AGP Executive Report

Jamaica Integrity Commission: Minister Andrew Wheatley is set to face illicit enrichment charges after the IC found assets $164m higher than lawful earnings, with Wheatley vowing to contest the ruling. Customs & Trade Facilitation: From June 22, authorised-dealer vehicle imports will skip mandatory pre-release verification and move to post-clearance checks, aiming to cut delays, costs and port congestion. Tourism & Investment: PM Holness and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett pushed “Tourism 3.0,” stressing confidence-building, higher local retention, and diaspora investment to strengthen resilience. Diaspora & Skills: At the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, education officials showcased STEAM, robotics and digital learning initiatives, while Bartlett urged a diaspora “climate corp” to fund resilience projects. Climate Finance: Jamaica secured a US$2.1m Green Climate Fund readiness grant to strengthen climate response and unlock financing. Entrepreneurship Push: First Union launched a $1b side-hustle micro-loan fund for Jamaicans aged to start or scale income ventures. Agriculture Pressure: St Elizabeth farmers report heat stress and water access problems, spotlighting drought-mitigation and water management gaps.

Tourism & Investment: PM Holness and Tourism Minister Bartlett say Jamaica’s tourism is driving confidence that attracts investment, with the sector shifting from “Tourism 2.0” to “Tourism 3.0” to boost local participation and dollar retention; Security & Macroeconomy: Seiveright links falling murders to better investor confidence, while Holness points to stable inflation, stronger reserves and improved credit ratings as Jamaica positions for faster recovery; Ports & Trade Facilitation: Jamaica Customs will end mandatory pre-release verification for new vehicles imported by authorised dealers from June 22, moving to post-clearance checks to cut delays and costs; Entrepreneurship Finance: First Union launches a $1b side-hustle micro-loan fund for Jamaicans (60+) and working entrepreneurs to scale income ventures; Housing & Development: Blue Mahoe Capital Caribbean starts a US$5m crowdfunding push for affordable homes, and NaRRa gets a Cabinet push to streamline post-hurricane reconstruction; Regional Blue Economy: Jamaica and Barbados sign onto the Wider Caribbean Ocean Coordination Mechanism; Tourism Product Push: Sandals unveils $200m “Sandals 2.0” upgrades for Jamaica resorts, while the Ministry of Tourism targets culinary training partnerships to grow gastronomy tourism; Local Rights Watch: Court action over Mammee Bay raises the question of whether Jamaicans will keep access to beaches as high-end projects expand.

Customs & Ease of Doing Business: Jamaica Customs will speed up clearance for new motor vehicles imported by authorised dealers, moving to post-clearance verification so low-risk shipments can be released immediately from June 22, supporting the Government’s productivity push. Health Costs Relief: The National Health Fund increased subsidies on 18 cardiovascular drug items and added/expanded NHFCard support, including annual echocardiogram and ECG subsidies, to cushion beneficiaries from rising prices. Climate & Agriculture Resilience: Government is developing a weather-triggered insurance scheme for farmers, with $50 million earmarked to help insure 5,000 farmers (prioritising youth and women), alongside drought mitigation measures like catchment ponds. Roads & Urban Growth: Plans to dualise East King’s House Road and Lady Musgrave Road in Kingston aim to cut congestion, with widening, drainage upgrades, traffic signals, and broadband ducts. Diaspora & Investment Momentum: The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference highlighted diaspora support for business conditions, healthcare, tourism and security, while also reinforcing climate-resilience partnerships. Business Expansion: Kintyre Holdings enters Jamaica’s EV market via a $100m expected investment, buying a 75% stake in an EV dealership through new share issuance that dilutes existing shareholders.

