AGP Executive Report

JSE Junior Market: Derrimon Trading Company shares were suspended after audited financial statements for 2025 became 92 days overdue, with trading halted until the filings are submitted. Public Finance Watch: Jamaica’s debt-to-GDP ratio edged up to an imputed 65.6% at end-March, as public debt rose 8% year-on-year, according to the Independent Fiscal Commission. Disaster & Resilience: ODPEM signed a GeoConnect data governance MOU to speed real-time hurricane damage assessments and reduce duplicate benefits; Jamaica also plans a new building code this year requiring Category 5-ready construction and stricter enforcement. Cybersecurity Governance: Cabinet will consider creating the NCCAC to coordinate national cybersecurity, including a 24/7 incident reporting “front door” and a new National Cybersecurity Act within set timelines. Local Economy & Services: NSWMA will launch a $200m public education push to cut illegal dumping and improve waste collection after Hurricane Melissa; Caribbean Cement reports supply up over 20% after April rainfall disruptions. Transport & Cost of Living: JUTC is reminding riders that seats are first-come, first-served and will support Reggae Sumfest 2026 with dedicated transport packs. Hurricane Season Readiness: Liberty Caribbean says it has strengthened network resilience and emergency response ahead of the June 1 start. Justice & Governance: Opposition MP Zuleika Jess renewed calls for JP stipends, arguing “justice cannot run on charity alone,” and also flagged a “crisis in the courts” in hurricane-hit western parishes. Forex: US$ ended at J$159.11.

Hurricane readiness & risk: Jamaica’s disaster response push is getting a boost as ODPEM is being repositioned into a National Resilience Organisation, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness outlining organisational upgrades and new hires ahead of the 2026 Atlantic season. Cyber & early childhood innovation: Jamaica’s Cybersecurity Standards Framework is now complete, with a tested National Cyber Incident Response Plan and US$10m approved through 2029; meanwhile the NEST early science programme is rolling out to 500 early childhood institutions islandwide by end-2026. Tourism jobs & local linkages: Tourism 3.0 is officially being framed as a shift from visitor numbers to wider community benefit, with Minister Edmund Bartlett stressing local ownership and stronger supply chains. Agriculture resilience & investment clarity: Opposition agriculture spokesman Dr Dayton Campbell is calling for a permanent disaster recovery fund for farmers and fisherfolk, while CARICOM’s private sector leaders say investors need clearer, bankable business cases to fund food security. Transport cost pressure: Public passenger vehicle fares are rising in two phases (8% now, 8% July 1), but operators and commuters are frustrated by the lack of a revised fare table and unclear implementation. Local business security: A $100,000 safe was stolen from a Cypress Hills restaurant, with investigators releasing photos and linking the suspect to other break-ins. Science-to-policy governance: Jamaica’s ST&I Strategic Plan 2026-2035 is headed to Cabinet, aiming to connect research, innovation and national development through a new “House of Innovation” framework.

PPV Fare Shock: Jamaica’s phased 16% public passenger vehicle increase starts today with an 8% jump, followed by another 8% on July 1—drivers say costs forced earlier adjustments, while commuters in Ocho Rios and beyond question the timing and fear higher transport costs will squeeze already-stressed household budgets. Energy & Resilience: OUR has approved a US$106.6m parametric insurance package for JPS ahead of the 2026 hurricane season, and JPS says it has fully restored power to all customers after Hurricane Melissa—while talks continue on a new all-island electricity licence. Agriculture Under Pressure: Opposition MP Dr Dayton Campbell is pushing for a permanent Agricultural and Fisheries Disaster Recovery Fund, and coffee exporters warn of massive job losses unless urgent government support is delivered. BPO Jobs at Risk: Science/tech opposition spokesman Christopher Brown questions the Government’s plans for Jamaica’s BPO sector as AI threatens call-centre work. Hurricane Melissa Aftermath: Campbell also calls for faster, better-targeted support for farmers and fisherfolk as recovery drags. Innovation Push: Dr Andrew Wheatley unveils Jamaica’s “House of Innovation” framework to reduce fragmentation and boost science, technology and innovation for growth. Healthcare Governance: UHWI’s outgoing acting CEO urges protection of the institution as PAC scrutiny continues, including concerns over procurement and tax-exempt document use. Tourism & Culture: The One Nation Reggae Festival returns (Nov 25–30, 2026), alongside fresh tourism and diaspora engagement plans.

