AGP Executive Report

Monetary Policy Watch: Bank of Jamaica kept its policy rate at 5.5% as inflation hit 7.5% in July, with BOJ saying second-round effects are starting but still limited and risks are tilted upward. Energy & Cost Pressures: JPS urged businesses to cut summer electricity bills by tracking kilowatt-hour use, using smart meters, and managing peak demand. Hurricane Melissa Claims: Guardian Holdings says it has settled over 70% of Hurricane Melissa insurance claims, aiming to push closer to 75–80% as it pilots faster property-damage estimates. Water & Resilience: Water Minister Matthew Samuda says Montego Bay Bypass completion is being used to minimise traffic disruption during the Western Resilience Water Project. Agro-Industry: Spur Tree Spices targets $2b revenue for 2026, relying on strong second-half pepper and scalli sales despite tariff pressure and farmer price demands. Manufacturing Upgrade: Woodcats International invested about $30m to automate pallet production, boosting efficiency and aiming for full automation by Q1. Business Expansion: Pan Jamaica Group bought the Discount Pharmacy property for a Manor Park redevelopment, adding professional offices and expanded parking. Education & Youth: Sagicor Foundation Jamaica awarded $7.5m in scholarships and grants to 44 students for 2026–27. Sports Infrastructure: Jamaica’s National Stadium Track received World Athletics Class One certification for five years, enabling official recognition of records and qualifying performances. Security: UWI Mona plans to expand surveillance with more cameras and a personnel increase of over 100%. Regional Trade/Shipping: Sunoco LP and Verde Marine Energy announced a commercial collaboration to expand marine fuel offerings in ARA and UK bunker markets.

Radiation Safety Training: 12 professionals across the region are in a six-month radiation protection course via UWI STAR, aiming to close a Caribbean gap in qualified staff as ionising tech expands in healthcare and research. Jamaica Economy Outlook: The PIOJ projects a return to growth by year-end, citing NaRRA operationalisation, reconstruction momentum, better weather, and recovery in agriculture and water production. Tourism Skills Push: TEF and UTech Jamaica sign on to support the Tourism Innovation Incubator, with training and “local first” entrepreneurship support under Tourism 3.0. Transport Oversight: Opposition MP Mikael Phillips demands an update on maintenance for 100 rural school buses ahead of the September term, after a maintenance contract reportedly expired. Water, Industry & Trade: Jamaica and Ghana discuss a proposed $60M alumina deal linking Jamaican bauxite to processing at Gramercy refinery for Ghana’s aluminium push. Environment & Public Access: Far Rockaway residents rally against a dust-blowing concrete recycling plant, while Jamaica’s beach access dispute heads to court for clarity on public domain rights. Agriculture & Food: Jamaica’s cocoa output is reported to have halved as ageing trees drag production, and produce-handling guidance highlights mould risks for consumers. Sports & Culture: Jamaica’s PIOJ-backed education results show gains in CAPE/CSEC, and Jamaica Kingsmen bounce back in CPL with a 51-run win.

Diplomatic Moves: Jamaica’s foreign ministry received new ambassadors from South Korea, Honduras, Canada, Israel, Chile, Indonesia and Pakistan, signalling fresh engagement across trade and cooperation. Tourism & Training: TEF and UTech signed an agreement to support the TEF Tourism Innovation Incubator, aiming to expand tourism skills training and help entrepreneurs grow under the “local first” Tourism 3.0 push. Agribusiness Investment: Agro-Invest Corporation says it has secured over $4b in new agricultural investment leads to tackle bottlenecks via climate-resilient infrastructure, irrigation upgrades and cold-chain logistics. Education & Skills: The Ministry of Education reported strong 2026 CAPE and CSEC preliminary results, with gains in mathematics, while the HEART/NSTA Trust programme is set to be pushed deeper into high schools. Energy Costs: JPS shared practical steps for businesses to cut summer electricity bills through audits and smarter consumption monitoring. Environment & Community: Forestry’s RE-LEAF initiative continues with a 5k Urban Forest Run to restore western Jamaica’s tree cover after Hurricane Melissa.

