AGP Executive Report

Maritime Disruption: The Panama Canal will cut daily transits from Sept. 3 due to El Niño-linked drought, with vessel limits dropping from 38 to 34 and then to 32, plus new draught restrictions—an issue that can ripple into regional shipping costs. Health Accountability: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health says it will intensify action after 1,000+ patient complaints, with accountability data due in September. STEM & Innovation Pipeline: UTech’s STEM Summer Camp trained 100+ youth in AI, robotics and engineering for climate action, while the SRC and DBJ back the 2026 National Innovation Awards to push winners toward commercialization. Tourism Resilience: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett named co-chair of World Economic Forum Tourism Day 2026, focusing on crisis preparedness and real-time risk intelligence. Ports & Infrastructure: Port Authority of Jamaica tenders engineering design studies for a mixed-use port at Yallahs (St Thomas) and a marina at Lucea (Hanover). Drought & Agriculture: El Niño warnings are stressing global harvests, and Jamaica’s drought continues to strain the local agri sector. Back-to-School Health: Hundreds of children in Mandeville got free dental care at a “1000 Smiles” fair. Music & Culture: Blaqk Sheep and Black Coco link up on “Back It Up,” while Capleton’s “Babylon So Evil” hits No. 1 on Florida reggae/dancehall radio.

Science & Innovation: The OPM has extended the application deadline for the 2026 Prime Minister’s National Medal for Science and Technology and the National Innovation Awards to Monday, Sept. 14, with universities, research bodies and industry groups eligible to nominate (self-nominations not allowed for the Medal). Innovation-to-market push: The SRC and DBJ are partnering with the OPM to move awardees beyond recognition toward commercialization through technical help, development support and financing links. STEM pipeline: UTech’s STEM Summer Camp put about 100 Kingston and St Andrew students through hands-on AI, robotics and engineering sessions, including a JDF Coast Guard field trip. Tourism resilience leadership: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett was named co-chair of World Economic Forum Tourism Day 2026, spotlighting people investment, real-time risk data and global cooperation. Ports & logistics planning: The Port Authority opened tenders for engineering design studies for a mixed-use port in Yallahs, St Thomas, and a marina in Lucea, Hanover, with bids due Sept. 9. Housing & property tech: ALTRUHOMES is rolling out a digital platform for Wick Hall Estate buyers, aiming to streamline selection, financing, documentation and signing. Education & school readiness: In Portland, schools are racing to complete Hurricane Melissa/Beryl repairs and replace missing furniture and books ahead of the Sept. 7 start. Energy & climate risk: El Niño-linked extreme heat is already disrupting planting, livestock and harvests, with calls for heat-tolerant crops and new farming practices.

Tourism Recovery: Royalton Negril has reopened, bringing back 960 employees and restoring 573 rooms as Jamaica’s hotel sector continues to recover from Hurricane Melissa. Port & Infrastructure: The Port Authority of Jamaica has launched tender design studies for a mixed-use port at Yallahs, St Thomas, and a marina at Lucea, Hanover—submissions close Sept 9. BPO & Commercial Real Estate: Over 245,000 sq ft of office/BPO space is vacant across Kingston and Montego Bay, signalling softer demand in outsourcing. Renewables Pipeline: IRENA is inviting renewable energy project proposals across Central America and the Caribbean, including Jamaica, for potential financing and de-risking support. Drought & Water Use: The Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches is urging prayer and conservation as water restrictions bite in seven parishes. Road Safety & Works: NWA road rehabilitation begins in Ocho Rios this weekend with intermittent traffic changes over 10 days. Housing Process Upgrade: ALTRUHOMES is rolling out a digital platform to streamline property selection, financing, documentation and signing for buyers at Wick Hall Estate. Education & Back-to-School Strain: Schools in Portland are racing to complete hurricane repairs and replace missing furniture and books ahead of Sept 7. Music Industry: Dameon Gayle is making a documentary on music contracts and royalties, while Kabaka Pyramid releases “Rebel Music—The Lyrics Tape” for the 15th anniversary of his breakthrough.

