Securys, a renowned data protection consultancy firm based in the United Kingdom, is set to broaden its presence in the region with the opening of a new branch in Jamaica. 

No stranger to the island, Securys new branch will close the gap with existing local partners when it officially opens its doors this February.

The company, which is approaching its 10th anniversary this summer, provides personal data protection services to a diverse roster of clients across industries, and sees this move as an opportunity for greater collaboration with Jamaican organisations at a time when data security breaches across key industries have been dominating the headlines.

“With the increasing reliance on digital technology and the threats that accompany it in the modern world, we see data protection as a fundamental human right. It’s not only the law to protect your employees’, your customers’ and your own privacy; it’s the right thing to do,” stated Ben Rapp, founder and principal of Securys.

“Today, we work with a handful of Jamaican clients to create practical solutions to collect, manage and protect data within the context of an ever-changing landscape. With our new local office, it’s our goal to not only expand our footprint but help more companies fortify their data protection practices and comply with the new Government of Jamaica regulations.”

Data privacy and protection refers to how organisations use, handle and protect personal information. In December 2023, Jamaica’s Data Protection Act came into effect, requiring entities that process personal information to ensure the safety of the data they handle. Given the new legislation and the experience of Securys, the company sees itself as well-positioned to become a go-to supplier for Jamaican companies seeking support in navigating this new territory.

“We see a real opportunity to build a centre of excellence in Jamaica,” effused Sara Newman, co-founder and practice lead of Securys.

“We will recruit a strong local team that will serve not only the domestic market, but also the wider Caribbean and our Latin and North American clients, assisted by our global resources.”

“We understand that any new legislation such as the Jamaican Data Protection Act can be daunting, but we have real-world experience to make sure resources are used in the right places and that organisations are being as compliant as possible with regulations,” Newman continued.

She said Securys has worked with the local Office of the Information Commissioner and is keen to continue the relationship to ensure the support to its existing and prospective Jamaican clients meets the law’s requirements and the regulator’s expectations.