Energy Costs: JPS is urging commercial customers to cut summer electricity bills by requesting a utility audit, tracking kilowatt-hour use, and using smart meters to manage consumption by hour, day and week. Agri-Invest Push: Agro-Invest Corporation says it has secured over $4 billion in new agricultural investment leads from its 2025 forum, targeting climate-resilient infrastructure, Agro-Park expansion, irrigation upgrades, and cold-storage and processing capacity. Development & Finance: Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith is calling for reforms to the multilateral system so Small Island Developing States get fair, affordable concessional financing, using measures beyond GDP to reflect vulnerabilities. Hurricane Melissa Recovery: The IDB warns Jamaica faces a long recovery road after Melissa, with tourism and agriculture hit hard and fiscal targets delayed; meanwhile the PIOJ says growth could return sooner than expected as reconstruction ramps up. Economy Outlook: PIOJ expects contraction to narrow, with growth potentially resuming by late 2026 as reconstruction activity increases. Housing Delivery: NHT says modular homes for Melissa-displaced families are arriving steadily under a $3.1b contract, with 1,500 units already on island and the rest due by September. Insurance Claims Pressure: Jamaica’s insurance regulator and industry bodies have issued a public ad on Melissa claim settlement delays, but critics say it lacks clear metrics and transparency. Mining & Metals: C3 Metals reports new underground mapping at Bellas Gate strengthens its case for deeper drilling in Jamaica’s copper and gold search. Construction & Hospitality: LCH Developments appoints a veteran project management director for Montego Bay’s US$450m Pinnacle towers, aiming for May 2027 delivery for Tower One. Banking & Lending: NCB says it paused some unsecured consumer lending for about three months to tighten credit models, then relaunched with lower delinquency. Energy/Trade Logistics: Jamaica is also positioning maritime and shipping as key to regional jobs and goods movement, with PM Holness set to keynote a Caribbean maritime awards event.

Macroeconomy & Recovery: Jamaica’s economy contracted 2.9% in the April-June quarter as Hurricane Melissa’s lingering damage hit demand and confidence, with El Niño raising risks to agriculture, water and public health; PIOJ now expects a return to pre-Melissa output in 1.5–2 years (by April-June 2027), though full recovery will take longer. Central Banking: Outgoing BOJ Governor Richard Byles defended the decision to slow growth to contain inflation, as July inflation rose to 7.5% from 6.7%. Insurance & Disaster Response: The FSC faced fresh criticism over a Hurricane Melissa claims backlog push, with concerns that its public messaging lacks key details and forward-looking clarity. Housing & Construction: NHT’s US$3.1b modular homes programme for Melissa-displaced families is progressing, with 1,500 units already on island and 1,000 more due by September. Mining & Energy Minerals: C3 Metals is preparing an 11-hole deeper drilling programme at Bellas Gate after new mapping strengthened copper and gold targets. Agriculture & Food Security: Cocoa output has halved as ageing trees and an ageing farmer base drag production, while the agriculture ministry warns against open fires after farmland blazes in St Elizabeth damaged crops and irrigation. Finance & Capital Markets: Pan Jamaica plans to exit $5b–$6b in non-core assets by end-2027 to fund growth, and Mayberry (MJE) seeks up to $2.25b to refinance about $1.4b in debt. Tourism & Real Estate Development: LCH Developments appointed a hospitality project management veteran to help drive the US$450m Montego Bay Pinnacle towers toward completion. Water & Environment (Regional): A US legal challenge targets plans to auction massive water areas around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, arguing habitat and endangered-species risks.

Central Banking & Inflation: Bank of Jamaica Governor-designate Dr R Brian Langrin takes over Wednesday as inflation accelerates to 7.5% in July, above the BOJ’s 4–6% target, with a policy-rate decision due after the MPC meeting. Housing & Cost of Living: A Jamaica-linked commentary on New York’s housing crisis highlights how Local Law 18 left 57,000 rent-stabilised apartments empty, feeding insecurity and pressure on families. Agriculture & Youth: Minister Floyd Green says the White Paper for the National Youth in Agriculture Policy will be tabled within two months, alongside plans to expand RYEEP support for young farmers. Crime & Local Security: St Catherine North reports a 42% reduction in murders since the start of the year, citing improved safety that’s boosting night-time commerce. Disaster Recovery & Resilience: Work is underway to repair Burger Gully in Kingston Eastern and Port Royal, with $30 million allocated for flood relief and a relocation plan for residents. Regional Industry: Caribbean Cement says it could restart regional exports as early as September after capacity gains at its Rockfort plant. Tourism & Business: InterCaribbean Airways spotlights Caribbean identity through distinctive aircraft designs as it connects 28 cities across 17 countries.