Renewables Push: IRENA is inviting renewable energy developers across Central America and the Caribbean, including Jamaica, to submit projects for possible support via its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Accelerator Financing. Roads for Tourism: NWA road rehabilitation begins in Ocho Rios this weekend, with intermittent traffic changes over 10 days, while a separate $42.7m St Mary upgrade links Robin’s Bay and Strawberry Fields to expand community tourism access. Business & MSMEs: Ocho Rios entrepreneur Kingsley Jair Harrison’s SnapTap platform is gaining traction across 10 countries, aiming to replace multiple business apps with one dashboard for marketing, sales and customer management. Drought Strain: Churches urge prayer, water conservation and support for vulnerable communities as drought worsens, and shoppers report higher prices at Coronation Market. Public Safety & Trade: JCF destroyed millions in counterfeit goods in an anti-illicit trade operation, warning that fake products fuel gangs and pose health risks. Transport Policy: Jamaica’s demerit point system rollout is delayed to Oct 1, 2026, pending a full revision and education programme. Local Security Incident: A construction worker in St Elizabeth was fatally shot by police during an alleged firearm confrontation, with a .45 pistol seized.

Tourism Infrastructure Push: A $42.7m road rehab in St Mary (Robin’s Bay to Strawberry Fields) was opened to extend the Ocho Rios tourism corridor and boost access for residents and visitors. Health Research & Skills: Government will invest $50m in healthcare research while spending about $500m annually to train workers, with scholarships named for Dr Barry Wint. Small Business Tech: Ocho Rios entrepreneur Kingsley Jair Harrison’s SnapTap AI platform is expanding across 10 countries, helping MSMEs manage marketing, sales and payments from one dashboard. Agriculture & Resilience: St Elizabeth farmers praised a $50m farm road upgrade, while the Agriculture Ministry and RADA responded to bushfire losses with irrigation supplies, seeds and fertiliser. Public Sector & Transport: Doctors await a tribunal decision on overtime pay; the demerit point system rollout is delayed to Oct 1, 2026 pending revisions and an education programme. Business Support: JBDC appoints Daenia Ashpole as CEO from Sept 1, 2026, as it strengthens MSME support. Community & Safety: New Kingston Renewal Initiative moves into implementation to tackle homelessness, safety and sanitation in the business district. Consumer Pressure: Shoppers report food price hikes at Coronation Market amid drought impacts. Trade Protection: JCF destroyed millions in counterfeit goods seized in an anti-illicit trade operation.

JBDC Leadership: The Jamaica Business Development Corporation has appointed Daenia Ashpole as CEO effective September 1, bringing trade, policy and regulatory experience to its push to strengthen MSMEs. New Kingston Renewal: Stakeholders are moving the New Kingston Business District Renewal Initiative into implementation, targeting homelessness, safety, sanitation and the overall business environment. Water Infrastructure: Government is advancing a long-term plan to connect Jamaica’s water systems, including a US$170m Western Resilience Water Programme to relay transmission and distribution mains from Martha Brae toward Montego Bay and the west end. Public-Sector Pay Deal: The Government and JCTU signed a three-year public-sector wage agreement (April 1, 2025–March 31, 2028) with a $80,000 tax-free grant plus 5% increases in 2026/27 and 2027/28. Agri Support Amid Fire: The Agriculture Ministry, via RADA, is distributing irrigation supplies, seeds, nursery plants and fertiliser to bushfire-affected farmers in St Elizabeth. Transport Update: A new detour road opened in Montego Bay as part of the perimeter road bypass project, changing access routes for motorists heading to Norwood. Tourism Resilience: Minister Edmund Bartlett is set to co-chair a World Economic Forum session on resilient growth, reinforcing resilience as the core of tourism strategy. MSME Financing: EXIM’s MSME Facility approved financing for 28 enterprises in 2025, disbursing about $630.9m, with demand described as oversubscribed.

