AGP Executive Report

TCN Transit Clarification: Jamaica’s Ambassador Audrey Marks says the U.S.-Jamaica Third Country Nationals MoU is tightly controlled, with intake capped at 25 people per two-week period and stays averaging about seven days (max 14), aimed at protecting domestic security. Beach Access Fight: A court battle is underway over privatisation of Jamaica’s beaches, with locals, vendors and fishers challenging restrictions that bar public access unless they pay to join hotel guests. Insurance Cost Shock: The FSC has issued revised 2026 insurance fee invoices, adding $646.19 million in regulatory fees, hitting general insurers hardest. Water & Wastewater Resilience: Minister Matthew Samuda says major wastewater and water-supply investments are key to protecting coastal assets, citing upgrades and new sewage treatment work including Negril and Falmouth. Aviation Recovery: Minister Daryl Vaz reports steady recovery at Jamaica’s airports post-Hurricane Melissa, projecting passenger growth to about 6.1 million in 2026. Tourism Growth Push: Jamaica Tourist Board targets Canada for expanded seat capacity, including new Porter routes and Air Canada/WestJet expansions. Regional Disaster Aid: CARICOM mobilises support for quake-hit Venezuela, with Jamaica among partners ready to help. Stadium Upgrade Plans: Ryder and CAA ICON unveil plans to redevelop Independence Park, boosting capacity and adding concert-ready features. Tourism Infrastructure & Standards: NCRA urges consumers to check verification stickers on fuel pumps and measuring devices to ensure accurate quantities.

Tourism & Aviation Recovery: Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz says Jamaica’s aviation sector is steadily recovering after Hurricane Melissa, with passenger projections rising to about 6.1 million in 2026, 7 million in 2027 and 7.6 million in 2028 as hotels and attractions reopen. Tourism 3.0 Governance: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett urged the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association to reinvent itself to drive the Tourism 3.0 growth agenda, including plans for a National Tourism Council to strengthen leadership and investment involvement. Resort Investment: Sandals announced official reopening dates for three major properties—Sandals South Coast (Nov. 18), Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Caribbean Cay—after sweeping renovations. Infrastructure & Sports: Ryder and CAA ICON unveiled plans to redevelop Kingston’s Independence Park, targeting up to 37,500 seats (50,000 for concerts) with construction expected to start in summer 2027. Consumer Protection: NCRA is urging shoppers to check orange verification stickers on fuel pumps and measuring devices to ensure accurate quantities. Regional Disaster Response: CARICOM countries are mobilising personnel and supplies to help quake-hit Venezuela, with Guyana leading logistics for a large cargo vessel. Insurance Pressure: Opposition finance spokesman Julian Robinson warned policyholders could face sharp insurance cost increases after the FSC withdrew $500 million and changed fee structures. Housing & Crime Impact: PM Andrew Holness said delays in completing NHT Vineyard Town apartments were driven by violence and gang activity, warning Jamaicans not to be ambivalent about criminality.

Public Safety & Housing: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says criminality delayed a National Housing Trust Vineyard Town project for nearly nine years, after gang activity and extortion made construction nearly impossible, forcing the original contract to be terminated in 2021. Food & Agribusiness: Sandals Foundation and partners expanded Titchfield High’s broiler programme with a $5.8m boost, adding a slaughterhouse and cooling system to raise output to 1,800 birds per cycle and strengthen student nutrition and STEAM learning. Food Safety & Waste: A food-safety brief warns that poor garbage disposal drives pests, contamination and disease risk, calling for tighter roles for industry, government and consumers. Tourism 3.0: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett urged the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association to reinvent itself to lead Tourism 3.0, with plans for a National Tourism Council to better coordinate investment and benefits. Gaming Oversight: The Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission says a Central Monitoring System will improve transparency and accountability in Jamaica’s gaming machines sector. Disaster Readiness for Business: A regional webinar urged Caribbean firms to treat hurricane preparedness as a leadership and continuity issue, citing major GDP losses from past storms. Diaspora Support: Jamaica Awareness Association of California delivered free medical and dental services plus school supplies to thousands of students across eight parishes.

