AGP Executive Report

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.

Education & Youth Support: MIIC Minister Delano Seiveright backed GHN’s “beyond the backpack” programme, aiming to remove barriers for public primary students through supplies, mentorship and holistic support. Tourism Trade & Recovery: Jamaica launched JAPEX 2026, set for Sept 14–18 in Ocho Rios, with Edmund Bartlett citing Hurricane Melissa recovery and a push to reconnect hotels and enterprises with international buyers. Agri-Food Innovation: AI is being used in Brazil to monitor poultry health and farm conditions, offering lessons for Jamaica’s food production and productivity. Business Pressure from Water Shortage: The SBAJ warned drought-driven water disruptions are forcing some Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine and Clarendon micro and small businesses to buy trucked water at steep costs, risking closures. Sport Tourism Push: Jamaica is set for its inaugural Jamaica Ultimate Athlete Challenge (Nov 19–22), designed to blend multi-discipline competition with entertainment and tourism. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Six African countries now support a precautionary pause on deep-seabed mining, adding pressure to the ISA process in Kingston.

Water crisis hits businesses: The Small Business Association of Jamaica warns drought-driven water shortages are forcing micro, small and medium firms in Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine and Clarendon to buy trucked water at $8,000–$20,000 per load, threatening closures as the country still recovers from Hurricane Melissa. Digital payments setback: Outgoing Bank of Jamaica governor Richard Byles says BOJ’s JAM-DEX rollout moved too slowly and should have treated digital payments as a national priority, with less than $1 in JAM-DEX for every $1,000 in currency issued by end-June. Manufacturing shift: Sherwin-Williams ends paint manufacturing at its White Marl plant in St Catherine (final day July 31) and will supply Jamaica via imports while keeping the distribution centre running. Construction materials boost: Cemex reports stronger margins in its South, Central America and Caribbean division, citing Jamaica’s pickup in reconstruction after Hurricane Melissa and tourism-related projects. Agri supply strain: An ackee-processing can shortage is disrupting Jamaica’s peak season, sending more than 100 workers home at Stanmark Processors and slowing factory operations. Investment push: Jamaican-American boatbuilder Monarch Yachts plans a US$25m Jamaica facility for yacht building, repairs and ferries, seeking SEZ and site support as it targets exports. Energy and telecom recovery: Flow Jamaica says Q2 revenue dipped to US$101m as Hurricane Melissa still weighs, though broadband momentum is improving. Culture and industry links: Caribbean Music Awards names Shyne, Calypso Rose, Alan Cavé and Patra for Sept. 19 honours in Port of Spain, underscoring the region’s creative economy.

Tourism & Travel: Tui says quarterly profits plunged 43% as the Iran war lifts fuel costs and cautious customers delay bookings, with the group also citing hurricane impacts in Jamaica and a cruise repatriation of about 5,000 passengers from Abu Dhabi. Digital Payments: Outgoing Bank of Jamaica governor Richard Byles admits BOJ mishandled parts of the JAM-DEX rollout, saying it should have pushed digital payments as a national priority earlier with banks and government. Manufacturing & Trade: Sherwin-Williams ends paint manufacturing at its White Marl plant in St Catherine, shifting to imports while keeping its distribution centre running. Telecom & Recovery: Flow Jamaica revenue dipped to US$101m in Q2 2026 as Hurricane Melissa’s hit fades, though broadband momentum improved. Construction & Materials: Cemex reports Jamaica benefiting from reconstruction and tourism-related projects as its Caribbean division’s margins expanded. Agri-Food Innovation: Researchers and entrepreneurs test black soldier fly larvae to turn food and farm waste into animal feed, aiming to cut costly imports. Tourism Growth Strategy: Jamaica targets Africa for tourism expansion, including talks on an Accra–Jamaica air link as a West Africa hub. Business Development: JBDC urges agro-processors to convert production waste into new products, while a JBDC-Kingston Creative partnership will expand support for 60 creative entrepreneurs. Industry & Skills: Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) 2026 launches in Ocho Rios, highlighting resilience and recovery as hotel room stock returns. Consumer Watch: Jamaicans are warned to be cautious with online job offers as scammers increasingly use social media to lure victims of trafficking. Culture & Recognition: Music producer Robert Livingston receives an Order of Distinction, and Shaggy pushes back on criticism over how “authentically Jamaican” he sounds.