TCN Transit Deal: Jamaica has signed a US MOU to facilitate transit of up to 25 third-country nationals every two weeks, with the US covering initial stay costs; the deal is not for permanent settlement and can be refused or terminated. Healthcare Costs: The NHF raised subsidies on 18 cardiovascular drug items (up to $200+ per tablet/capsule) and added echocardiogram and ECG annual subsidies to strengthen NHFCard coverage. Climate Resilience Finance: Jamaica secured a US$2.1m Green Climate Fund readiness grant to improve access to climate financing and build a project pipeline after Hurricane Melissa. Farm Insurance Push: Government plans a weather-triggered insurance scheme for farmers, with $50m earmarked to cover base premiums for 5,000 farmers, prioritising youth and women. Tourism Investment Signal: PM Holness says RIU’s 25-year expansion reflects confidence in Jamaica and argues the country must keep competing for visitors, investment and talent. Labour Relations Watch: JCSA warns of disruption if the government doesn’t settle a 14-month wage claim. Construction Supply: Cabinet approved cement importation by five firms for six months to ease a supply gap after weather impacts. Electric Vehicles: Kintyre Holdings enters the EV market via a partnership with Florida’s Rush Hour Engineering, starting with distribution of JMEV vehicles across the region.

Climate Finance Boost: Jamaica secured a US$2.1m Green Climate Fund readiness grant via the CCCCC to strengthen its ability to access international climate financing and build a pipeline of resilience projects after Hurricane Melissa. Energy & Local Content Push: Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat urged oil and gas firms to “spread their wings” regionally, pointing to partnerships and growth opportunities across Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Brazil. EV Market Entry: Kintyre Holdings Jamaica is moving into electric vehicles through a partnership with Florida-based Rush Hour Engineering, with rollout starting in Jamaica using JMEV vehicles. Land Access Plan: Government says it’s finalising a structured process to release public lands for Jamaicans to legally acquire, aiming to expand access while improving equity in a competitive system. Hurricane Readiness: JPS says it has begun preparations for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, including inventory build-ups and partner support, drawing lessons from Hurricane Melissa. Construction Supply Watch: Cabinet approved additional cement imports to ease a supply shortage affecting rebuilding demand. Road Data Upgrade: A Jamaica Road Register will be established under the One Road Authority, with a public app for residents to report road conditions. Banking Results: JN Bank more than tripled net profit to $1.45b for the year ended March 31, 2026, as impairment losses fell and operating efficiency improved. Fraud Alert: Industry Minister Delano Seiveright warned the public about a fake AI-generated investment video using his image and voice, urging people not to share money or personal details. Diaspora Investment Angle: JACRA encouraged diaspora Jamaicans to invest in commodities like spices, cocoa, coconut and coffee, including farm and processing opportunities. Business & Governance: Jamaica Diaspora Conference closed with record attendance and renewed calls for diaspora partnerships across investment, security, youth and climate resilience.

Climate Finance Boost: The Green Climate Fund approved a US$2.1m readiness grant for Jamaica via CCCCC to strengthen its ability to access climate funding and build a pipeline of resilience projects after Hurricane Melissa. Infrastructure & Resilience: Government says a Montego Bay drainage study has identified fixes for Catherine Hall flooding, while 55 bridges are earmarked under the Accelerated Bridge Programme, including the Black River Bridge in St. Elizabeth, to better withstand extreme weather. Public Works Spending: The Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure reports about 22% of its capital budget spent so far, citing major road projects and bridge works. Tourism & Talent: PM Holness says Jamaica must shift from exporting talent to attracting it, as Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett urges the diaspora to invest in tourism resilience. Diaspora Digital Push: Jamaica’s digital transformation drive aims to make it easier for Jamaicans overseas to do business and access services, with AI and tech capacity building highlighted at the Diaspora Conference. Health System Support: The Ministry of Health launched the Lifesavers Club to grow a steady base of voluntary blood donors and reduce reliance on emergency collections. Banking & Jobs: UNI Global Union is calling for urgent talks over the CIBC–Butterfield merger, warning about risks to workers across the region. All-Inclusive Investment: Sandals unveiled first looks at the US$200m Sandals 2.0 transformation across three Jamaica resorts, including Sandals Montego Bay’s Dec. 18, 2026 reopening.

