AGP Executive Report

Health Infrastructure: Cabinet approved plans for climate-resilient upgrades, including new hospitals in Black River, Falmouth, Hanover and Kingston. Tourism & Technology: Caribbean travellers are adopting AI faster than businesses. Only 12% of regional firms reportedly use it effectively, creating a risk that Jamaican tourism operators will miss online bookings. Agriculture: Jamaica’s Wambugu apple research is drawing regional interest as a possible route to local production and lower import dependence. Officials are also pushing drought-resilient seeds and a 30% cut in feed imports. Water Security: Drought is threatening farms and businesses, prompting calls for a reset in water planning and investment in infrastructure. Energy: Jamaica plans to launch a 300MW renewable-energy auction before year-end. Business Recovery: A new grant programme will assist MSMEs affected by Hurricane Melissa. Food Trade: US authorities warned of illegally imported Grace chicken Vienna sausages from Jamaica reaching stores in several states, raising concerns for food safety and the country’s export reputation.

NaRRA Costs: The Government will lease less space at the Digicel Building for the reconstruction agency after backlash over its $115-million annual rent. Water Security: The PSOJ says drought is driving up business costs and calls for a funded national water plan; MPs also questioned whether trucked water is always potable. MSME Recovery: A new $500-million grant programme offers eligible small businesses and self-employed Jamaicans up to $350,000 to recover from Hurricane Melissa. Tourism Investment: Guyana’s president urged Caribbean leaders to invest in transport, infrastructure and resilience to stay competitive. Agriculture: Jamaica will chair CARDI’s board, guiding regional research, while the FAO’s outgoing Caribbean coordinator is pushing to cut poultry-feed imports by 30% in five years. Small Business: A regional Mastercard survey found cyberattack fears are delaying digital upgrades and online expansion, despite widespread adoption of digital payments. Regional Finance: A new Caribbean sustainability bond aims to raise up to US$250 million for resilience, renewable energy and water projects.

Tourism Investment: Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali urged Caribbean governments and businesses to invest in transport links and infrastructure to keep the region competitive. NaRRA: The Government will scale back its planned Digicel Building office space after public criticism of the agency’s $115-million annual rent. Water Security: The PSOJ is calling for a national assessment of water needs, projects and financing as drought threatens business and farm output. MSME Recovery: A new $500-million programme offers grants of up to $100,000 to self-employed workers and $350,000 to eligible small businesses hit by Hurricane Melissa. Tourism Resilience: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett proposed a permanent regional fund for disaster preparedness, recovery and climate-resilient infrastructure. Agriculture: Jamaica will chair CARDI’s board, helping set the regional research agenda for better planting materials and farming practices. Regional Investment: A new Caribbean sustainability bond aims to raise up to US$250 million for resilience, renewable energy and water projects. Hospitality: Montego Bay’s S Hotel ranked second in its Condé Nast Traveler category, the highest placement for a Caribbean property.

Renewable Energy: Jamaica expects to launch a 300MW renewable-energy auction before year-end, including 150MW of battery storage. Water & Industry: With key reservoirs below half capacity, the PSOJ is calling for a reset in water planning. An audit also found the NWC has $23.88 billion in receivables, including $19.3 billion provisioned as bad debt. Carib Cement, meanwhile, reports cutting water withdrawals by 16 per cent. Tourism: Minister Edmund Bartlett has proposed a permanent regional fund for disaster readiness and recovery. September passenger traffic fell 16.6 per cent at Montego Bay’s airport and 3.8 per cent at Kingston’s, year over year. Agriculture: At Caribbean Week of Agriculture, Minister Floyd Green called for more technology in farming and better regional transport to support food trade. Food Safety: US authorities issued an alert for Grace chicken Vienna-style sausages illegally imported from Jamaica. No illnesses have been reported; consumers are urged not to eat the products and to discard or return them.