Disaster Resilience: Caribbean businesses are being urged to treat hurricane preparedness as a leadership issue, not just shutters and IT, after warnings that major storms can wipe out an average 17% of GDP—Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa losses were estimated at 28% to 32% of GDP. Tourism Growth: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Government is pushing infrastructure and governance reforms to turn tourism into a fully integrated “tourism economy,” while JHTA honoured sector leaders at its 65th awards, including S Hotels CEO Christopher Issa as Hotelier of the Year. Jobs & Skills: Jamaica’s unemployment edged up to 3.7% as employment fell and labour force participation cooled, even as the global services sector continues to highlight training pathways for career growth. SME Financing & Capacity: Development Bank of Jamaica’s M5 recovery programme is backing businesses hit by Hurricane Melissa, and JSIF is doubling down on community-led contracting and decision-making. Beauty & Formalisation: Beauty entrepreneurs are being pushed to formalise and digitise to unlock financing, online sales and exports. Business & Consumer Impact: GiftMe says Progressive Grocers has crossed $500m in platform value, driven by diaspora and corporate gift cards. Vehicle Market: CarJamaica expands with Renault and KGM models, betting competition will improve choice and pricing.

Tourism Overhaul: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica is moving to modernise sector oversight with a new Tourism Authority and supporting legislation, aimed at making governance “clearer, faster and stronger” under the Tourism 3.0 agenda. Macroeconomic Pressure: STATIN data shows Jamaica’s economy contracted 4.1% in Q1, with declines across goods and services—hit hardest by agriculture (-18.3%) and accommodation/food (-16.6%)—while manufacturing edged up 0.6%. Jobs Cooling: Unemployment rose to 3.7% (from 3.3%), as employment fell by 25,700 and the labour force shrank, with more people outside the labour force. Labour Market & Disaster Fallout: The latest Labour Force Survey links the weaker employment picture to ongoing disruptions after Hurricane Melissa. Digital Tax Risk: A proposed 15% GCT on digitally supplied services is drawing concern after a US tariff threat tied to digital services taxes, with industry warning of knock-on effects for Jamaica’s economy. Resort Investment: Sandals confirms reopening dates for three Jamaica properties after a combined US$200m renovation, with Sandals South Coast reopening Nov. 18, 2026 and Montego Bay plus the renamed Sandals Caribbean Cay reopening Dec. 18, 2026. Culinary Credentials: Elite Island Resorts chefs in Antigua and Barbuda earn American Culinary Federation Certified Executive Chef designations, highlighting skills development in the hospitality workforce. Sports Infrastructure: Olivia Grange announces a new sports hall and a dedicated throws area adjacent to Stadium East to support throws athletes and upgrades to the venue.

Monetary Policy Watch: Bank of Jamaica kept its policy rate at 5.5% as inflation risks remain elevated, warning prices may rise further amid global uncertainty and higher commodity costs. Energy & Industry Leadership: Petrojam named Danville Walker as General Manager effective July 1, highlighting operational excellence and digital transformation. Oil & Gas Exploration: United Oil and Gas says Jamaica still has major untapped petroleum potential, arguing key formations haven’t been fully tested. Agriculture Resilience: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green reported domestic produce output of about 190,000 tonnes in Q1 2026, with strong rebounds in vegetables and potatoes after Hurricane Melissa. Tourism & Local Linkages: Sandals rolled out refreshed Jamaican dining concepts across its Montego Bay, Caribbean Cay and South Coast resorts, while JHTA welcomed new president O’Brian Heron and Bartlett pushed tourism reforms and supply hubs to cut leakages. Manufacturing Digitisation: Red Stripe launched its Digital Backbone platform to modernise operations and improve productivity. Sports-to-Business Push: Permanent Secretary Sancia Bennett-Templer urged Jamaica to turn athletic achievements into investment, exports and jobs at the Made4Goal Jamaica Global Sports Summit. Regional Humanitarian Aid: CARICOM is coordinating earthquake relief for Venezuela, with Guyana leading a vessel shipment planned to arrive by early July.