PPV Fares: Jamaica’s 16% public passenger vehicle fare increase is rolling out in two phases—8% takes effect today, with the remaining 8% due July 1—aimed at easing the inflation hit on commuters while keeping operators afloat. Broadcasting Regulation: The Broadcasting Commission has rapped Flow and Digicel for “substandard customer service” tied to late 2025 channel and programming changes, including reliance on emails many subscribers didn’t open. Tourism Infrastructure: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett cut the ribbon on the $27.5m Fontabelle to Geddes Town Road rehab in St. Mary, designed to open up heritage and eco-tourism and boost local economic activity. Private Sector Investment: Vibrant Energy says it will invest $1b in a new FESCO-branded service station in St. James, creating construction and ongoing jobs and adding retail and food options. Caribbean Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to let travellers book with one ticket and check luggage through to final destinations, improving regional and Europe links via Paris. Hurricane Season Watch: NOAA says El Niño may mean fewer named storms, but Jamaica is still urged to treat preparedness as essential since any single storm can be damaging. US-Jamaica Maritime Ties: The USS Nimitz docked in Kingston for a five-day goodwill stop, highlighting maritime security cooperation and trade ties.

Health & Innovation: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics are partnering to expand access across Latin America and the Caribbean to Precivity® blood tests for Alzheimer’s amyloid pathology, with Jamaica among the initial rollout countries. Energy & Disaster Readiness: Liberty Caribbean (Flow/Liberty Business/BTC) says it’s ready for the 2026 hurricane season, citing investments in network resilience and emergency response after Hurricane Melissa. Crime & Community Safety: Salt Spring in St James reports a strong start to 2026 with no murders or shootings since the year began, crediting sustained police-community collaboration. Central Banking & Liquidity: The Bank of Jamaica injected $2.5 billion in liquidity support to deposit-taking institutions after bids totalled $3.5 billion. Sports & Travel: Porter Airlines adds new nonstop Montego Bay routes from Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton for the 2026-27 winter season, boosting Canadian access to Jamaica. Governance & Oversight: Jamaica’s Integrity Commission is urging Parliament to strengthen its law, warning weaknesses are limiting its anti-corruption mandate. Business & Culture: Monymusk Plantation rums win Gold Medals at the 2026 Beverage Testing Institute World Spirits Championship. AI & Media: The New York Times publisher attacks AI firms for “theft” of news content, warning it threatens journalism’s future.

Hurricane Season Watch: NOAA says Atlantic season is likely milder thanks to El Nino, but still expects 8–14 storms and several hurricanes—so Jamaica’s preparedness message stays urgent. Youth Health & Policy: Caribbean coverage flags a vaping surge among teens, warning that “nicotine-free” products can still normalise vaping and that nicotine harms mental health and learning. Diaspora & Community Recovery: Jamaica Diaspora Day of Service on June 18 has 17 registered projects across healthcare, education and community work, largely targeting Hurricane Melissa-affected western parishes. Education & Skills: Hanover schools get new technology resource hubs to boost maths learning, while Pembroke Hall High receives a donated literacy centre to close reading gaps. Trade, Finance & Risk: A regional economist warns the Caribbean is stuck in a debt-climate trap and urges a coordinated debt-climate negotiation platform and climate-justice reforms. Healthcare Workforce: Ghana and Jamaica sign up to deploy about 400 Ghanaian nurses to strengthen Jamaica’s health system. Tourism & Investment: Caribbean Week in New York opens with ministers pushing market resilience and “one Caribbean” tourism strategy. Sports & Economy Links: South Africa’s World Cup travel hit visa delays, while Jamaica’s surf champion Elishama Beckford signs a global Quiksilver partnership—both spotlighting how sport and mobility connect to business opportunities.