Third-Country Deportees Deal: Jamaica has signed an MoU with the US to accept up to 25 third-country deportees every two weeks, with National Security Minister Horace Chang saying it’s a “structured, managed process” and not detention resettlement—while the PNP warns of security and reputational risks. Integrity Commission Fallout: Opposition pressure is mounting on Cabinet Minister Andrew Wheatley after the IC recommended illicit enrichment and false-declaration charges; PNP leaders and civil society groups are calling for his removal pending prosecution. Land & Poverty Link: PM Holness tied economic mobility to land titling, distributing registered titles in St Andrew to help families build wealth and break intergenerational poverty. Diaspora for Growth: At the 11th Jamaica Diaspora Conference, tourism minister Edmund Bartlett urged overseas Jamaicans to invest in climate-smart tourism resilience, while Seiveright highlighted crime reduction as a driver of investor confidence. Banking & Liquidity: The Bank of Jamaica’s $32b certificate of deposit auction was oversubscribed, with 211 bids and $32b accepted at an average 5.65% rate. Tourism Earnings Dip: Dolphin Cove reported a 39% revenue drop and 83% profit fall in Q1 as airlift limits and hotel reopening delays weighed on arrivals. Finance Results: LASCO Financial posted 40% higher net profit for the financial year, citing cost control and recovery after Hurricane Melissa disruptions. Infrastructure Rules: Government says new regulations are coming to curb overloaded trucks and protect Jamaica’s road network, alongside tighter standards for road maintenance. Blue Economy Move: Jamaica signed onto the Ocean Coordination Mechanism to strengthen regional ocean governance and the blue economy. Digital Payments Upgrade: CIBC Caribbean cards can now be added to Google Wallet across Jamaica and other markets, expanding contactless digital payments.

Creative Economy Funding Push: Jamaica’s Culture Ministry is urging the diaspora to help close a $5-billion financing gap for creatives, backing a new Jamaica Entertainment and Cultural Development Foundation to unlock investment and scale local talent. Health CARE Fund Call: The Health Ministry has opened a formal call for proposals under the new $500-million Community Arranged Response Efforts (CARE) Fund to support community-led health and wellness projects. Diaspora Engagement Boost: Government says diaspora engagement is now a national priority, expanding the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council and youth council to widen global representation and services. Energy Cost Plan: PM Holness says Jamaica will change the electricity licence and scale renewables to drive down power costs for households and businesses. Integrity Commission Showdown: A looming legal fight is brewing after investigators recommended charges against MP Andrew Wheatley over an alleged $164-million shortfall, which he rejects as false and incomplete. Gaming Crackdown: BGLC warns unlicensed gaming machine operators to regularise ahead of tougher enforcement, while adjusting compliance expectations. Food Safety Reminder: A sugar recall sparked renewed focus on physical contamination risks and how testing and recalls protect consumers. Tourism Resilience: Tourism Minister Bartlett calls for more local ownership and diaspora involvement to make the visitor economy more shock-resilient.

Haiti Humanitarian Alarm: UN chief António Guterres says Haiti is in the Western Hemisphere’s worst humanitarian crisis, with 6.4 million people needing aid, 1.5 million displaced, and gang violence driving hunger and rights abuses. Health Accountability: Health Minister Christopher Tufton says a new health-sector accountability framework will be signed this Friday, alongside patient rights and duties under Jamaica’s Patients Charter. Integrity Commission Fallout: Cabinet Minister Dr Andrew Wheatley rejects an Integrity Commission report as false after it recommends illicit enrichment and other charges, including claims about undisclosed loans and rental income. Road Costs: Montego Bay Perimeter Road costs have risen by nearly US$80 million to about US$354.25 million as scope and engineering requirements expand. Fuel Prices: Gasoline drops 25 cents per litre, with 90-octane at $200.82 and 87-octane at $193.38, effective Thursday. US-Jamaica Migration Talks: Jamaica confirms talks with the US on accepting up to 25 third-country nationals every two weeks, with details still being worked out and no detention planned. Digital Payments Leadership: Visa appoints Jorge Salum to lead expanded Greater Caribbean operations across 22 markets, aiming to deepen digital payments adoption. Tourism Boost: Dunn’s River Falls wins a 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, placing it among the top 10% of attractions globally. Local Business & Food Supply: Scotch bonnet shortages are squeezing hot pepper sauce production, pushing up costs for Caribbean suppliers.