Tourism Supply Push: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica will set up a Tourism Supply Logistics Centre as part of “Tourism 3.0,” aiming to cut import leakages by improving warehousing, cold-chain, cargo consolidation, procurement support and digital demand planning—linking hotels, attractions and farms to local producers. Manufacturing Digitisation: Red Stripe rolled out its Digital Backbone platform to modernise brewery operations, boost productivity and improve visibility across the value chain. Energy Leadership: Petrojam named Danville Walker as General Manager effective July 1, with a focus on HSE oversight and digital transformation. Agriculture Resilience: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green reported the sector produced about 190,000 tonnes of domestic produce in Q1 2026, highlighting strong rebounds in vegetables and potatoes after Hurricane Melissa. Finance Watch: Bank of Jamaica held its key rate at 5.5%, warning inflation may rise further. Fisheries Support: Government will expand its Boat and Equipment Retooling Initiative, adding $66m to replace boats and engines for fishers affected by Hurricane Melissa, with added support from India. Sports-to-Investment Agenda: A Made4Goal Jamaica Global Sports Summit urged turning athletic success into investment, exports and jobs. Regional Aid: CARICOM is preparing to send earthquake relief to Venezuela, with Guyana coordinating a vessel shipment.

OECS Leadership: Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne has taken over the OECS Authority chair at its 78th meeting, with a focus on regional integration, climate resilience, food and energy security, and digital transformation. Housing & Urban Renewal: Jamaica Plain’s Jackson Square has completed phase one of the Mildred C. Hailey redevelopment, adding 223 mixed-income apartments and a rebuilt community centre—while residents raise questions about long-term affordability. Fisheries Recovery: Jamaica will expand its Boat and Equipment Retooling Initiative, adding $66M to supply 20 boats and engines annually for hurricane-affected fishers, with added support from India. Tourism Governance & Costs: Jamaica’s tourism sector is pushing back on a proposed GCT increase on tourism activities and warns that weak resort-town infrastructure could erode competitiveness. Regional Ties: Guyana and Jamaica signed multiple MOUs covering agriculture, defence and security, and financial services, deepening cooperation across key sectors. Media & Trust: Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica marks 40 years, with industry leaders arguing AI should strengthen broadcasters’ role as trusted truth sources. Reggae & Culture: Jamaica marks International Reggae Day with Trench Town and Tuff Gong experiences, while the Caribbean mourns soca icon Oscar B.

Jamaica–Guyana Housing & Skills Push: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica is short about 150,000 homes and is looking to Guyana’s faster approvals and building capacity as Hurricane Melissa recovery ramps up, while Guyana commits to 300-plus homes in Jamaica. Tourism Governance & Taxes: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett moves to create a National Tourism Council to coordinate the sector, as JHTA warns that a proposed GCT hike on tourism from 10% to 15% could hit operators tied to older contracts. Road Safety Crackdown: Justice Minister Delroy Chuck backs the Demerit Point System starting Oct. 1, targeting repeat reckless driving. STEM & Construction Pipeline: Government signs a $3.7-billion contract for Jamaica’s first STEAM academy, with 2,400 students set to benefit and a plan for more specialised schools. Insurance Costs Watch: Jamaica’s Financial Services Commission seeks fee changes that could raise general insurers’ regulatory costs by about $500m, with possible knock-on premium pressure. AI in Tourism & Media: Sandals/Beaches partner Reliant Destinations launches LUMI, a 24/7 AI resort-planning assistant, while broadcasters are told AI should strengthen trust, not replace editorial judgment. Industry Talent & Logistics: JMTC’s TAP apprenticeship readies Jamaica’s next theatre professionals, and a logistics-to-insurance career spotlight highlights growing service-sector pathways.

Tourism Governance: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says a National Tourism Council will be created to coordinate ministries and stakeholders, turning the Tourism Linkages Council into a “one tourism voice” for faster, more integrated decision-making. Road Safety: Justice Minister Delroy Chuck backs the Demerit Point System, set to take effect Oct. 1, warning repeat offenders treat tickets “like confetti” and could face licence suspension. Tourism Tax Fight: JHTA warns Jamaica risks losing competitiveness unless infrastructure investment keeps pace, and it opposes a proposed GCT increase on tourism activities, saying many operators are locked into older contracts. Housing & Recovery: Prime Minister Andrew Holness points to housing delivery bottlenecks—contractor capacity, skilled labour, and approval speed—while Guyana commits to build 300-plus homes in Jamaica under Hurricane Melissa recovery. Construction Standards: After Melissa, modular home providers are seeking BSJ approval at a rate far above normal, as Jamaica ramps up rebuilding. Aviation Oversight: The Senate passed the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act to close legal gaps, strengthen safety oversight, and update penalties. MSME Support: The Public Procurement Commission marks World MSME Day, highlighting MSMEs’ role in jobs and launching an MSME Procurement Integration Project and readiness boot camp starting July 3. Creative Economy: Jamaica’s creative sector gets a boost as the Creative Power Arts Convention 2027 in St. Kitts and Nevis features Machel Montano and Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor as facilitators.