Food Safety & Trade: The USDA issued a public health alert for canned chicken Vienna-style sausages illegally imported from Jamaica, urging consumers not to eat specific Grace Ready to Eat Chicken Vienna Sausages (140g) batches distributed in several US states. Public Health & Youth Mobilisation: Health Minister Krystal Lee is pushing a new youth blood donation ambassador programme, urging regular donation as a national responsibility. Disaster Resilience & Governance: NaRRA says it will start operations Nov. 1 at the Digicel Building under a five-year lease (US$725,972 annually), while the PNP questions the cost and asks why other government-owned sites weren’t used. Water Infrastructure Under Drought: NaRRA is reviewing major water projects after drought deepened, including whether to expand storage capacity for Kingston and St. Andrew. Industrial Relations: Jamaica’s Industrial Disputes Tribunal ruled in favour of doctors on emergency duty and overtime-related matters, with union leaders urging the Government to implement the award. Tourism & Regional Links: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett wants Jamaica’s ALEX to scale into a Caribbean agrolinkages exchange to connect farmers and tourism buyers. Construction Safety: CCECC Jamaica says a worker who died at the Sangster airport expansion project was employed by a subcontractor, Frontier Gateways LLC. Insurance & Tourism Recovery: The Insurance Association of Jamaica says it’s working to resolve unresolved Hurricane Melissa claims affecting tourism operators. Digital Resilience: CaribNOG 32 meets Oct. 7–9 in Curaçao, focusing on strengthening Caribbean internet infrastructure and cybersecurity. Industry Recall: GraceKennedy Foods recalled specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L in multiple markets, citing a product-quality issue.

Tourism & Hospitality: S Hotel Montego Bay was named #2 in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards for The Atlantic, Caribbean & Central America, a major boost for Jamaica’s post-Hurricane Melissa recovery. Water & Infrastructure: NaRRA is set to begin operations Nov. 1 after signing a five-year lease for its Digicel Building HQ, while the Government and OUR push drought-focused water network modernisation and stronger sector planning to cut water loss and improve service at the tap. Doctors’ Pay Dispute: The Industrial Disputes Tribunal ruled in favour of doctors on emergency duty overtime/allowances, with union leaders calling for swift implementation and a disbursement plan. Agriculture-to-Tourism Logistics: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett wants Jamaica’s ALEX expanded into a Caribbean-wide agrolinkages exchange to connect farmers and agro-processors with tourism buyers across the region. Insurance Claims: The Insurance Association of Jamaica says it’s working to resolve unresolved Hurricane Melissa tourism claims, including settlement calculations and valuations. Food Supply Pressure: KFC Jamaica warns of temporary lettuce shortages tied to drought impacts on local farming. Regional Development: JSIF marks 30 years, pledging renewed focus on rural resilience, public safety, climate resilience and human capital.

Doctors’ Pay Ruling: Jamaica’s Industrial Disputes Tribunal has ruled in favour of doctors in the overtime pay dispute, ending a 42-month standoff and setting up implementation talks between the JMDA and the government. Water Sector Planning: The OUR is calling for tighter coordination and long-term planning in Jamaica’s water sector as drought worsens service gaps, linking financing and customer outcomes. Climate-Resilient Housing: The Chief Technical Director urged faster delivery of hurricane-proof, climate-resilient homes, pointing to lessons from Hurricane Melissa. Food & Supply Disruptions: KFC Jamaica says drought-linked production problems at its sole vegetable supplier have caused a temporary lettuce shortage. Insurance Claims Pressure: The Insurance Association says it’s intensifying work to clear outstanding Hurricane Melissa claims, with progress uneven across claim types and currencies. Regional Trade Barriers: Jamaica’s agriculture minister says CARICOM must tackle standards harmonisation, shipping costs, and logistics friction to move food and fisheries across borders. Hospitality & Community Resilience: JSIF marks 30 years with a renewed push on rural livelihoods, public safety, climate resilience and human capital. Tourism Industry Tensions: A representation dispute has erupted in Jamaica’s tourism ground transportation sector, with competing umbrella claims. Business Recognition: Sagicor CEO Christopher Zacca is set to receive the Order of Jamaica on October 19. Digital Resilience: CaribNOG 32 in Curaçao will focus on strengthening Caribbean internet infrastructure and cybersecurity readiness.

