Renowned data privacy expert Bob Siegel to speak at UTech, Jamaica’s Data Protection Symposium

The University of Technology, Jamaica will, on Tuesday, January 28, 2024, host an International Data Protection Symposium to coincide with the global celebration of Data Privacy Day. The symposium is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lecture Theatre 50, Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica, Papine Campus and will be held under the theme, “Your Privacy Programme and You: Bridging the Gap, Navigating the Next Steps in Data Privacy.” 

The event aims to spread awareness about the importance of safeguarding data for both data controllers and data subjects across all sectors. The symposium will bring together global leaders from government agencies, academia, public and private sector organizations to share insights and strategies for building robust and sustainable programmes under the Data Protection Act 2020.

Key among the highlights for UTech, Jamaica’s Data Protection Symposium will be an international guest presentation by renowned data privacy expert, Mr. Bob Siegel, President, Privacy Ref and a special address to be presented by Ms. Celia Barclay, Information Commissioner.  Mr. Siegel will share his expertise on the role of privacy programs in modern organizations. His address is expected to offer a wealth of wisdom to government officials, industry and business leaders as to how they can develop policies, processes and technologies guided by international best practices to aid regulations pertaining to customers’ data. Ms. Barclay will inform attendees about the government’s strategies for enforcing the Data Protection Act 2020 through the Office of the Information Commissioner. Mrs. Winnie Berry, Deputy Chief Education Officer, Curriculum and Support Services Division at the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is also slated to bring remarks.

A panel discussion tackling current data policy practices will occur in the afternoon. During this segment, thought leaders will share their perspectives and valuable lessons on data audits and breach management for data controllers and privacy professionals. Special international guest presenter, Mr. Bob Siegel along with Mr. Godfrey Sterling, Director, Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (JACIRT) in the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr. Patrick Anglin, Data Protection Officer, The University of the West Indies Dr. Nadine Maitland Senior Lecturer, School of Computing and Information Technology, UTech, Jamaica and Mr. Andray Lawrence, Data Protection Officer, UTech, Jamaica will be among the panelists.

Commenting on the relevance and timeliness of the event, Dr. Kevin Brown, President, University of Technology, Jamaica stated that “the university is pleased to host this important forum as data privacy requires much attention in this fast-paced information-sharing era.” He added, “as the island’s national STEM university, we are committed to tackling critical societal challenges, including safeguarding individuals’ privacy and strengthening public trust. Through this convening of experts and stakeholders, the International Data Protection Symposium serves as a catalyst for innovative solutions and informed practices.” Dr. Brown emphasized that the event highlights the university’s dedication to advancing knowledge and delivering impactful outcomes for government, industries, and communities.

The International Data Protection Symposium is the latest initiative coming out of the University of Technology, Jamaica in support of the government’s thrust to promote awareness of the Data Protection Act 2020 which was passed on December 1, 2023. The university in partnership with e-Learning Jamaica spearheaded the training of the first cohort of data protection officers within the education sector in 2023. This consisted of over 100 individuals from primary and secondary schools who were certified as data protection officers for their respective institutions.

Lead organizers for the UTech, Jamaica International Data Protection Symposium Dr. Nadine Maitland and Mr. Andray Lawrence shared that the event is specifically targeted at data protection officers, government agencies and business leaders, but that registration is also open to the public. Individuals may visit https://onlinepay.utech.edu.jm/ or email managementaccounts@utech.edu.jm for registration details.

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Contact: Michelle Beckford (Mrs.)

Corporate Communications Manager

Corporate Communications Unit

Advancement Division

University of Technology, Jamaica

Tel: (876) 970- 5299 | Cell: (876) 818-5893

Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm