AGP Executive Report

Public Safety & Surveillance: Government approved about $790m in new JamaicaEye contracts—$439.4m for 300 CCTV cameras in Portmore and $351.1m for islandwide maintenance—while the National Security Ministry says deployment details can’t be shared yet. AI Policy & Data Control: A Jamaican-built agentic AI platform, OpenJM, launched ahead of public consultations on Jamaica’s first AI rules, aiming to keep more data processing under local control. Tax Administration Upgrade: The $760m Christiana Tax Office officially opened, adding services like motor vehicle processing and driver’s licence support, with more modernisation planned. Insurance Claims Pressure: Insurers say they’ll fast-track Hurricane Melissa claims and target major eligible settlements by end-September, as the FSC and industry groups push for faster outcomes. Capital Markets: The Jamaica Stock Exchange set up a Micro Market as a second tier under the Junior Market, with governance and investor-protection upgrades for smaller firms. Water Security: Government is studying limited desalination in St Thomas and Clarendon but rules out a nationwide rollout due to cost and environmental impact. Business & Consumer Impact: KFC’s arrival in Morant Bay is squeezing jerk vendors’ sales, while Salada Foods reported stronger earnings on improved margins and distribution. Tourism & Events: Montego Bay Convention Centre is using Dream Weekend momentum to chase more MICE and major entertainment events, targeting a $650m revenue goal.

FX Crunch: Bank of Jamaica says it met demand with US$40m in interventions but still left over US$139m unmet across two days, as the foreign exchange gap widens amid a reported drop in tourism and BPO earnings. Market Performance: Jamaica Stock Exchange Group net profit after tax jumped 191% in Q2, helped by higher income and lower expenses, with activity showing signs of gradual recovery. Cost of Living: ITA reports road deaths now at 202 (down 15% vs last year), while drought is pushing up prices at Coronation Market—lettuce up to $1,000/lb and tomatoes to $350. Public Finance & Services: Modern Christiana tax office officially opened to improve taxpayer access and efficiency. Health & Education: NHF says top covered conditions in 2025 included hypertension, diabetes and vascular diseases; SLB approved $1.8b in loans for 2,793 students and grants-in-aid of $169.4m for 2,824. Gender Safety Tech: Ministry signs deal for Jamsafe app to let people facing domestic violence call for help with no data/credit needed. Business & Trade: Jamaica Bauxite Mining discusses a proposed $60m aluminium trade revival with Ghana, aiming to refine Jamaican bauxite at Gramercy and ship alumina for Ghana’s production. Sports & Community: Mayberry JABBFA national senior finals run today with $1m sponsorship; Jamaica Fire Brigade received $12m in firefighting and rescue equipment post-Hurricane Melissa.

Forex Pressure: The Bank of Jamaica says it met another surge in demand for US dollars, with $139m unmet over two days after interventions of US$40m each time—highlighting Jamaica’s widening FX gap amid weaker tourism and BPO earnings. Markets Watch: Jamaica Stock Exchange Group net profit jumped 191% in Q2 as income rose and expenses fell, with trading activity showing signs of gradual recovery. Cost of Living & Drought: Prices at Coronation Market are up as drought bites, with lettuce now at $1,000/lb and other staples higher; the NIC also features in a push for irrigation. Water Rules: A Drought Management Committee will help enforce upcoming NWC water prohibition orders in seven parishes, with penalties for contraventions. Business Promotions: Flow’s “Passport to Millions” offers weekly cash prizes up to $1m, a $3m grand prize, and a trip to the CPL final in Barbados. Public Sector Pay Talks: Jamaica Teachers’ Association says it expects an improved wage offer after talks with the Ministry of Finance, with a vote planned at its annual conference. Safety Tech for Abuse: The Ministry signs a contract for the Jamsafe app to let people facing domestic violence call for help with one button, no data/credit needed, and at no cost to taxpayers. Sports & Economy Spillover: CPL’s Jamaica Kingsmen remain winless after another loss, while tourism-linked events like Jamaica Fest in Silver Spring keep drawing diaspora spending.

FX Pressure: The Bank of Jamaica says US dollar demand outstripped supply, with BOJ selling US$40m against US$109m sought—creating a US$69m shortfall and raising the odds of another intervention to ease backlog and support the Jamaican dollar. Regulatory Reform: Outgoing BOJ Governor Richard Byles warns “Twin Peaks” financial regulation will take years longer than the original 18–24 months and even the 2026 target, as laws still need drafting and parliamentary debate. Tourism & CSR: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett calls for a rethink of corporate social responsibility in tourism—pushing businesses to be embedded in community development, not just do donations. Local Markets & Jobs: Construction of the new Alexandria Market in St Ann is progressing, with a modern food market, offices, rental shops and parking expected to improve access to goods and services. Property Rights: Attorney Rodain Richardson says property owners can remove squatters through the court process even when people have built concrete structures. Caribbean Business Travel: Virtuoso reports fall 2026 luxury travel sales up 69% and reservations up 59%, with September leading the surge. Sports Economy: Jamaica Kingsmen remain winless after another CPL loss, while Guyana Amazon Warriors start strong with Shai Hope’s unbeaten half-century.

FX Pressure: Bank of Jamaica says US dollar demand jumped to US$109m against a US$40m supply, creating a US$69m shortfall that could trigger another intervention. Regulatory Reform: Outgoing BOJ Governor Richard Byles warns Twin Peaks financial regulation will take years longer than planned, with laws still needing drafting and parliamentary debate. Energy Costs: 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. Telecom Outlook: Fitch expects Digicel earnings to reach at least US$730m in FY2027 as efficiency gains and subscriber stability offset storm impacts. Road Revenue: TransJamaican Highway reports 40% higher six-month net profit to US$24.9m, boosted by higher toll traffic and Phase 1C. Markets: Jamaica Stock Exchange profit nearly triples in Q2 on stronger trading activity, while July gains were concentrated in a few large firms. Business & Recovery: Caribbean Cement eyes regional exports to the Cayman Islands and Bahamas as capacity returns, but says local demand comes first. Drought Hit: SBAJ warns the dry spell is becoming an economy-wide crisis for small businesses, from restaurants to car washes and Airbnb operators. Social Inclusion: CHASE Fund commits J$945,725 to health screening for the Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in Montego Bay. Land Rights Tension: Opposition Leader Mark Golding calls for a national inquiry into land-rights enforcement after Cooper’s Pen demolitions, arguing vulnerable residents need stronger safeguards.

Political Risk & Privacy: Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he “does not approve” of his Progressive Conservative Party allegedly spending about US$3,000 on a Jamaica resort trip to surveil then-Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie, calling it “stuff happens” in elections—while critics warn it signals a troubling political culture. Labour & Business Regulation: Hundreds rallied at New York City Hall for Council Member Tiffany Cabán’s Delivery Protection Act, targeting Amazon’s third-party delivery subcontracting model and pushing for direct hiring, licensing, and stronger worker protections. Jamaica Corporate & Growth: NUGL, Inc. reported Q2 2026 revenue of US$1.26m (+45.3%) alongside improved margins and a return to quarterly net income. MSME Export Readiness: JAMPRO urged MSMEs to calculate full export costs—shipping, duties, taxes, marketing and more—before pursuing overseas opportunities. Public Services & Community: Social Development Commission honoured 173 staff and stakeholders for long service and impact, linking its work to community economic development. Tourism Access: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica will keep upgrading public beaches, citing limited swim-ready coastline and highlighting entry-fee realities. Security: Firearm, ammunition and cash were seized at Petrojam Montego Bay Terminal as police report continued pressure on organised crime.

Tourism Trade: Jamaica has officially launched JAPEX 2026, set for Sept 14–18 in Ocho Rios under “Jamaica Reimagined,” with Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett pointing to hurricane recovery progress and a return of hotel rooms as the event’s big signal to global buyers. Corporate Earnings: Massy Holdings reported a 32% drop in nine-month profit to $370m, while revenue from continuing operations rose 7% to $12.65b, citing an accounting loss tied to the disposal of Massy Distribution (Jamaica) Ltd. Energy & Growth: Flow Jamaica’s revenue dipped to US$101m as hurricane recovery continues, while Copa profits halved on fuel costs but highlighted deeper Jamaica–Latin America connectivity. Education & Pay: Jamaica Teachers’ Association says wage negotiations are still ongoing, with teachers expecting formal documentation after talks with the Ministry of Finance. Policy & Justice: PNP fires back at Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson over the CCJ debate, arguing access to justice must be meaningful for all Jamaicans, not just the wealthy. Business & Crime: Police charged two women in St James after alleged ATM-card withdrawals totalling about $300,000, and a car dealer in Mandeville was charged after allegedly reclaiming a Jaguar over an unpaid balance. Road Safety: ITA says 41 people died in road crashes in July, with motorcyclists and pedestrians among the hardest hit.

Road Safety: Jamaica’s road toll rose in July, with the ITA reporting 41 deaths in motor vehicle crashes—up 3% from July 2025—with motorcyclists still a major share of fatalities. Legal Aid Capacity: Jamaica’s Legal Aid Programme now has 917 attorneys, up from 895 in 2024, supporting more consultations and duty counsel services for people in police custody. Water Pressure on Businesses: The SBAJ says drought-related water shortages are forcing micro, small and medium businesses to buy trucked water at steep costs, warning some may have to close if supply doesn’t improve. Sports & Economy Pulse: Barbados Tridents opened the CPL season with a five-run win over Jamaica Kingsmen at Sabina Park, a reminder of how major events keep local spending and tourism momentum moving. World Cup Planning: Jamaica and the JFF signed guarantee agreements for co-hosting the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, setting up visas, safety and security, and a local organising committee. Trade Signals: China’s Guangdong foreign trade jumped 20.5% in Jan–Jul, with strong high-tech exports—useful context for Jamaica’s export and investment conversations. Community & Culture: Queens-based relief drives are collecting supplies for Colombia earthquake victims, showing diaspora-linked humanitarian activity alongside Jamaica’s own business and development priorities.

Tui Earnings Shock: Europe’s travel giant Tui says quarterly profits fell 43% as the Iran war lifted fuel costs and cautious consumers delayed bookings, with hurricanes in Jamaica also hitting results. Telecom Recovery: Flow Jamaica revenue dipped to US$101m in Q2 2026 as hurricane Melissa recovery continues, though postpaid mobile additions and broadband momentum improved. Air Connectivity: Copa’s profit halved in Q2 2026, but it kept Jamaica as a key Latin America link, citing higher jet fuel costs after regional disruptions. Tourism Push: Jamaica is looking to Africa for growth, including possible air links via Accra, Ghana, as JAPEX opens and stakeholders eye investment and visitor flows. Digital Payments Fix: Outgoing BOJ Governor Richard Byles admits JAM-DEX’s rollout was mishandled and says the central bank must do more to ensure rate changes reach borrowers and savers. Property Taxes Ahead: NLA plans to revalue about 900,000 land parcels, likely lifting property tax bills as valuations update from nearly a decade ago. Business Moves: Sherwin-Williams ends manufacturing at its White Marl plant and shifts to imports, while Knutsford Express expands into St Thomas and Mandeville. Counterfeit Crackdown: Police seized over $75m in cash and counterfeit branded goods in Kingston, charging wholesale owners in a fake-goods sting.