Workplace Safety Push: Opposition labour spokesperson Wavell Hinds renewed calls for stronger occupational safety after construction worker Everton Campbell died in an incident at Sangster International Airport, urging a clear update and timeline for Jamaica’s long-awaited Occupational Safety and Health legislation. Food Industry Watch: GraceKennedy Foods issued a voluntary recall of specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L across several Caribbean markets, saying it’s a quality issue with no expected health impact. Insurance Recovery: The Insurance Association of Jamaica says most Hurricane Melissa claims are settled, but non-motor and US-dollar claims are still lagging, leaving families and businesses under pressure. Tourism & Hospitality: Jamaica Tourist Board targets 10 million annual visitor arrivals over the next decade, while a separate report highlights five Jamaican-owned hotels offering alternatives to all-inclusives. Agriculture & Fisheries: Jamaica’s Floyd Green says the region is moving to protect fishers through traceability and stronger marine management, with 12 fisheries resolutions approved at the Caribbean Week of Agriculture. Energy & Water: A OUR webinar reignited debate on seawater desalination as drought worsens, with specialists questioning whether Jamaica’s energy costs make it viable at scale. Media & Consumer Policy: A new Jamaica Consumer and Competition Authority is set to replace the CAC and FTC, aiming to streamline consumer protection and competition enforcement. Sports Business: JISA president Christopher Samuda urged a more commercially driven approach to collegiate sports as the 2026/27 season launches.

Workplace Safety Push: Opposition renewed calls for Jamaica to strengthen and speed up Occupational Safety and Health legislation after construction worker Everton Campbell died at Sangster International Airport, urging a full investigation and a clear Parliamentary timeline. Food Industry Recall: GraceKennedy Foods is voluntarily recalling specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch 1L in Jamaica and several Caribbean markets due to a product-quality issue (no expected health effects), with refunds or replacements for affected codes. Insurance Recovery: The Insurance Association of Jamaica says most Hurricane Melissa claims are settled, but non-motor and US-dollar claims are still slower, urging clearer updates and next steps for policyholders. Tourism & Hospitality: Jamaica Tourist Board targets 10 million annual arrivals over 10 years, highlighting opportunities beyond all-inclusives with Jamaican-owned hotels. Agriculture & Fisheries: At Caribbean Week of Agriculture, Minister Floyd Green pushed for action after talks, including stronger regional fisheries traceability and marine management, plus a $20M plan for school gardens to build early agriculture interest. Healthcare Disruption: JMDA ended a 24-hour industrial action over delayed IDT ruling on doctors’ overtime, warning further delays could bring more disruptions. Consumer & Competition Reform: A new Jamaica Consumer and Competition Authority is set to replace CAC and FTC, combining consumer protection and competition enforcement. Water & Energy Debate: Specialists discussed seawater desalination as a drought option, but questioned feasibility without lower electricity costs; separate reporting flags policy bottlenecks slowing Caribbean renewables. Sports Business Angle: JISA urged a more commercial, investment-ready approach to collegiate sports, linking events to measurable value for partners.

Brazil Election Watch: Polls show Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro deadlocked ahead of Sunday’s vote, with a tight first-round race and a possible runoff. Water Security: Jamaica’s drought pressure is reigniting debate on seawater desalination, with specialists warning it’s energy-hungry and depends on lowering electricity costs. Consumer & Competition Reform: A new Jamaica Consumer and Competition Authority is set to replace the CAC and FTC, combining consumer protection and competition enforcement. Health Sector Disruption: Junior doctors staged a 24-hour industrial action over a delayed IDT overtime ruling, prompting emergency-only adjustments and longer waits at public facilities. Food Industry: GraceKennedy Foods recalls specific batches of Grace Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch in Jamaica and several Caribbean markets due to a quality issue. Finance & Markets: Mayberry launches Mayberry GO, a managed portfolio for liquid Jamaican-dollar cash using Bank of Jamaica CDs, while MRSL refreshes the All Media Survey with AI and a longer measurement period. Energy Transition: A new Ember report says Caribbean solar growth is outpacing official stats, but policy barriers are slowing the wider shift away from imported fuels.