Tourism Trade & Recovery: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett officially launched JAPEX 2026, Jamaica’s premier travel trade show, set for Sept 14–18 at Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios under “Jamaica Reimagined,” returning to the resort area after Hurricane Melissa, with buyers already registering from 22+ countries and JAPEX last year generating J$100 million in contracts and negotiations. Agro-Processing & Value-Add: JBDC is urging agro-processors to turn production waste into new products—like compost, pectin, livestock feed, purees, concentrates and dehydrated ingredients—to cut losses and grow earnings. MSME Procurement Boost: Entrepreneurs welcomed the Government’s 20% set-aside programme reserving public procurement contracts for local MSMEs, seen as a key step to help small businesses break into government tenders. Digital Economy Push: GSMA’s Mobile Economy Caribbean report says 5G will reach 23% of Caribbean mobile connections by 2030, but calls for regulatory upgrades and spectrum access to close the investment gap. Used-Car Trade Scrutiny: The Jamaica Used Car Dealers Association is calling for tighter rules after claims that lottery scammers use used-car dealerships in Jamaica to launder fraud proceeds. Health Tech Upgrade: May Pen Hospital says an electronic health records system is improving monitoring and speeding up patient registration and treatment. Infrastructure Watch: Progress continues on the Montego Bay perimeter road project ahead of a Sept 2026 deadline, aimed at easing congestion and unlocking development. Bauxite Revival Talks: Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited says discussions with Ghana could restart bauxite/alumina trade, with an initial US$60 million business opportunity. Creative Business Support: JBDC and Kingston Creative will expand business development support for 60 creative entrepreneurs through Kingston Creative’s Small Business Development Centre network.

Tourism & Hospitality: UNICO 18˚77˚ Montego Bay opened reservations for a March 1, 2027 debut, bringing a 451-room adults-only all-inclusive to Jamaica with nine restaurants, multiple pools and a major wellness spa. Healthcare Digitisation: May Pen Hospital says an electronic health records system is cutting registration and improving monitoring for faster decisions, while UHWI expands specialist services including cardiac and stroke care, critical care upgrades and new clinical technology. Business Performance: Massy reports resilient nine-month 2026 results despite Hurricane Melissa, with revenue up but profit down as it invests in technology, safety and controls. Manufacturing Restructuring: Sherwin-Williams closed its St Catherine manufacturing site and will shift to a distribution-only model, keeping retail stores open and continuing supply via local distribution. Mining & Trade: Jamaica Bauxite Mining Limited says talks with Ghana could revive bauxite-alumina trade, targeting an initial US$60m opportunity. Public Sector Labour: UTech and UWI academic staff are on strike over unresolved compensation and stalled promotions, threatening orientation and exam-related work. Safety & Compliance: St James authorities demolished an illegally built giant swing in Norwood but say it could return if operators meet building requirements. Fraud & Scams: Two Jamaicans were charged in a US$9m scam targeting elderly Americans, and Jamaicans are urged to be wary of online “employment” offers used to lure trafficking victims. Industry Events: JAPEX 2026 is set for Sept 14–18 in Ocho Rios, with buyers already registered from 22+ countries. Sports & Community Support: JCF is backing the Oct 29 Law Enforcement Torch Run in Montego Bay to fund Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games.

Healthcare Expansion: UHWI is rolling out expanded specialist services, including new cardiac and stroke programmes, advanced diagnostics, critical care upgrades and a stroke thrombectomy option to speed treatment and strengthen its role as a national referral centre. Education Disruption: UTech and UWI Mona lecturers are on strike, with reported refusal to submit marks and non-engagement in orientation and planning, potentially affecting exams and administrative functions. Manufacturing Restructuring: Sherwin-Williams has closed its St Catherine manufacturing operations and will shift to a distribution-only model, keeping retail stores open and continuing supply via St Catherine and Montego Bay. Tourism & Hospitality: Sandals is pushing destination weddings with a free upgraded package for qualifying 2027 Jamaica weddings, while Meliá is highlighted for strong global luxury brand strength. Industry & Business Performance: Spur Tree Spices Jamaica posted a sharp Q2 profit jump on higher sales volumes and improved efficiency, despite margin pressure from input costs. Agriculture & MSMEs: HEART/NSTA Trust is urging livestock investment and training at Ebony Park, and it also backed Uber Wax Limited with a $1-million MSME grant to grow bookings and operations. Community & Events: JCF is calling for support for the Law Enforcement Torch Run to fund Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in Montego Bay.