Central Banking: Bank of Jamaica has appointed Dr R Brian Langrin as governor, with inflation now above target (6.7% in June, 7.5% in July) and a key policy-rate decision due as the Monetary Policy Committee wraps up. Flood Resilience & Housing: In Kingston Eastern and Port Royal, MP Phillip Paulwell says $30 million has been allocated to repair Burger Gully and speed relocation of residents from the flood-prone gully bank. Construction & Courts: Government has secured temporary housing for the Westmoreland Parish Court after Hurricane Melissa damage, with St Elizabeth’s court also expected to get a temporary site soon. Industry & Exports: Caribbean Cement says Rockfort capacity upgrades could restart regional exports as early as September, targeting the Cayman Islands and The Bahamas once local demand is met. Agriculture: A fire in St Elizabeth destroyed about 15 acres of farmland and equipment, with the cause still under investigation. Aviation Safety: Liberia’s LCAA launched a 10-day Safety Management Systems training supported by the EU to strengthen risk management and safety culture. Education & Talent Pipeline: NCB Foundation backed 15 scholars, while four Jamaicans won Fulbright scholarships and fellowships. Tourism & Culture: Jamaica joins UN talks on drought resilience in Mongolia, and Minister Bartlett sent solidarity to Colombia after its earthquake.

New Kingston Revitalisation: Kingston and St. Andrew’s municipal renewal is moving into implementation, with coordinated care for people experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance-use challenges alongside plans for public safety, sanitation and environmental fixes. Agriculture & Disaster Response: A fire in St. Elizabeth’s Beacon district destroyed about 15 acres of farmland and equipment, affecting 10 farmers, while firefighters battled the blaze for hours; the cause is still unknown. Tourism Leadership: Minister Edmund Bartlett is set to be honoured as a Tourism ICON at PYNE Awards Africa 2026 for work on tourism resilience, including the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre and the push for Global Tourism Resilience Day. Business Growth Push: Industry Minister Aubyn Hill urged Jamaican firms to boost productivity, keep quality standards, and expand beyond the local market into regional and international opportunities. Hospital “Social Cases” Law Reform: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says Jamaica must change laws to address long-stay public hospital patients who are medically discharged but cannot be released, citing hundreds of “social cases” across facilities. Regional Tourism & Real Estate: CMEx has completed its 2026 Leadership Laureates roster, and Eppley Caribbean Property Fund reported strong nine-month results with higher occupancy and a continued dividend. Entertainment & Culture: Dancehall producer DJ Jahmar and Edley Shine released “Broken Dolly” from the Book of Micah Riddim project, while Jamaica Kingsmen kick off CPL action at Sabina Park with a win over Trinbago Knight Riders.

Real Estate Finance: Eppley Caribbean Property Fund’s Value Fund posted nine-month gains, with FFO up 20% to Bds$4.57m, net operating income up 9% and net asset value per share rising 10%, alongside a further quarterly dividend of 0.50 cents per share. Water & Infrastructure: Jamaica is exploring limited desalination, with feasibility studies underway in St. Thomas and Clarendon, while ruling out a nationwide rollout due to cost and environmental concerns. Business Climate: PM Andrew Holness urged the public service to act as a facilitator of investment and development—faster approvals without lowering standards. Health Policy: Health Minister Tufton called for law changes to tackle “social cases” in public hospitals, saying legislation blocks discharge when patients have nowhere else to go. Industry & Trade Support: Industry Minister Aubyn Hill highlighted incentives like Productive Input Relief and financing via EXIM Bank and DBJ to help firms cut costs and expand. Tourism & Events: Montego Bay Convention Centre is pitching itself as an “event campus” after Dream Weekend 2026, aiming to lift revenue toward its $650m target. Insurance: Insurers say they will fast-track Hurricane Melissa claims, targeting major eligible settlements by end-September. Education & Community: WISTA Jamaica handed over $850,000+ in school supplies and devices to Carisbrook Infant and Primary School in St. Elizabeth.

Education & Community Relief: WISTA Jamaica handed over over $850,000 in school supplies and tech to Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts at Carisbrook Infant and Primary in St Elizabeth, while Trelawny JPs ran a back-to-school fair that drew 200+ students, easing family costs. Business Climate & Investment: Industry Minister Aubyn Hill urged firms to use programmes like Productive Input Relief and financing through EXIM Bank and DBJ to cut costs and import productive equipment. Water Security Planning: Water Minister Matthew Samuda said feasibility studies are underway for limited desalination in St Thomas and Clarendon, but ruled out a nationwide rollout due to cost and environmental risks. Insurance & Recovery: Insurers say they will fast-track Hurricane Melissa claims, targeting major eligible settlements by end-September, as the FSC and industry bodies push for faster outcomes. Local Economy & Services: Christiana’s new $760-million tax office officially opened, with more services and convenience for taxpayers. Industry & Trade: Jamaica Bauxite Mining is in talks with Ghana on a $60m aluminium push using Jamaica bauxite refined at Louisiana’s Gramercy plant before shipping to Ghana. Tech for Jamaica: Crimson Tide AI’s OpenJM agentic AI platform launches ahead of public consultations on Jamaica’s first AI policy framework.