Municipal Development: Ho MCE Stephen Adom briefed chiefs and queen mothers on progress across healthcare, roads, education, water, sanitation, housing and digital connectivity, including nurses’ quarters and CHPS compounds plus major road works and DRIP equipment deployment. Food Manufacturing & Exports: Nation’s Choice is pushing a roughly $1-billion cold-storage expansion to meet hotel demand and ramp up exports of locally made frozen and pickled products across the Caribbean. EV Industry: BYD Jamaica rolled out the ATTO 8 with a two-day launch and test drive, signalling more new-energy vehicle options for local buyers. Tourism & Jobs: Royalton Negril reopened after Hurricane Melissa restoration, bringing back 960 employees and 573 rooms, with more Royalton properties set to return in September. Public Sector Wages: The JCTU and Ministry of Finance signed a new wage agreement for public workers covering April 2025–April 2028, including a tax-free one-off payment and staged increases. Environment & Compliance: NEPA cited illegal sand and limestone mining and unregulated wastewater discharges in Manchester, warning of health and livelihood impacts. Water Crisis Response: Government plans to intensify water trucking as drought worsens, with emergency delivery costs projected to rise sharply. Local Trade & Security: JCF destroyed millions in counterfeit goods in a major anti-illicit trade operation with the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce. Business Campaign: JMEA says its Buy Jamaica campaign is off to a slow start, blaming funding gaps and pointing to social media promotion. Early Childhood Services: ECC says it will prioritise quality Zero to Three programmes and Brain Builder Centres for 2026/27. AI for Accessibility: BCJ and UNESCO partner for an AI4IA conference on improving information accessibility.

Drought Pressure on Water Supply: The PNP says the Holness administration failed to prepare for Jamaica’s worsening drought, pointing to Hermitage Dam at about 31% and warning that rainfall patterns can’t be relied on, while highlighting non-revenue water and weak system linkages. Emergency Water Logistics: Government says it will intensify water trucking as drought deepens, with costs already at about J$86 million and possible escalation to J$500 million, prioritising hospitals, health centres, schools and vulnerable communities. Agriculture Access Boost: In St. Elizabeth, the Newcombe Valley to Amos Lane Farm Road was officially opened after a $50 million rehabilitation to support crop and livestock producers. Fuel Costs Rise: Petrojam announced higher prices for petrol and cooking gas, with E-10 87 up to $206.06/litre and butane up sharply to $86.91/litre. AI for Accessibility: BCJ and UNESCO partner to advance AI information accessibility ahead of the AI4IA conference on Sept. 28. Early Childhood Focus: ECC will prioritise the Zero to Three strategy and Brain Builder Centres for the 2026/27 academic year. Big Entertainment Push: BZR Weekend 2026 in Kingston expects 50,000+ patrons, with Cardi B headlining Oct. 18, and organisers say the event will drive major spending across hotels, vendors and SMEs. Music Industry: Skippa and Jahvillani are set to release “False Teeth” Aug. 28 as part of YGF Records’ 10th anniversary EP.

Water & Drought Risk: Water Minister Matthew Samuda says Jamaica’s prolonged El Niño-driven drought is an economic risk, urging conservation and announcing water-trucking support so “no school must be closed,” alongside tank support for early-childhood institutions and farmers. Business & Community Resilience: Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited (JBM) handed over a renovated $3.5-million Orange Park Community Centre in St. Ann, positioning it for youth programmes, skills training, agricultural sessions and business development. Circular Economy After Hurricanes: UNDP-backed Jamaica Resilient Recovery Initiative is turning Hurricane Melissa debris into community assets, with nearly 2,000 tonnes cleared and residents in Westmoreland and Trelawny repurposing materials for schools and homes. Skills & TVET: The Education Ministry moves to strengthen TVET in high schools, including legislative changes to expand HEART/NSTA Trust involvement and improve recognised skills certification. Agriculture Capacity: The Ministry of Agriculture awarded over $17M in FACE Jamaica Agricultural Scholarships for postgraduate training in plant and animal genetics and breeding. Regional Policy & Rights: JaBBEM calls for repeal and replacement of the Beach Control Act of 1956, arguing it continues colonial-style restrictions on beach access. Energy/Infrastructure Governance: PSOJ warns drought is becoming a business productivity issue, while stakeholders push for stronger water conservation and resilience planning.

TVET Push in Schools: The Education Ministry says it will embed technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in high schools, aiming for more students to graduate with recognised skills certification and exploring legislative changes to boost HEART/NSTA’s role. Drought Response for Water: Water Minister Matthew Samuda says no school will be closed as drought worsens, with water trucks for schools and a tank programme for early-childhood institutions and farmers. Circular Economy After Melissa: UNDP’s Jamaica Resilient Recovery Initiative is turning Hurricane Melissa debris into bins, picnic tables and reconstruction materials in Westmoreland and Trelawny. Community Infrastructure Upgrade: Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited handed over a renovated $3.5m Orange Park Community Centre in St. Ann, now set to host youth, skills training and community programmes. Scholarships for Skills and Industry: The Agriculture Ministry awarded $17m+ in FACE Jamaica scholarships, while seven Jamaicans received fully funded UK master’s scholarships. Business and Planning Signals: NEPA recorded 2,430 development applications in 2025, and Bank of Jamaica survey data shows businesses still expect inflation above target. Energy Reliability Review: Jamaica’s Energy Ministry is commissioning an independent review of the June 5 islandwide blackout.