Health Sector Disruption: Junior doctors staged industrial action over a delayed Industrial Disputes Tribunal ruling on a J$31-billion overtime dispute, forcing hospitals to operate in emergency mode, curtail outpatient care and elective surgeries, and reschedule non-urgent services islandwide. Infrastructure & Resilience: PM Andrew Holness handed over an $8M concrete pavement and infrastructure project in Bell Rock, while NaRRA chief Antony Anderson said Vernamfield in Clarendon could become a key inland logistics and air-cargo resilience hub during hurricanes. Consumer & Competition Law: In Senate debate on the Jamaica Consumer and Competition Authority Bill, 2026, Senator Charles Sinclair criticised “underhanded” insurance practices, while Opposition Senator Ramon Small-Ferguson questioned reduced maximum fines. Agribusiness & Food Prices: Drought pressure is pushing produce prices up, with lettuce reported at up to $1,800 per pound, as Caribbean Export plans to pitch three agro-processing projects to investors at CIF 2026. Business & Jobs: STATIN data shows formal employment fell by 24,000 in July even as unemployment stayed near historic lows, and PriceSmart opened a US$28M Montego Bay location.

Health Sector Disruption: Junior doctors staged industrial action after the Industrial Disputes Tribunal delayed its overtime ruling, forcing hospitals into emergency mode and curtailing outpatient clinics and elective surgeries, with senior doctors covering only urgent cases. Airport Safety: A construction worker was fatally injured during steel erection work at Sangster International Airport, prompting a site suspension as police investigate. Food & Consumer Pressure: Lettuce prices hit up to $1,800 per pound at Coronation Market as drought squeezes supply, raising fears of a pricey Christmas. Agro-Investment Push: Caribbean Export will pitch three agro-processing projects to investors at CIF 2026 to strengthen regional food security. Labour Market Watch: STATIN reports formal jobs fell by 24,000 in July even as unemployment stayed near historic lows. Business & Trade: PriceSmart opened a US$28m Montego Bay location, adding to its Jamaica expansion plans. Agriculture Policy: Minister Floyd Green urged a regional shift toward premium “money crops” and better execution to cut the food import bill. Water Crisis: NWC drought conditions worsened, with 107 reserve systems now in drought territory and more restrictions expected next week, alongside emergency tank distribution.

Doctors’ Strike Disrupts Care: Junior doctors begin industrial action over delayed IDT overtime ruling, with only emergency services available from 8 a.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday; the Health Ministry says contingency plans and senior coverage are in place, while hospitals in the west report operations running with rosters. Water Crisis Deepens: NWC drought conditions worsen as 107 of 405 reserve systems are now in drought territory; Samuda warns restrictions may tighten next week and says 5,000 black water tanks will be distributed, including to early childhood institutions, farmers and persons with disabilities. BPO Push for Higher Value: Industry Minister Aubyn Hill urges BPO firms to pivot from low-value work toward knowledge services like software development, cybersecurity, data analytics and AI, citing earnings falling from about US$1 billion to US$750 million. Agriculture Pivot for Food Security: Floyd Green calls for a regional division of labour and Jamaica’s focus on premium crops such as roots, tubers and spices, aiming to cut the region’s food import bill by 25% by 2030. Oil Producer Bid Advances: United Oil and Gas starts a drilling-rig and cost study for Walton-Morant targets Colibri and Thunderball, moving the project toward potential commercial drilling. Bird Flu Surveillance: Veterinary Services steps up checks for highly pathogenic avian influenza ahead of migratory bird season, including sampling from dead birds and continued animal tagging support. Cannabis Reform Opens Access: Jamaica introduces two new special permits to help traditional growers and small farmers enter the regulated cannabis industry with transitional and community pathways. Business Support for Entrepreneurs: FLOW REAP backs 30 St. Thomas entrepreneurs with training, mentorship and $100,000 tool grants for businesses across agriculture, food production, services and retail. Tourism Tech Agenda: Tourism Ministry reiterates plans to integrate AI and digital tools to strengthen competitiveness, workforce skills and crisis management. Industry Loss: Veteran TV producer Brian St. Juste dies at 68, leaving a long record shaping Jamaica’s film, sports and national debate broadcasts.