Caribbean Tourism Push: Caribbean Week in New York opens June 1 with a strong turnout of tourism ministers and commissioners, aiming to boost regional resilience and market share. Youth Health & Regulation: World No Tobacco Day coverage warns that Caribbean youth are buying vapes easily via shops and social media, with flavours masking nicotine addiction risks and policy lagging behind the fast spread. Public Safety Oversight: INDECOM is calling for a major overhaul of Jamaica’s body-worn camera deployment so accountability is prioritised in high-risk police operations, not mainly traffic/public safety zones. Agriculture Recovery: Jamaica says a US$50m FAO-backed agriculture recovery and resilience programme for Hurricane Melissa-affected farmers and fishers will be fully implemented in September. Border Security Training: Jamaica Customs officers complete weapons and ammunition management training to strengthen border protection using international best practices. Tourism Airlift: Air Canada adds more Jamaica flights for the 2026-27 winter season, signalling continued demand from Canada. Healthcare Manpower Deal: Ghana and Jamaica sign an agreement to deploy about 400 Ghanaian nurses to Jamaica under revived cooperation. Real Estate Capital Markets: A new Jamaica/Cayman real estate dealer reports J$3.5b in accepted offers in its first five months, pointing to ongoing investor appetite. Homelessness Response: KSAMC moves to address rising homelessness in downtown Kingston, starting with a multi-agency plan for “street to stability.”

Regional Aviation Realignment: Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from Dominica, St Kitts and Ogle-Suriname is already triggering knock-on changes, including a new June 1 interline deal between LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes that lets passengers travel on one ticket with through-checked baggage. Healthcare Workforce Boost: Ghana and Jamaica have signed a bilateral agreement under the revived PJCC, paving the way for about 400 Ghanaian nurses to deploy to Jamaica to strengthen health delivery, with talks also continuing on Ghanaian teachers. Hurricane Readiness & Risk: As the Atlantic season begins June 1, Jamaica’s utilities say they’re stockpiling equipment and preparing for disruptions, while NOAA forecasts a below-normal season but warns funding cuts could strain forecasting capacity. Beach Modernisation Drive: The Tourism Enhancement Fund is moving ahead with upgrades to Fantasy, Pagee and Success public beaches, starting with Fantasy Beach in St Ann, with tenders for the others. Business & Investment: MoneyMasters broke ground on The Sana, a US$25m mixed-use project near Half-Way Tree, while State Minister Delano Seiveright urged MSMEs to formalise and adopt digital payments to avoid being left behind. Public Safety & Accountability: Indecom is calling for a rethink of body-worn camera deployment, arguing cameras should prioritise planned operations where armed encounters and fatalities are more likely. Infrastructure Disruption: A JUTC bus was destroyed by fire at the Spanish Town terminal; no injuries were reported.

Maritime & Security: The USS Nimitz, the oldest active-duty US supercarrier, is set to arrive in Kingston on Monday for a five-day Caribbean port call, with officials saying it will boost people-to-people ties and local economic activity. Governance & Integrity: Police have charged a current and a decommissioned JP in Manchester over alleged fraud, including impersonating a doctor and forging documents; both are due in court June 3. Disaster Recovery & Health: A third victim from the Guardsman Group garage explosion has been airlifted to Atlanta for specialised care, joining two earlier patients. Research & Culture Funding: Jamaica institutions and scholars will receive £450,000 (about J$91m) from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation to expand Transatlantic Slavery research through the PASSAGE programme. Digital Economy & Education: Flow Foundation will invest $5m annually to bring free high-speed Wi-Fi to 100 early childhood institutions nationwide. Agriculture Resilience: Jamaica is rolling out $50m in parametric weather protection for 5,000 farmers ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. Business & Finance: Barita Merchant Bank and Barita Fund Managers have received regulatory approval to rebrand under the Barita name as the group strengthens its digital banking push. Telecom Growth: Flow says demand for online services across its networks jumped 60% since Hurricane Melissa, and it’s setting up Liberty Business in Montego Bay to meet digital demand. Local Business Climate: Montego Bay Chamber president Jason Russell is calling for tiered labour law reforms to reduce burdens on micro and small businesses. Fraud & Consumer Protection: A US court sentenced an American to 10+ years for selling personal data/lead lists of millions of elderly Americans to Jamaican lottery scammers. Tourism Promotion: Jamaica Tourist Board delivered a tourism briefing to 15 diplomats preparing for overseas postings to help drive Destination Jamaica and investment. Sports Media Rights: RUSH Sports and TVJ warn that they are the only authorised broadcasters of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Jamaica, targeting unauthorised streaming and piracy.