Inflation Watch: Businesses surveyed by the Bank of Jamaica expect inflation to stay above target, forecasting 6.7% over the next 12 months even as confidence improves. Shipping & Prices: Panama Canal drought limits will cut daily ship numbers, likely raising Jamaica’s import and consumer costs through higher transit delays. Real Estate & Finance: KPREIT has paused the sale of its Spanish Town Road property after last year’s fire, citing renovation work and pending insurance settlements. Tourism Investment: Hard Rock cleared a Cabinet hurdle for a Montego Bay integrated resort, with casino operations still needing separate regulatory approval. Retail Growth: Atlantic Hardware is turning to e-commerce after record revenue and profit gains in 2026. Education Infrastructure: JDF repairs at Merl Grove High and criticism of Mile Gully High highlight urgent school maintenance needs ahead of the new term. Agriculture Under Pressure: Drought tied to El Niño is worsening recovery for farmers, with agriculture output down and water access tightening. Creative Business Support: Kingston Creative joins JBDC’s SBDC network to expand support for MSMEs in Jamaica’s cultural and creative industries. Tourism Recognition: The Tourism Service Excellence Awards return after COVID delays, with a gala set for Oct. 31. Regional Connectivity: CTU says intra-Caricom roaming charges remain too high despite a 2022 pledge to cut fees. Policy & Environment: A tourism-focused warning flags potential risks from bauxite mining in Cockpit Country.

National Animation Policy Consultation: The Office of the Prime Minister held a public consultation on the Green Paper stage of Jamaica’s National Animation Policy, urging local animators to submit what they want included to grow a more competitive, sustainable industry. Education Recovery: Makeshift classrooms are being erected at Ocho Rios Primary School in St Ann so the school can return to a single-shift, all-day schedule after Hurricane Melissa damage and a major fire. Tourism Service Push: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says service quality is driving Jamaica’s 42% repeat visitor rate, as the Tourism Service Excellence Awards roll out to recognise top performers. Climate & Agriculture Resilience: Farmers in Jamaica and the region received climate-resilient agricultural kits under the ADOPT Caribbean project, while Jamaica’s agriculture ministry links output declines to drought and Hurricane Melissa and outlines water-trucking and irrigation plans. Environment Watch: The Jamaica Environment Trust is challenging NRCA wetland removal and development permits in Falmouth, arguing conservation zones are being undermined. Data & Planning: STATIN says the May International Merchandise Trade Report will now be published on September 9, aiming to speed up future trade-report releases. Security & Compliance: NEPA, JCF and the Firearm Licensing Authority are stepping up monitoring for Jamaica’s bird-shooting season, warning of penalties for breaches.

Agriculture Recovery: Ayesha Curry, Back to the Roots and the American Friends of Jamaica announced a record JMD $120 million organic seed donation to help small farmers replant after Hurricane Melissa, with RADA distributing the seeds islandwide. Education & Staffing: Jamaica Association of Principals of Secondary Schools says teacher vacancy ads are only “the tip of the iceberg,” as resignations and gaps aren’t always reflected in public postings. Water Crisis: National Water Commission figures show Hermitage Dam at 31.4% and Mona Reservoir at 48.4%, prompting restrictions and a ban on non-essential use of NWC water. Hunting Rules Tightened: NEPA, JCF and the Firearm Licensing Authority warn bird hunters of stricter 2026 regulations, with fines up to $3 million for breaches. Mental Health Tech: Two Jamaican high-school friends launched Choobi, an AI mental wellness companion aimed at reducing stigma and affordability barriers while not replacing professional care. Energy & Skills: CEAL Green Energy CEO Ryan Roper told education officers that young people must build critical problem-solving skills for an AI-driven world. Power Sector: JPS reports near-doubling of net profit to US$3.5 million for the first six months, driven by lower production costs. Tourism & Culture: Miss Universe Jamaica 2026 Celene Hall, a Portlander, was crowned at AC Hotel Kingston, winning multiple sectional awards.

