He developed a keen systems-oriented mindset during his time as a teacher and department head at Queen's College in Barbados, where he was responsible for managing complex technical and human systems. This experience, combined with his work with the Caribbean Examinations Council to standardize assessments and his volunteer efforts to build an asset-tracking application for the District Emergency Organisation, showcases his ability to turn abstract policies into scalable solutions. As a Senior Associate at DPMAS, Roger applies this principles-based approach to vulnerability assessments and compliance alignment, drawing on his expertise in IT, education, and public service. He is currently pursuing an MSc in Cybersecurity and holds several certifications, including CompTIA Security+ and Cisco Networking, reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning and ethical leadership in the digital world.

Slogan: Guiding Others Through the Complex World of Cybersecurity