AGP Executive Report

Telecommunications Investment: The European Investment Bank approved €4 million toward Rock Mobile’s €29-million 4G network project, supporting a new competitor in Jamaica’s broadband market. Prices and Food Supply: Annual inflation reached 8.6% in September, its highest since December 2022, as food prices climbed 12.4% year on year, led by sharp increases in produce. Tourism and Cruise: Jamaica’s cruise sector earned top regional honours for the destination and the ports of Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, while the Government courts more cruise business ahead of winter. Manufacturing: Seprod recalled 141 workers and resumed full production. GraceKennedy, meanwhile, expanded its voluntary recall of affected Tropical Rhythms Fruit Punch batches. Resilient Infrastructure: Cabinet approved a US$56-million coastal protection project for Palisadoes, aiming to safeguard the airport road, Port Royal and nearby communities from erosion and storm surges.

Manufacturing: Seprod has recalled all 141 workers laid off at its juice and dairy facility and resumed full production, despite ongoing cost and demand pressures. Utilities and Energy: Consumers received more than $20 million in credits and compensation in the April–June quarter, while the Government says it has shielded households and businesses from over $3.7 billion in potential fuel-price increases since February. Agriculture: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green led a Jamaican delegation to an international irrigation congress in France, as the country looks to improve water security and expand irrigation for farmers. Transport Infrastructure: The Government is advancing technical studies and approvals for the proposed Lionel Densham Aerodrome in St. Elizabeth, targeting a revised project submission by December. Business and Trade: Honey Bun’s new $1-billion manufacturing facility and CARICOM’s push to identify regional suppliers of cement, paints, glass bottles and bitumen highlight efforts to strengthen local production and supply chains. Tourism: Jamaica has secured 1.3 million airline seats for winter 2027, supporting the sector’s recovery.

Regional Manufacturing: CARICOM teams are assessing whether regional producers can meet demand for paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen. Their findings could shape tariffs and trade. Energy Costs: Government says Petrojam has absorbed J$3.7 billion in potential fuel price increases since February, cushioning households and businesses. Recovery & Resilience: Jamaica’s post-Melissa recovery strategy is advancing with support from the World Bank, IDB and UNDP, with safer land use and ecosystem protection among its priorities. UNDP also plans projects for forests, solar power and water systems. Agriculture: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green is pursuing irrigation expertise in France, including efforts to speed up the Pedro Plains project and strengthen water security for farming. Tourism: Jamaica and Guyana signed an agreement covering investment, connectivity, training and multi-destination travel. Jamaica has secured 1.3 million airline seats for winter 2027 and is on course to restore 88% of hotel-room capacity by December. Public Infrastructure: Plans for four climate-resilient hospitals are set to deliver about 1,370 beds, with IDB financing being pursued.

Tourism: Jamaica and Guyana signed an agreement to advance tourism investment, air links, training and multi-destination travel, creating new opportunities for both countries. Energy: The Government says it has absorbed J$3.7 billion in potential fuel price increases since February, cushioning households and businesses as global oil markets remain uncertain. Health Infrastructure: Four planned climate-resilient hospitals are expected to provide about 1,370 beds, with IDB financing being pursued for the reconstruction programme. Green Recovery: UNDP projects will support damaged ecosystems, solar power and more resilient water systems in communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. Agriculture: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green is in France for an international irrigation congress, with talks also focused on speeding up the Pedro Plains Irrigation Scheme. Sports Business: Wisynco’s Legend brand has signed a five-year, J$300-million deal to sponsor the Jamaica Premier League; clubs collectively spend more than J$1.2 billion a year, says league chairman Donovan White.

Construction: Builders say late Government payments—not a shortage of contractors—are slowing hurricane repairs, as firms turn to private work where they are paid on time. Maritime Services: Kingston-based German Ship Repair Jamaica is targeting a larger share of the regional market, servicing vessels up to Panamax size and keeping more repair work in Jamaica. Business & Finance: Seprod shareholders approved a five-for-one stock split and authorised new share issues, giving the company options to raise capital and reduce debt. Tourism: Jamaica won 54 World Travel Awards and secured 1.3 million airline seats for winter 2027, while the sector targets recovery of 88 per cent of hotel-room capacity by December. Manufacturing: Honey Bun has opened a J$1-billion manufacturing facility in St Catherine, adding production capacity to the local food industry.