Housing & Construction: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica is looking to Guyana’s housing model as he pushes to fix a shortage of about 150,000 homes, pointing to bottlenecks like contractor capacity, skilled labour, and slow approvals—while Guyana has cut approval timelines from years to months. Regional Trade & Security: Canada and CARICOM renewed a strategic partnership in Panama, agreeing on a results-focused action plan for competitive economies, climate action, and regional security, with Haiti and gangs on the agenda. Education & Skills Pipeline: Government signed a $3.7-billion contract for Jamaica’s first STEAM Academy in St Catherine, targeting about 2,400 students and serving as a pilot for more specialised schools; separately, $310 million is earmarked to rebuild STETHS in St Elizabeth and add a mechatronics and robotics lab. Aviation Regulation: The Senate approved the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act, 2026 to strengthen safety oversight and align Jamaica’s laws with international standards. Insurance Costs: Proposed Financial Services Commission fee increases could add roughly $500 million in regulatory costs for general insurers, with possible knock-on pressure on premiums. MSME Support: The Public Procurement Commission reaffirmed backing for MSMEs on World MSME Day, rolling out an MSME Procurement Integration Project and readiness boot camps starting July 3. Industry Growth: Jamaica’s beauty and personal care sector is projected to earn about US$250 million annually, with calls to turn local talent into globally competitive, export-ready businesses. Logistics & Trade Services: Corea & Company (1988) Ltd. partnered with JP Logistics Solutions to launch specialty cargo, procurement, and consolidation services from the UK to St Vincent and the Grenadines. Road Safety: The Demerit Point System takes effect October 1, with the transport ministry urging motorists to settle tickets by September 30.

Business Formalisation: The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce says formalising more Jamaican businesses unlocks bank financing, grants, digital payments, and reliable supply to hotels and major retailers. Jamaica–Guyana Deal-Making: Jamaica and Guyana signed MoUs covering energy, security, tourism, agriculture and financial services, including a new energy working group. Construction & Housing Push: Guyana’s International Building Exposition opened with 500+ exhibitors, while Jamaica’s own pipeline includes a $3.7b STEAM Academy and a $310m rebuild for STETHS, both tied to resilience and future skills. Road Safety Overhaul: Public reporting is being rolled into the Demerit Point System, starting Oct. 1, with motorists urged to clear tickets by Sept. 30. Tourism Workforce Security: Tourism Minister Bartlett says the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme is now worth $5.3b, with 10,000+ workers registered. Local Industry Signals: STATIN data shows producer prices rising in mining and manufacturing, led by food, beverages and refined petroleum. Education After Hurricanes: The Jamaica Teachers’ Association warns some western schools still operate in unsafe tent conditions eight months after Hurricane Melissa.

Mining & Manufacturing Prices: STATIN reports Jamaica’s Producer Price Index rose in May—mining and quarrying up 0.4% and manufacturing up 2.7%, driven by higher food, beverages and tobacco costs plus refined petroleum products. Tourism Resilience: Jamaica’s Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett sent condolences and solidarity to Venezuela after the June 24 earthquakes, pledging support for recovery of the tourism sector. Caribbean Energy & Construction: Jamaica’s PM Andrew Holness visited Guyana as both countries signed multiple MoUs, including a new energy working group; Guyana’s Gas-to-Energy project is now preparing to introduce natural gas, aiming for electricity to the grid by December 2026. Housing & Skills: Holness said Jamaica is open to collaborating with Guyana on housing, citing labour and construction technology needs; Guyana also pledged 300-plus homes for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa recovery. Tourism Workers’ Security: Bartlett says the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme is now worth $5.3 billion, with 10,000+ workers registered. Education Recovery: $310 million is earmarked to rebuild St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) after Hurricane Melissa. Agriculture Leadership: Everett Hyatt appointed Director General of JACRA effective June 22. Roads Upgrade: SPARK will rehabilitate three northern Trelawny roadways with $390 million. Disaster Response: The US is sending 250+ search-and-rescue personnel with dogs to quake-hit Venezuela.