Tourism Strategy: Jamaica unveiled its 10x10x10 tourism vision, targeting 10 million visitors and US$10 billion in earnings over the next decade, with Tourism 3.0 shifting focus to workforce empowerment and community linkages. Diaspora & Growth: At the Jamaica Diaspora Conference, PM Holness pushed for a “cultural revolution” to boost efficiency and productivity, while Opposition Leader Mark Golding urged diaspora participation on public boards. Banking & Markets: Scotia Group Jamaica reported $10.1B net income for six months ended April 30 and is moving toward a take-private plan that could pay investors about $54B, raising questions about where the cash will go next. Housing & Finance: St. Thomas identified six potential housing sites pending technical assessments, while Jamaica’s diaspora mortgage access is improving via digital processes; in New York, a Jamaica housing lottery for eight units ends June 23 with rents from $2,040. Disaster Readiness: Government allocated $18B to rebuild schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa, and St. Mary stepped up hurricane preparedness with drain and flood-mitigation efforts. Migration Policy: Jamaica says it’s negotiating a US-backed deportee arrangement for third-country nationals but won’t open borders for uncontrolled migration.

US-Jamaica Migration Talks: Jamaica says it’s in discussions with Washington on whether it will accept deported third-country migrants as a transit/holding country, with no final agreement yet. Diaspora Investment Push: At the Jamaica Diaspora Conference, PM Holness and Industry Minister Delano Seiveright urged overseas Jamaicans to move beyond remittances into housing and business ownership, citing stronger reserves and improved security. Tourism Innovation Deadline: The Tourism Enhancement Fund’s TEF Tourism Innovation Incubator is taking applications until June 17, with a 60-second pitch required via tef.gov.jm. Banking & Liquidity: The Bank of Jamaica will issue a $32b certificate of deposit on Wednesday at 5.75% to manage liquidity and inflation. Education Resilience: The education ministry says schools are being equipped with computers and tech skills for continuity during disasters, while reconstruction after Hurricane Melissa faces labour and equipment shortages. Governance Watch: PAC moves to seek contempt charges against UHWI CEO Fitzgerald Mitchell after a no-show at a hearing.

Tourism Push: Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett unveiled a bold 10x10x10 plan to reach 10 million annual visitors in 10 years, backed by expanding airlift and renewed resort investment. Energy & Costs: Oil prices slid below US$80 a barrel after progress on a US-Iran deal raised hopes of more supply, a potential relief for Jamaica’s fuel-import bill (though local prices depend on more than crude). Corporate Moves: Yum Brands agreed to sell Pizza Hut globally for US$2.7B, with LongRange Capital set to buy the non-China business that includes Pizza Hut Jamaica’s franchise network. Health & Business Resilience: Indies Pharma Jamaica reported a 38.5% drop in net profit for the six months ended April 30, citing hurricane disruption but noting improving second-quarter sales. Power Reliability: Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says future electricity licences should include mandatory compensation after the June 5 islandwide outage hurt businesses and households. Housing & Development: The UDC says it’s targeting about 1,200 new housing solutions as it advances housing, tourism and urban renewal projects. Local Economy: Port Maria’s municipal police are set to crack down on illegal street vending as part of hurricane-season cleanup and flood-prevention efforts.

Inflation Watch: Jamaica’s annual inflation climbed to 5.4% in May, driven by higher food, restaurant meals, electricity and petrol costs, keeping it within the Bank of Jamaica’s 4–6% target range but nearer the top end. Banking & Markets: Scotia Group Jamaica reported net income of J$10.1B for the six months ended April 30, while local investors reportedly rushed to buy SpaceX shares after its IPO—fueling heavy trading swings on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. Legal & Finance: The Court of Appeal granted Fitz Jackson leave to appeal in the Scotia Bank cheque fee case, keeping the dispute “very live.” Housing & Land: HAJ is set to visit Easington, St. Thomas to assess lands that could be acquired from the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation, and new renderings were unveiled for a 285-unit mixed-use development at 164-02 Jamaica Ave. Energy & Water: NWC introduced a regulated water schedule for some Constant Spring customers after a technical issue reduced inflows. Diaspora & Innovation: At the Jamaica Diaspora Conference, Minister Alando Terrelonge urged young Jamaicans to engage in policy and position the country to benefit from global science and technology advances. SME/Investment: IFC finalised a US$15m investment in a Caribbean debt fund aimed at SME financing.