Maritime Services: Jamaica is targeting a larger share of the regional ship-repair market, with Kingston Harbour’s German Ship Repair Jamaica offering dry docking and maintenance for vessels up to Panamax size. Tourism Recovery: The sector expects to restore 88% of hotel-room capacity by December, though about 3,000 rooms will remain out of service; the tourism minister says delayed insurance payouts are slowing the rebound. Tourism Awards: Jamaica collected 54 World Travel Awards, including the Caribbean’s Leading Destination for the 20th consecutive year. Manufacturing: Red Stripe Mango won JMEA’s Breakthrough Product of the Year award, recognising its market impact since its 2025 launch. Airlift and Production: Airlines have committed 1.325 million seats for winter 2027, up 23.5% year-on-year, while Honey Bun’s new J$1-billion St Catherine manufacturing facility signals fresh investment in local food production.

Tourism: Jamaica secured 39 World Travel Awards honours, including Caribbean’s Leading Destination, while S Hotel Montego Bay and S Hotel Kingston retained top national titles. The wins spotlight the sector’s strength as it works through recovery and slower regional stayover growth. Business Growth: NCB financing is helping Ashmar’s Trucking & Haulage expand its fleet to serve more customers, while Honey Bun has opened a J$1-billion manufacturing facility in St Catherine. Regional Tourism: Jamaica and Guyana have agreed to work together on investment, air links, training and multi-destination travel, as Guyana’s visitor numbers rise. Climate Resilience: The Forestry Department has added a drone and forest data system worth more than US$210,000 to improve monitoring, damage assessments and restoration planning.

Tourism and Investment: Jamaica and Guyana signed a cooperation agreement to promote tourism investment, air links, training and multi-destination travel. Jamaica is also pursuing stronger connections with Middle Eastern markets, including talks with Gulf airlines. Small Business: NCB’s $2-billion SME Growth Fund II is helping Ashmar’s Trucking & Haulage expand; the Jamaican company has grown from one used truck to a five-truck fleet and is seeking financing for another. Digital Finance: The Senate approved legislation to license and supervise virtual-asset businesses, with anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism financing rules aligned with international standards. Water Supply: NWC says low reservoir levels mean restrictions will continue despite recent rain. Mona Reservoir stood at 36.3 per cent and Hermitage Dam at 44.9 per cent on October 11. Resilient Infrastructure: Government plans four climate-resilient hospitals as part of a public health renewal programme. Hurricane Recovery: Insurers report $54.35 billion paid on property and motor claims linked to Hurricane Melissa; 983 of 9,340 claims remained unsettled at September 30.

Tourism: Jamaica and Guyana signed an agreement to pursue tourism investment, better air links and workforce development. The Jamaica Tourist Board is also seeking new meetings and conference business at IMEX America. Air Travel: Airlines have committed 1.32 million seats for Jamaica’s January–April 2027 season, up 23.5% year on year, though about 3,500 hotel rooms remain unavailable after Hurricane Melissa. Insurance: Insurers have paid $54.35 billion in Melissa claims; 983 of 9,340 claims were still outstanding at September 30. Regional Manufacturing: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can meet demand for paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen—findings that could shape tariff policy. Honey Bun has also opened a $1-billion manufacturing facility in St Catherine. Skills: Government is exploring expanded hospitality and construction training in western Jamaica to meet demand as hotels reopen and projects advance.

Insurance Recovery: Insurers report $54.35 billion paid on Hurricane Melissa property and motor claims, with 8,357 of 9,340 settled and 983 still outstanding. Tourism & Airlift: Jamaica has secured 1.325 million airline seats for January–April 2027, up 23.5%, though about 3,500 hotel rooms remain unavailable. Workforce Development: Government is exploring expanded vocational training in western Jamaica to meet demand from hotel reopenings and construction, including skills in plumbing, tiling and heavy-equipment operation. Regional Industry: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can supply paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, helping guide tariff decisions and address import competition. Manufacturing: Honey Bun has opened a J$1-billion manufacturing facility in St Catherine, boosting local production capacity.