Digital Economy & Connectivity: Flow Foundation will invest US$5m annually to deliver free high-speed Wi‑Fi to 100 early childhood institutions, expanding its Internet in Schools programme with the Early Childhood Commission. Telecom & Business Growth: Flow Jamaica says demand for online services across Flow and Digicel networks jumped 60% since Hurricane Melissa, and it will set up Liberty Business headquarters at the Montego Bay Digiport. Real Estate & Investment: Ground has been broken for the US$25m SANA plaza and tower in Kingston, a mixed-use project combining retail, offices, and luxury residences. Banking & Finance: Barita Financial Group received approvals to rebrand Cornerstone Trust and JN Fund Managers under the Barita name, positioning Barita Merchant Bank as a digital bank. Housing & Social Support: The Labour Ministry will publish the verified list for the ROOFS benefit by parish, with a website for TRN checks and voucher redemption guidance. Disaster Risk & Agriculture: Jamaica is rolling out $50m in parametric insurance support for 5,000 farmers ahead of the 2026 hurricane season, shifting from post-disaster response to pre-disaster protection. Crime & Consumer Protection: A US man, Troy Murray, was sentenced to 121 months for selling elderly Americans’ personal data to Jamaican lottery scammers. Sports Media Rights: RUSH Sports and TVJ warn that they are the only authorised broadcasters of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Jamaica, targeting unauthorised streaming and public viewing.

Banking Deal Reshapes Caribbean: Butterfield to acquire CIBC Caribbean in a US$1.8b deal, creating a major regional banking group and setting up a 2027 close. Telecom Recovery Watch: Flow Jamaica Q1 revenue slipped to US$103.2m as Hurricane Melissa left tens of thousands of subscribers offline, though reconnections are accelerating. Trade & Energy Signals: Jamaica’s crude oil imports plunged 93% in January, helping narrow the visible trade deficit, while capital-goods imports rose—pointing to shifting demand patterns. Real Estate Compliance Push: RETI and CCIM partner to strengthen compliance and ethics in Jamaica’s real estate sector, targeting informal practices. Climate Finance Pressure: Minister Samuda says Jamaica still needs far more climate financing to meet adaptation plans and disaster resilience goals. Disaster Rebuild Expo: Montego Bay’s Recover and Rebuild Jamaica Expo will connect homeowners, builders, financiers and regulators with climate-smart building and financing seminars. Labour Law Debate: MoBay Chamber president Jason Russell wants labour law reforms, arguing current rules burden business and slow investment. CARICOM Membership Consultation: Bermuda’s public consultation on moving to full CARICOM membership closes Sunday, with feedback feeding a White Paper. STEM Pipeline Alarm: UTech warns only about 20% of CSEC students reach the five-pass threshold, tightening competition for tertiary places.

BOJ & Markets: Bank of Jamaica governor Richard Byles says JAM-DEX adoption is moving too slowly, blaming delays in getting banks to retrofit point-of-sale systems. BOJ Financing: BOJ will offer a US$51m US$-indexed investment note on Friday, with US$48.45m for the private sector, a 4.25% fixed rate, and quarterly payments in JMD. Trade & FX: Jamaica’s trade deficit narrowed to US$458.3m in January as imports fell and exports declined; forex closed with the US dollar at $158.27. Disaster Risk & Climate: PM Holness urges hurricane preparedness; a climatologist warns 2026 may be quieter but “erratic,” with fewer storms but heavy rain and heat risks. Infrastructure & Local Capacity: Government pushes a One Road Authority and NaRRA safeguards, with Holness saying Jamaica still lacks capacity for large enterprise contracts—raising the bar for local contractors. Real Estate Demand: Realtors report a sustained property boom across Kingston/St Andrew and key corridors, driven by diaspora and infrastructure upgrades. Labour & Skills: Labour Minister Charles Jr. calls for AI skills and an inclusive labour environment. Business & Community: Red Stripe appoints Holly Bostock as managing director from July 1, becoming the first woman to lead the brand. Safety Incident: Beryllium confirms a contractor died after an explosion and fire at a garage adjacent to its Kingston compound; two victims were airlifted to the US.

