Higher Education Reform: UNESCO’s HESI 2026 forum says universities must meet rising expectations for quality and inclusion while preparing for AI, climate shocks and inequality. Payments Modernisation: Bank of Jamaica and bankers set a March 2028 plan to phase out cheques, with earlier caps starting at $1m (Sept 1) and tightening through 2027. Capital Markets: Jamaica Stock Exchange first-half 2026 performance rose 11.28% on the Main Market, but trading value fell as deals got smaller. Workforce for AI: PwC Jamaica tells employers to pair AI literacy with human skills like judgement, communication and leadership. Energy Affordability Debate: A commentary argues Jamaica’s electricity discussion is stuck on “which source” while the key question is whether power is getting cheaper and how affordability is measured. Education Access: A special education diagnostic centre is set to open in Portland in September to cut families’ travel to Kingston. Food & Prices: Onion prices spike as imported bulbs replace local supply, squeezing market shoppers. Agribusiness & Exports: Mavis Bank Coffee Factory recertified for food safety, reinforcing Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee’s export credibility. Local Tourism Link: “Local First” at Christmas in July pushes tourism demand into Jamaican production via training, capital and marketing. Public Safety Quality: Morant Bay police station earns ISO 9001:2015 certification. Business Spotlight: Bookzone becomes Hachette Learning’s new Jamaica distributor.