Crime & Public Safety: Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake says Jamaica’s murder tally is 20% lower than August 2025, but warns the next phase must hit harder at domestic and interpersonal violence through more proactive intervention. Tourism Trade & Recovery: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett officially launches JAPEX 2026 (Sept 14–18) under “Jamaica Reimagined,” with Ocho Rios hosting as hotels rebound after Hurricane Melissa. Agri-Business Value-Add: JBDC urges agro-processors to turn production waste into new products like compost, pectin, livestock feed, purees and dehydrated ingredients to cut losses and boost earnings. Digital Economy & Connectivity: GSMA reports 5G is set to reach 23% of Caribbean mobile connections by 2030, but says regulatory upgrades and spectrum access are needed to close the investment gap. Business & Markets: Jamaica Stock Exchange ended July strong, with the main index up 5.7% for the month and 21.2% year-to-date; trading also rose sharply. Energy & Infrastructure: JPS restores power after a bush fire damages transmission poles and lines, causing outages in Portmore and Spanish Town. MSME Procurement Push: Entrepreneurs welcome the Government’s 20% set-aside programme reserving public procurement contracts for local MSMEs. Fraud & Enforcement: FBI-linked fraudster Elaine Oscoe was arrested in Jamaica and charged in the US over a $32M COVID relief scheme.

Water Crisis & Business Impact: Jamaica will impose water prohibition orders in seven parishes from Monday, Aug. 17, with NWC restrictions starting Aug. 12 amid worsening drought, and tougher fines promised for violators—aimed at protecting essential services as commercial users like car washes face economic hit. Tourism Trade & Recovery: JAPEX 2026 is set for Sept. 14–18 at Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios, with buyers already registered from 22+ countries and 61 supplier companies signed up, signaling renewed tourism trade momentum after Hurricane Melissa. Corporate Performance: Massy reports resilient nine-month 2026 results despite hurricane impact, while Spur Tree Spices posts stronger first-half growth supported by expanded US distribution and Amazon marketing. SME & Investment Push: Industry Minister Delano Seiveright urges entrepreneurs to look beyond apartments and build more innovative, experience-led businesses to tap Jamaica’s economic potential. Digital Economy & Compliance: UAE issues new VAT rules for digital currency conversions, highlighting how businesses must handle accounting and tax treatment as crypto payments become more common. Public Sector Pressure: UWI and UTech academic staff step up industrial action over unresolved compensation and promotion delays, threatening disruption to the start of the academic year. Security & Fraud Watch: Jamaica is urged to be vigilant against online job scams tied to human trafficking, while separate reporting notes ongoing fraud activity and scam reporting concerns.

Human Trafficking Watch: Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn warns Jamaicans to verify overseas job offers as online scams lure victims abroad, then trap them through confiscated documents, threats and debt bondage, urging use of authorised recruitment channels. Special Olympics Fundraising: The JCF is backing the Law Enforcement Torch Run (Oct 29, Montego Bay) to raise support for about 2,000 families attending the Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games (Nov 18–22). CCJ Governance Tension: Trinidadian attorney Badri-Maharaj says allegations of a deep divide at the CCJ must be addressed urgently, including claims of panel fixing and influence by the court’s president. Remittances Outlook: Remittance inflows to Jamaica may stagnate or decline as the US labour market weakens and fewer households report receiving remittances. Corporate Results: Spur Tree Spices posts a 228% jump in Q2 net profit to $30.4m on higher sales volumes, despite margin pressure from fuel and input costs. Business Restructuring: Sherwin-Williams closes its St Catherine manufacturing plant and shifts to a distribution-only model, keeping retail stores open and continuing supply via local facilities.

Jamaica Post Upgrade: Jamaica Post says it has started using upgraded International Postal and Customs Declaration systems from Aug. 1, promising faster processing, better customs data exchange, stronger security, and more reliable shipping for small businesses and e-commerce—though customers should expect temporary disruptions. UTech Fees Deal: UTech’s Student Union reports a major win after ending its stand-off with the university: semester-one fees for Jamaicans drop from J$60,000 to $50,000 and semester-two to $40,000; international fees fall from US$400 to $312 and then to $250, with tuition increases capped at 7% for new students and 5% for returning students. MSME Spotlight: Uber Wax Limited’s Tonya Hamilton credits HEART/NSTA Trust MSME support with a J$1-million grant that helped buy equipment and build a booking website, turning the business into a growing studio. Tourism Value Chain: The Artisan Village Food Festival in Falmouth is expanding opportunities for local creatives and culinary entrepreneurs as tourism-linked earning grows. Business Resilience: NCB Jamaica hosts a corporate breakfast series on resilience, stressing resilient infrastructure and public-private collaboration as Jamaica’s economy adapts to disruption. Governance Watch: Allegations and internal disputes around the CCJ’s operations are drawing fresh scrutiny, with calls for urgent, serious handling.