Water & Energy Security: Jamaica’s drought bite is worsening for the Corporate Area, with Hermitage Dam at 31.4% and Mona Reservoir at 48.4%, prompting NWC restrictions and a ban on non-essential use. Agriculture Resilience: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green urged farmers to treat climate stress as an opportunity, highlighting a $37.8m solar PV pump station in Manchester to cut water costs and protect irrigation. Power Sector Performance: JPS says net profit nearly doubled to US$3.5m for the first six months, driven by lower generation costs and reduced operating expenses. Skills for Industry & Safety: ICENS at UWI Mona is training radiation-safety professionals across CARICOM via a new postgraduate programme, using its research reactor and gamma irradiator. Youth & Future Work: CEAL Green Energy CEO Ryan Roper told education leaders that young people need critical thinking and problem-solving for an AI-driven world. Tourism & Cruise Recovery: JAMVAC’s Regal Rewards returns Aug. 29 to spotlight cruise travel advisers as Jamaica’s sector continues rebounding after Hurricane Melissa. Tourism Investment Push: Jamaica Tourist Board appoints Vance Carter as a diaspora business development liaison for the US, aiming to attract tourism investment. Culture & Community: LaToya Malcolm is honoured through a new LaToya Malcolm Scholarship for Resilience, awarding two students J$100,000 each.

Community Land & Jobs: East New York’s East Brooklyn Liberation Center is set to turn a long-vacant 9,500 sq ft warehouse into a multipurpose community hub and business base for local co-ops and the East Brooklyn Archives. Sports & Talent Pipeline: Jamaica’s Oblique Seville and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden won at the Silesia Diamond League, with Seville clocking a meet record 9.83. Tourism Investment: Jamaica Tourist Board appoints Vance Carter as its first business development liaison for the diaspora, tasked with driving US investment into tourism. Healthcare Skills: Dr Barry Wint Memorial Scholarships will fund 131 recipients across nursing, medicine, allied health and more, aiming to plug gaps in the healthcare system. Food Security Pressure: Drought has returned after Hurricane Melissa’s earlier crop swings, pushing water restrictions and lifting farm produce prices again. Marine Fuel Deal: Sunoco Marine and Verde Marine Energy expand collaboration into ARA and UK bunker markets, including Jamaica. Education Legacy: A LaToya Malcolm Scholarship for Resilience is launched with two $100,000 awards for high school students. Animal Welfare: Veterinary Services warns Jamaica needs more animal shelters as stray, injured livestock cases like “Moo Moo” highlight gaps in enforcement and owner responsibility.

Transatlantic Slave Trade Remembrance: UNESCO marks 23 August with a global reflection on the horrors of the slave trade and the fight for liberty, linking the day to the Haitian Revolution and the push to prevent slavery’s legacy from repeating. Marine Fuel Deal: Sunoco LP and Verde Marine Energy announce a commercial collaboration to expand marine fuel supply in the ARA and UK bunker markets, building on prior US work and widening reach across the Caribbean and North America. St Mary Arson Probe: Police are seeking a suspect after suspected arson attacks in Rock River, Richmond, St Mary, including fires that destroyed two vehicles and a business and damaged a board house and a structure under construction. Dancehall Business & Culture: Turban X adds a spiritual track to Stephen McGregor’s Hill And Gully Riddim, while Vybz Kartel’s “Return of The Building” and the planned Vybz Island Experience point to dancehall being packaged as tourism and lifestyle. Real Estate Rules Update: Jamaica’s Real Estate Board is rewriting the 1998 ethical code to better fit digital marketing, complex transactions, and modern consumer expectations. Water Resilience Watch: Stakeholders press for regular updates on the US$450m Western Water Resilience Project as pipeline replacement work continues. Jam-Dex Uptick: Bank of Jamaica says Jam-Dex transactions jumped to $51.7m in seven months to July as it expands wallet providers and point-of-sale acceptance. Drought Pressure on Farmers: St Catherine rural producers report higher costs and lower returns as heat and dry conditions strain water access, pushing demand for storage and irrigation support. Music Royalties Push: Music Justice founder Errol Henry renews calls for musicians to claim stolen royalties and learn copyright protections.