Hurricane Preparedness: Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged Jamaicans to start hurricane drills and readiness now, pointing to lessons from Hurricane Melissa and stressing preparedness across households, utilities, schools and emergency services. Disaster Risk Financing: Jamaica is strengthening its disaster risk financing framework and has secured World Bank catastrophe bond coverage, as the season nears. NaRRA Leadership & Oversight: Business groups backed Major (Ret’d) Antony Anderson as CEO of NaRRA to drive post-Melissa rebuilding, while calling for strong oversight and transparency of public funds. Digital Payments Gap: A MasterCard study found only 8% of small merchants use POS systems, even as most consumers want more digital payment acceptance—cash still dominates. Solidarity Programme Scrutiny: Parliament heard that much of the $1 billion Solidarity Programme set aside was returned for debt reduction, raising concerns about how unspent funds are handled. Retail Restructuring: MegaMart will close its loss-making Portmore branch at end-June, consolidating operations after Hurricane Melissa impacts. Regional Business Moves: Butterfield to acquire control of CIBC Caribbean Bank in a US$1.8b deal, while IDB Invest approved up to US$30m for Trinidad Tissues’ regional expansion including Jamaica. Tourism & Recovery: Jamaica is pushing to secure a bigger share of global medical and dental tourism and to reimagine the 2026 tourism season after Melissa’s disruption.

Disaster Risk & Finance: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica has strengthened its disaster risk financing ahead of hurricane season, including a successful new US$200m World Bank catastrophe bond to replace the US$150m post-Hurricane Melissa payout. Reconstruction Leadership: Holness also announced Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson as the first CEO of NaRRA, with the NaRRA Act assented into law to cut bureaucracy and speed post-hurricane rebuilding. Public Safety & Infrastructure: KSAMC is pushing its Cleaner Kingston initiative by clearing downtown streets and removing tarpaulins that block camera visibility, while the NWC ramps up hurricane readiness with generator upgrades and drone-based damage assessments. Business & Investment: Barita Financial Group received approval to operate as a financial holding company, and Jetour Jamaica officially launched in St Andrew with six new models. Tourism Growth: Jamaica is targeting a bigger share of the global medical and dental tourism market, and the Kingston Open in August 2026 is set to bring ATP Challenger action to the island. Food & Health: Jamaica marks World Food Safety Day on June 7 with a shift toward prevention, and the Jackson Center community days assembled 25,000 meals for local food banks and possible international relief. Local Incidents: Downtown Kingston saw an explosion at a KFC with two technicians burned, while Beryllium says a nearby garage blast injured four workers but did not affect its operations.

Monetary Outlook: Bank of Jamaica projects a gradual recovery, forecasting real GDP growth of 1–3% for FY2026/27 and 2027/28, with reserves at US$6.5b (about 139.6% of adequacy) to help steady the FX market and contain imported inflation. Financial Sector: BOJ granted Barita Financial Group a licence to operate as a financial holding company, strengthening consolidated supervision and group-wide risk governance after its April 2025 reorganisation. Digital Inclusion: A Mastercard study says only 8% of small merchants in Jamaica have point-of-sale systems, pushing calls for low-cost acceptance tools like tap-on-phone and easier digital onboarding. Labour & Workplace: State Minister Donovan Williams says Jamaica’s Industrial Disputes Tribunal has helped sustain workplace harmony for 50 years and must keep evolving for the “future of work.” Disaster Recovery Leadership: PM Holness appointed Major General Antony Anderson as CEO of NaRRA, with him set to start June 1 to lead post-hurricane rebuilding. Energy/Utilities Governance: SEPA named executives from SMUD, Trico Electric Cooperative and NASUCA to its board, aiming to bridge policy and grid solutions.

Banking & Markets: The Bank of Jamaica kept its policy rate at 5.5% and warned inflation could breach the 4–6% target in coming quarters if oil-driven costs stay high. Financial Sector: Barita Financial Group got a licence to operate as a financial holding company, strengthening group-wide oversight after a reorganisation. Energy & Cost of Living: Opposition energy spokesman Phillip Paulwell renewed calls for a fuel price ceiling as Jamaicans feel rising global oil pressure. Construction & Supply: Cement supply is showing signs of stabilising after local interventions, easing Labour Day disruptions. Tourism & Jobs: Holness pushed Jamaica’s film push as an economic engine, while Labour Day projects kept rolling—modular housing for Hurricane Melissa victims and upgrades to community facilities. Regional Watch: Caribbean Airlines plans route cuts after losses, including St. Kitts and Dominica from June 1. Sports & Culture: Jamaica’s film “Love Offside” screened in Kingston as the island targets bigger global screen-industry gains.