Tourism Resilience: Edmund Bartlett told Caribbean tourism leaders in Canada that the “Age of Resilience” means financing people and planning for converging shocks like climate disasters, conflict, cyber threats and AI. Aviation & Trade: Breeze Airways plans seven new international routes from Sept–Mar, including twice-weekly Tampa–Montego Bay flights starting Dec 19. Public Safety & Justice: A Georgia man faces up to 15 years in a Jamaica jail after allegedly traveling with 30 rounds of ammunition in carry-on; Jamaica’s firearms law carries a mandatory minimum. Legal System Tension: A row erupted after CCJ President Winston Anderson removed Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji from a panel hearing, sparking criticism among judges. Disaster Readiness Tech: Google released WeatherNext 2 cyclone forecasting tools to researchers, claiming about a day of extra lead time for storm planning. Business & Energy: Century Aluminum’s Jamalco refinery commissioned a turbine to run on self-generated power, targeting major cost savings. Regional Finance: CDB approved a US$100,000 feasibility study toward a single CARICOM regional stock exchange to boost cross-border investment. Health & Community: Westmoreland urged Hepatitis B vaccination and safe sex ahead of World Hepatitis Day; Police Commissioner warned against complacency despite a 21% murder reduction. Sports Economy: Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games are set for Nov 18–22 in Montego Bay, with about 220 athletes from 20 countries.

Water & Cost Pressures: Kingston and St Andrew car wash operators are bracing for tougher drought rules, with officials warning potable-water use could face full prohibitions by Aug. 10 if dry weather holds—potentially forcing shutdowns or costly workarounds. Sports Tourism & Inclusion: Montego Bay will host the Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games at Harmony Beach Park from Nov. 18–22, with about 220 athletes from 20 countries competing and organisers pitching a lasting inclusion legacy. Business & Energy Savings: Jamalco has switched to a self-generated power turbine, aiming to cut electricity costs and save up to US$28m a year as it reduces reliance on the national grid. Regional Finance Integration: The Caribbean Development Bank approved a US$100,000 feasibility study on a CARICOM regional stock exchange to help businesses raise capital across borders. CPL Spotlight: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons edged Jamaica Kingsmen in a last-ball thriller to open the 2026 CPL season, setting the tone for a high-stakes campaign. Environment Watch: Foreign plastic waste is piling up along Jamaica’s eastern coastline, raising marine and food-chain risks and calling for stronger regional cooperation.

Tourism Policy Watch: Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association says uncertainty over a proposed GCT increase for the sector is making investors “restive,” with calls to resolve the issue quickly to protect confidence and destination Jamaica plans. Disaster Resilience & Community: WISTA Jamaica will donate hurricane relief supplies to Carisbrook Infant and Primary School in St Elizabeth on Aug 15, funded by its High Tea fundraiser, as the maritime business community backs recovery after Hurricane Melissa. Local Reconstruction: Black River Mayor Richard Solomon pledges full support to NaRRA’s rebuilding push, while St Elizabeth Technical High School is named the new Emergency Operations Command Centre hub for the parish during hurricane season. Healthcare Infrastructure: May Pen Hospital’s $642M outpatient department is on schedule for next-year completion, adding outpatient capacity, imaging and a minor theatre, with jobs expected. Business Cost Control: Pizza Please says it’s tackling higher operating costs by boosting productivity and containing expenses after Hurricane Melissa impacts Ocho Rios operations. Sports & Youth Economy: CPL SchoolYard returns with back-to-school initiatives in Jamaica and across the region, while a basketball camp in Treasure Beach targets 2,000 children and teens with sportsmanship and resilience. International Links: Jamaica and South Africa trade ties get a boost as JMEA welcomes a deputy minister visit; Jamaica also moves to deepen Ghana ties via calls for direct air links.