Insurance: Insurers have paid $54.35 billion on Hurricane Melissa claims, with 983 of 9,340 claims still outstanding at September 30, according to the Insurance Association of Jamaica. Manufacturing: Honey Bun has opened a $1-billion, 60,000-square-foot St Catherine factory for its Shorty Bread line, expanding local production and investing in solar power. Tourism: The Urban Development Corporation says Jamaicans will retain discounted entry to Dunn’s River Falls after its planned upgrade. Regional Trade: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can meet demand for paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, informing future tariff decisions. Aquaculture: Jamaica’s first marine cage-culture harvest produced more than 5,000 pounds of red drum in St Thomas, highlighting potential for local fish production and food security. Investment: A Caribbean sustainability bond targeting up to US$250 million aims to fund climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy and other regional projects.

Regional Manufacturing: CARICOM teams will assess whether the region can supply its own paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen. Their findings will help guide future tariff decisions. Hurricane Recovery: Insurers have paid $54.35 billion on 8,357 Hurricane Melissa claims, with 983 still outstanding. Inflation: The Bank of Jamaica warns that higher energy and commodity costs are spreading through the economy, with inflation expected to remain elevated before easing next year. Ports & Logistics: Kingston Freeport Terminal has resumed normal operations after industrial action disrupted cargo handling; the company is extending hours to clear delays. Aquaculture: Jamaica’s first marine cage-culture harvest produced more than 5,000 pounds of red drum, a potential boost to local seafood production. Regional Investment: A Caribbean bond targeting up to US$250 million aims to fund climate resilience, renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.

Inflation: Bank of Jamaica Governor Brian Langrin warns higher global energy and commodity costs are spreading through the economy. Inflation is expected to stay high before returning to the central bank’s target range by mid-2027. Port Operations: Kingston Freeport Terminal has resumed normal operations after industrial action disrupted cargo handling. The company says it will extend operating hours to help clear delays. Tourism: Jamaica and Guyana have signed a cooperation agreement covering investment, air links, training and resilience, as Guyana’s president urges the region to invest more in transport and visitor experiences. Agriculture and Fisheries: Jamaica’s first marine cage-culture harvest yielded more than 5,000 pounds of red drum, while drought is raising concerns about scarce, costly sorrel and other produce. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Jamaica’s economy will contract 0.8% in 2026, before a forecast recovery next year. Food Industry: GraceKennedy says no food-safety issue was identified in its recalled Tropical Rhythms fruit punch and says it did not export the Vienna sausages named in a US alert.

Ports: Kingston Freeport Terminal resumed operations after industrial action disrupted activity for several hours. The company is extending operating hours to limit cargo delays. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Jamaica’s economy will contract 0.8% in 2026 before growing 3% in 2027, as tourism-dependent Caribbean economies recover more slowly than oil producers. Agriculture & Food: Drought is threatening Christmas sorrel supplies and pushing up market prices; lettuce has reached J$2,000 per pound, while sorrel could cost as much if scarce. Regional Trade: CARICOM teams will assess whether regional producers can supply paints, cement, glass bottles and bitumen, helping inform future tariff decisions. Infrastructure & Finance: The Government plans climate-resilient upgrades or rebuilding at four hospitals. A new Caribbean sustainability bond aims to raise US$250 million for resilience, renewable energy and water projects. Tourism: Jamaica and Guyana signed an agreement to deepen cooperation on investment, air links, training and sustainable tourism.

Health Infrastructure: Cabinet approved climate-resilient upgrades and rebuilding at four hospitals, including Kingston Public Hospital, in a major renewal of public health care. Food & Manufacturing: The Bureau of Standards Jamaica and Best Dressed Chicken have launched restaurant food-safety training. Separately, GraceKennedy says Jamaica-made Vienna sausages found in US stores were not exported or authorised by the company; no illnesses have been reported. Agriculture & Water: A locally developed soil amendment is being prepared for farmers, with its distributor saying it could help crops grow with up to 60 per cent less water. The PSOJ is also pressing for stronger water management as drought threatens businesses and farms. Skills: HEART/NSTA’s new creative apprenticeship programme has placed 83 apprentices with more than 30 industry partners. Waste Services: NSWMA is adding trucks and reviewing collection operations in St James and Hanover, where the western region reports a 72-load backlog. Tourism: Jamaica’s tourism minister has proposed a regional fund to help protect Caribbean tourism from disasters and economic shocks.

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.