The Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM), in collaboration with Design Privacy Ltd, successfully hosted the Graduation Ceremony for Cohort 1 of the Data Protection Course. The event took place on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the Executive Lecture Theatre, MSBM, Mona Campus.
This Data Protection Course, a collaborative effort by MSBM and Design Privacy, was designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) as prescribed by the Jamaican Data Protection Act. This course has effectively equipped a cohort of 39 dedicated public and private sector individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of data protection in today's ever-changing business environment.
In a world characterised by big data, held by most customer facing firms and government agencies, the collection, storage, analysis and use of personal data has become a huge industry. This is even more pertinent on the eve of the launch of a National Identity System in Jamaica which will see the collection by the government of large amounts of personal data. There are implications too for international trade, as the European Union requires their trading partners to implement legislation similar to the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in order to protect their national’s data. The Jamaican Act is fully aligned with the GDPR.
Under the stewardship of the Professional Services Unit at MSBM and the visionary guidance of Design Privacy, the members of Cohort 1 embarked on this learning journey with enthusiasm and determination. The Data Protection Course holds exceptional importance as it ensures that these graduates are prepared to meet the requirements of the Jamaican Data Protection Act, set to take effect on December 1, 2023.
The graduation ceremony featured distinguished speakers, including; Mr. Christopher Reckord, Chair of the Data Protection Committee who, delivered an inspiring keynote address emphasizing the importance of data protection in today's interconnected world.
Mr. Chukwuemeka Cameron, Founder of Design Privacy Limited, provided a comprehensive overview of the course content and its practical implications for data protection in Jamaica while Dr. David McBean, Executive Director of MSBM, also shared insights and congratulated the graduates on their achievements. Ms. Diane Edwards, Director of the Professional Services Unit at MSBM, delivered the welcome and opening remarks..
The ceremony was a significant event for both the graduates and the local business community, for as the Jamaican Data Protection Act draws closer to implementation, the knowledge and expertise of these graduates will be invaluable in safeguarding the privacy and rights of individuals in the digital age.
MSBM and Design Privacy proudly congratulate Cohort 1 on their remarkable achievements and are confident in the knowledge that these professionals will play a crucial role in ensuring the successful and ethical implementation of the Jamaican Data Protection Act.
For further inquiries or information on upcoming events and courses, please contact:
Annabelle Graham or Tameka Thompson
Professional Services Unit
Mona School of Business and Management, UWI
Email: msbm-psu@uwimona.edu.jm
Phone: (876) 505-2342 or (876) 891-9061
About MSBM:
Mona School of Business and Management (MSBM) at The University of the West Indies, Mona, is the premier Business School in the region offering a diverse suite of undergraduate and graduate programmes as well as sought after executive education courses. MSBM is a key plank of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona’s value proposition to its constituents in Jamaica and the region. Specifically, its mandate is to be the arm of the University that facilitates effective business education and practices in the private and public sectors in order to advance the economic development agenda of Jamaica.
About Design Privacy:
Design Privacy Limited is a Jamaican-based company that specializes in data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity. They provide training and consultancy services to help organizations understand and comply with data protection regulations.