Climate & Disaster Economics: New data says global extreme-weather losses were $210b in 2025, still 20% above the 2000–2019 average, while Jamaica’s losses were estimated at 39.4% of GDP—underscoring how climate shocks can hit the economy hard. Hurricane Melissa Recovery: A post-Melissa look warns the “lesson” is that what happened once can happen again, with the next bill potentially even higher. Revenue & Jobs Pressure: UCASE president Vincent Morrison warns Jamaica’s revenue collection could face a crisis as more people move into the informal sector; STATIN also shows unemployment edging up to 3.4% with job losses, especially in agriculture. Health Sector Industrial Action: With doctors threatening action over delayed overtime/emergency duty rulings, the Health Ministry says essential services will continue but some clinics and elective procedures may face adjustments; JCSA backs doctors’ call for a timely IDT decision. Manufacturing & Trade Costs: The revised Environmental Protection Levy is now in effect, raising the rate to 0.85% (from 0.5%) on goods, with quarterly timing from Oct–Dec. Water Security for Industry & Agriculture: Water Ministry emergency procurement will distribute 5,000 storage tanks over three months to schools and farmers to ease drought impacts. Business & Investment Signals: Paramount Trading reports a big jump in net profit despite Hurricane Melissa, citing growth in construction/adhesives and manufacturing; FESCO plans more dealer-owned service stations as sales and operating profit rise. Maritime & Logistics: MAJ marks World Maritime Day by stressing “policy to practice” for shipping resilience, noting most of Jamaica’s trade moves by sea. Diaspora & Finance for Farmworkers: JN Money says short-term loans help seasonal Jamaican farmworkers in Canada bridge paycheque gaps. Local Growth & Food/SME Spaces: Social Yard is set to create a new food and entertainment hub in Constant Spring-Manor Park, aimed at boosting MSMEs and jobs. Agriculture Industry Development: JPFA’s new president outlines a three-year agenda to professionalise pig farming, improve standards, and expand the market for Jamaican pork. Tourism & Culture: Jamaica promotes investment opportunities at a New York diaspora town hall, while NDTC announces South Florida performances and Masicka gears up for Portmore’s Forever1NE Music Festival.

Tourism & Investment: Jamaica jumped four places to 78th in the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Travel & Tourism Development Index, with Minister Edmund Bartlett citing gains in resilience, infrastructure, connectivity, safety and innovation. Maritime & Trade: Maritime Authority of Jamaica DG Bertrand Smith marked World Maritime Day by stressing “policy to practice” for a rules-based shipping system, noting over 80% of Jamaica’s trade moves by sea. Water & Infrastructure: Jamaica’s diaspora town hall in New York highlighted major water investment—about J$16 billion this year—plus opportunities in desalination, land, agriculture, healthcare and creative services. Business & Jobs: State Minister Delano Seiveright backed the “Social Yard” food and entertainment hub in Constant Spring-Manor Park, aimed at MSMEs and local employment. Labour Dispute: The Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association pressed the Industrial Disputes Tribunal for an overtime ruling by Oct. 2, warning doctors may proceed with industrial action as delays continue. Agriculture & Youth: Jamaica 4-H Clubs will invest about $20 million in CHASE Fund-backed school gardens in western Jamaica to build early interest in farming. Disaster Recovery Finance: CCRIF said Jamaica received US$91.9m within 14 days after Hurricane Melissa, highlighting parametric insurance as fast budget support.

Water Crisis: Jamaica’s drought is worsening, with NWC saying 107 of 405 reserve systems are in drought territory and production down from about 199m to 188m gallons; Minister Matthew Samuda warns tighter restrictions may bring day-on/day-off supply to some communities. Housing & Land: New Social Housing Programme approvals lag as land tenure issues, incomplete applications and unsuitable sites hold back builds, with only 390 of 1,080 single-unit applications approved. Economy & Jobs: STATIN reports unemployment at 3.4% in July (up from 3.3%), while GDP shrank 2.9% in April-June as mining, agriculture and tourism fell. Cost of Living & Finance: Bank of Jamaica lifts the policy rate to 6% to contain inflation; BOJ expects growth to strengthen in 2027/28. Health Sector Pressure: Doctors’ overtime dispute at the IDT remains unresolved, with unions warning of possible disruption if a ruling isn’t delivered by Oct 2. Agriculture & Food Systems: Caribbean Week of Agriculture highlights worker-movement frameworks and links like ALEX, which has generated nearly US$2b in sales since 2018. Cybersecurity: Minister Andrew Wheatley flags 5.4m cyber breach attempts in Q1 and calls for stronger national defenses. Trade & Business: PriceSmart opens a US$28m club in St James, while HEART/NSTA Trust students tour JIS media careers. Regional Security: OAS urges full deployment and renewal of Haiti’s Gang Suppression Force mandate.