Tourism & Local Industry: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett rolled out “Tourism 3.0,” pitching a shift from visitor numbers to a wider Jamaica economy that links agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, culture and tech to keep more value at home. Education & Resilience: Government earmarked $310 million to rebuild and strengthen St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) after Hurricane Melissa, with upgrades aimed at better storm resistance. Capital Markets: The Jamaica Stock Exchange launched a Micro Market for small firms, with about 10 companies preparing to raise J$50m–J$100m each, supported by a sandbox-style prep process. Manufacturing Data Push: JMEA president Kathryn Silvera says the association will deepen industry data collection to move from assumptions to evidence for exporters, skills and labour policy. Transport Safety: Jamaica’s Demerit Point System returns on Oct. 1, 2026, after a compliance suspension ends Sept. 30. Regional Cooperation: Guyana and Jamaica signed multiple MOUs covering agriculture, financial services, energy and security, with technical integration talks to follow. Disaster Response: The U.S. activated Miami-Dade search-and-rescue support for Venezuela after the earthquakes, adding to a broader U.S. relief effort. Trade Watch: STATIN reports Jamaica’s trade gap widened in Q1 2026 as exports fell sharply despite slightly lower imports.

Disaster Response & Regional Solidarity: Venezuela’s deadly double earthquakes (7.2 and 7.5) have triggered emergency search-and-rescue pledges from partners across the region, with Trinidad and Tobago signalling readiness to provide support as the humanitarian need grows. Education & Resilient Infrastructure: St Elizabeth Technical High School is set to restore full classes by September after the Government earmarked about $310 million for repairs, with officials framing the work as resilience-building for Jamaica’s wider school recovery. Tourism Supply Chain & Jobs: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica is moving to a Tourism Supply Logistics Centre and pushing a Local First policy to cut import leakage and boost local suppliers, while reporting 3,000+ tourism workers certified annually and growth in the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme. Construction & Cement Supply: Government has approved 660,000 metric tonnes of cement imports to stabilise supply for housing and infrastructure while protecting local production. Gaming Oversight Modernisation: BGLC will roll out an automated Central Monitoring System to modernise oversight as registered gaming machines rise sharply. Local Governance & Beaches: PNP municipal leaders distance themselves from the Government’s beach access plan, reigniting debate over public access and coastal management. Industry Leadership: Kathryn Silvera is re-elected JMEA president, setting priorities on export diversification, skills and labour policy reform. Sports & Culture: Rajindra Campbell breaks Jamaica’s men’s shot put record; and Darwin wins the Mr Lover Lover Trophy as Jamaica’s business and community leagues kick off.

Construction Supply Watch: Jamaica has approved the importation of 660,000 metric tonnes of cement to keep construction and housing moving, with 170,000 tonnes already authorised and an additional 490,000 tonnes approved to meet rising demand while protecting local production. Tourism-to-Farm Linkages: Through the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX), more than 2,000 farmers have sold 2.57 million kg of produce to tourism buyers, generating about $995.1 million in agricultural revenue and boosting manufacturing linkages. Blue Economy Planning: Government says a Planning Secretariat will be set up for Jamaica’s hosting of the 13th Our Ocean Conference in Montego Bay in 2029, expected to bring 5,000+ delegates and high-level ministerial participation. Media & Business: State Minister Delano Seiveright backed SLEEK Radio 93FM, arguing radio remains a strong advertising and entrepreneurship platform. Labour Debate: Opposition legislator Damion Crawford is pushing for a special minimum wage for tourism workers, citing unpredictable hours and higher living costs. Community & Safety: A Norfolk County farming community mourns two Jamaican offshore workers killed in a crash, while a third person and the SUV driver were injured.