Tourism & Jobs: Jamaica’s Tourism 3.0 push is set to reposition the sector for sustained growth, with Minister Edmund Bartlett pointing to resilience after shocks and renewed focus on delivering more benefits for workers and communities. Finance & Banking: Scotia Group Jamaica reported J$10.1B net income for the six months ended April 30, citing revenue growth and stronger lending and deposits. Real Estate: Realtors Association of Jamaica MLS data shows property sales hit $99.3B in 2025, with St. Andrew and St. Ann leading and infrastructure helping lift values. SME & Development Finance: IFC confirmed a US$15M investment into the CARICOM Resilience Fund debt sub-fund to expand SME financing across 13 countries. Creative Economy: Kingston Creative launched the Createch Incubator to train early-stage creative entrepreneurs, including practical AI and business sustainability support. Public Sector Wages: The Independent Fiscal Commission says Jamaica’s public sector wage negotiation process is misaligned with the budget cycle, creating uncertainty and retroactive payment pressure. Health & Infrastructure: Kingston Public Hospital is air-freighting parts and advancing plans to replace ageing AC systems after theatre disruptions delayed surgeries. Smart City Moves: St James Municipal Corporation commissioned an automated car park in Montego Bay to cut paper use and improve fee collection.

Public Finance: The Independent Fiscal Commission (IFC) says Jamaica’s public sector wage negotiations are misaligned with the budget cycle, driving uncertainty and forcing reactive supplementary estimates; it notes J$42.8 billion was earmarked for unsettled 2026-2027 compensation claims and wants a structured statutory wage calendar. Security & Development: Government will evaluate the country’s seven Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) starting July, with IDB grant support, to shape a proposed “zones of peace and opportunity” model. Housing & Investment: PM Holness broke ground for Wick Hall Estate in St. Catherine, delivering 221 housing solutions across three price tiers, funded with support from NCB via ALTRUHOMES/ARC Group. Payments & Business: Paymaster founder Audrey Marks reacquired Digicel’s 80% stake in APM Holdings, returning control to the original owner and setting up planned modernisation. Tourism & Community: Jamaica won a Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Award for JSIF’s REDI II programme, while beach access campaigners plan court action to stop further privatisation of key shorelines. Trade & Industry: Delano Seiveright urged Jamaica to maximise value from rum by keeping more ageing, bottling and quality-control steps in Jamaica under the Geographical Indication framework.

Banking & Rates: Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard Byles says policy-rate moves don’t always pass through fast to lending rates, leaving a tough handover for his successor. Electricity Resilience: Jamaica’s recent all-island blackout is pushing calls for a smarter path forward for the power sector as vulnerabilities appear to persist. Energy Transition: An Uruguay energy expert urges Jamaica to accelerate renewables ahead of upcoming electricity licence negotiations, arguing bold reforms are needed to cut costs. Public Health & Care: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton kicks off his CARE Agenda with community-based support for ageing Jamaicans and caregivers. Special Education Demand: Jamaica’s Ministry of Education is expanding inclusive school spaces as special education needs rise, with spikes linked to past health crises. Blood Supply Drive: Jamaica faces a blood shortage, with donors urged—especially for rare negative types like O-negative—to help hospitals meet demand. Property & Finance: Portland Co-operative Credit Union gets approval to create a subsidiary to develop its Norwich Heights land into a residential subdivision. Tourism & Community Rights: Beach access campaigners head to court to fight privatisation of key shorelines, arguing livelihoods and health are at stake. World Cup & Diaspora: Curacao prepares for its historic World Cup debut vs Germany, while Jamaican diaspora pride is highlighted through Knicks’ championship coverage and Jamaica-linked sports stories.