AI & Data Sovereignty: OpenJM, a Jamaican-developed agentic AI platform by Crimson Tide AI, launches ahead of public consultations on Jamaica’s first AI policy framework, aiming to keep more user data under local control and reduce unreliable outputs. Tax Administration Upgrade: The $760-million Christiana Tax Office officially opened, adding faster in-person services like motor vehicle processing and driver’s licence work. Water Security Planning: Government is studying limited desalination options in St Thomas and Clarendon, but rules out a nationwide rollout due to cost and environmental concerns. Hurricane Melissa Claims: Insurers and regulators say they’ll fast-track low-complexity claims and target major eligible settlements by end-September, after months of delays. Trade & Industry: Jamaica Bauxite Mining is in talks with Ghana to revive alumina/aluminium cooperation via refining in Louisiana, with a $60m pathway discussed. Logistics & Trade Links: TAAG Cargo completed a specialised live-animal shipment of two lions from South Africa to Nigeria via Angola. Local Business Impact: KFC’s arrival in Morant Bay is cutting jerk vendors’ sales, though vendors say they’re not being pushed out. Tourism & Events: Montego Bay Convention Centre is pitching itself as an “event campus” after Dream Weekend 2026 helped it chase a $650m revenue target. Emergency Response: Jamaica Fire Brigade received $12m+ in firefighting and rescue equipment to strengthen post-Melissa response. Health & Wellness Services: DRIP Mobile IV Hydration brings IV recovery treatments directly to clients, targeting convenience-driven demand. Apiculture Quality Control: Honey authentication plans are set to help protect Jamaican honey from imposters and support local and export markets. Entertainment & Culture: Cardi B will headline BZR WKND at National Stadium on Oct 18, while Capleton’s “Culture Rising” set for Aug 30 at Plantation Cove.

Stadium Concert Boost: Cardi B will headline her first-ever Caribbean stadium show at Kingston’s National Stadium on October 18 as part of BZR WKND, adding major momentum for Jamaica’s live entertainment and tourism calendar. Emergency Response Upgrade: The Jamaica Fire Brigade received over $12 million in firefighting and rescue equipment from National Safety Limited, including helmets and lifting bag systems, strengthening disaster recovery capability after Hurricane Melissa. Mining & Trade Revival: Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited says talks are underway on a proposed $60 million Jamaica–Ghana aluminium supply arrangement, aiming to revive bauxite-to-alumina trade via refining at Gramercy, Louisiana. Local Business & Markets: Construction of the new Alexandria Market in St Ann is progressing, with a modern food market, rental shops, offices and parking expected to improve access to goods and services. Agriculture Integrity: Jamaica’s apiculture authorities plan honey authentication to protect “Jamaican honey” branding and help regularise products for local and international markets. Tourism CSR Push: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett urged a shift in tourism corporate social responsibility toward deeper community development as Island Challenge Jamaica 2026 targets £100,000 for neonatal and paediatric care.

Music & Culture: Kirk “Kirkledove” Bennett shares the personal story behind his new album Analog Heart Digital Mind, a reggae-dub soul fusion meant to lift listeners. Entertainment & Tourism: Cardi B will headline BZR WKND Jamaica 2026 at the National Stadium on Oct. 18—her first Caribbean stadium headliner—while the Fantan Mojah thanksgiving at Mona brought Jamaica’s music fraternity together in tribute. Agri-Food Integrity: Jamaica’s apiculture sector is set for honey authentication sessions, with 63 samples to be analysed overseas to help protect “Jamaican honey” branding from imposters. Local Markets & Jobs: Construction of the new Alexandria Market in St Ann is progressing, with a food market, offices, rental shops and parking expected later this year. Energy & Cost Pressure: JPS and New Fortress Energy are in arbitration over a US$40m fuel-supply dispute tied to Montego Freeport operations, with potential implications for electricity bills. Finance Regulation: Bank of Jamaica’s Richard Byles says the “Twin Peaks” overhaul will take years longer than planned, as laws still need drafting and parliamentary debate. Business & Trade: Jetcon is expanding new-vehicle sales, adding BAIC’s Arcfox EV and plug-in models after strong June-quarter results.

Tourism & CSR: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett urged Jamaica’s tourism firms to move beyond “giving back” toward deeper community development as Sandals Foundation launched Island Challenge Jamaica 2026 for neonatal and pediatric healthcare. Retail & Local Economy: Construction of the new Alexandria Market in St Ann is progressing after demolition of the old facility, with a food market, offices, rental shops and expanded parking expected later this year. Agribusiness & Health: Agricultural authorities are reviewing whether to ban or tighten paraquat (Gramoxone) amid growing global moves and health concerns, including links to Parkinson’s disease. Energy & Trade: JPS and New Fortress Energy are in arbitration over a US$40m fuel-supply dispute tied to Montego Freeport operations, with potential knock-on effects for electricity consumers. Manufacturing & Exports: Caribbean Cement says it could resume regional exports as early as September, but only if local demand is met first. Business Resilience: Small businesses report water shortages and drought are driving operating costs up 15–30%, with some paying $8,000–$20,000 per truck of water to stay open. Entertainment & Culture: Cardi B will headline BZR WKND Jamaica 2026 at the National Stadium on Oct. 18, marking her first Caribbean stadium headliner. Sports & Youth: The David “Wagga” Hunt Football Classic returns Aug. 22 at Calabar High, featuring top schoolboy matchups including KC vs Calabar.

Financial Regulation (Twin Peaks): Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard Byles says the Twin Peaks overhaul is still at the beginning even after Cabinet—meaning the reforms will likely take years beyond the original 18–24 month and 2026 targets. Energy & Industry: JPS and gas supplier New Fortress Energy are in arbitration over a US$40m fuel-supply dispute tied to Montego Freeport operations, with implications for electricity costs and how force majeure is treated. Manufacturing & Exports: Caribbean Cement says it could restart regional exports by September to the Cayman Islands and Bahamas, but only if local demand is met first. Agriculture & Climate: RADA warns prolonged heat is hurting livestock, with poultry seeing lower egg production; separately, beekeepers are being urged to rear queen bees to speed recovery after Hurricane Melissa. Business Growth: Jetcon reports a strong June quarter and plans to launch Arcfox electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Education & Recovery: NET continues hurricane rebuild support for schools in western Jamaica, while Maggotty High School faces rain delays on a new classroom block. Security: A Petrojam worker faces charges after alleged involvement in an ammo-selling ring. Sports & Culture: The David ‘Wagga’ Hunt Football Classic returns Aug. 22; Capleton headlines Encore Live on Aug. 30; and Berger Paints Jamaica ramps up CPL match-day fan activations at Sabina Park.

Tourism Funding Boost: Jamaica has earmarked more than $4B for fiscal 2026/27 to strengthen Brand Jamaica, improve “safety, security and seamlessness,” and push deeper destination marketing into Latin America, Africa and other priority markets. Export Readiness for MSMEs: JAMPRO is urging small businesses to calculate the full cost of exporting—shipping, duties, taxes, marketing and distribution—before chasing overseas opportunities, warning that ignoring margins can sink profits. Education & Recovery: The National Education Trust (NET) is visiting hurricane-damaged schools in western Jamaica to track restoration of roofs, classrooms, canteens and labs so students can return to safer learning spaces. Tourism Trade Show: Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) 2026 has officially launched, with Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett pointing to Ocho Rios as the host after Hurricane Melissa impacts, and highlighting recovery signals for hotel room reopenings. AI Buildathon Momentum: Future Caribbean says 450-plus builders from 39 countries are now in the build phase of its Agentic AI Buil­dathon, targeting deployable solutions across sectors like tourism, logistics, food systems and climate resilience. Workforce Training: A Kingston truck-driving academy is using a simulator tailored to Jamaican roads to train drivers for public and private sector certification. Business Results: NUGL reports Q2 2026 revenue up 45.3% to $1.26M, with improved margins and a return to quarterly net income. Corporate Update: TMC released its Q2 2026 corporate update, citing liquidity of about $143M and ongoing U.S. government processes tied to critical metals and nodule processing. Sports Sponsorship: Berger Paints Jamaica is adding fan activations to CPL match-day at Sabina Park, blending brand engagement with cricket entertainment.