AGP Executive Report

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.

Security & Trade: Colombia’s new president says the country will join the US-backed “Shield of the Americas,” pledging deeper military and intelligence cooperation against cartels, alongside a promised US$1 billion security assistance package. SME & Services: HEART/NSTA Trust helped Uber Wax Limited expand with a US$1-million grant for equipment and a booking website, showing how micro and small businesses can scale. Education & Community Recovery: St James High School will receive funds from the Aug. 15 Fitt Nation876 Charity 5K Night Run/Walk aimed at restoring the school after Hurricane Melissa. Tourism Value Chain: The Artisan Village Food Festival in Falmouth is expanding opportunities for local creatives and culinary professionals to sell to visitors. Health & Industry Capacity: UHWI is expanding specialist services with new cardiac and stroke programmes, upgraded diagnostics, and critical care facilities. Logistics & E-commerce: Jamaica Post is upgrading international mail processing to speed delivery and improve customs declarations, with possible short disruptions. Agriculture & Livestock: HEART is urging farmers to invest in livestock via Ebony Park courses, with cattle breeds expected by late 2026. Energy & Manufacturing: Jamalco has added a power turbine to run on self-generated electricity, targeting major cost savings. Fraud Watch: US filings allege Jamaican lottery scammers used Jamaica-based used-car dealership accounts to launder millions from elderly victims. Culture & Recognition: Stranger Cole and other reggae icons received national honours around Independence celebrations, reinforcing Jamaica’s creative economy.

Tourism Resilience: Edmund Bartlett says the world has entered “the Age of Resilience,” arguing tourism’s survival depends on financing people and adaptive capacity as climate shocks, conflict and cyber threats converge. Disaster Reconstruction: NaRRA CEO Antony Anderson heads to Peru (Aug 9–13) to study resilient rebuilding methods with UK-supported government-to-government lessons for Jamaica’s recovery. Water & Drought Pressure: With drought restrictions looming, Kingston and St Andrew car wash operators warn they may have to shut or switch as potable-water use bans could tighten by Aug 10. Energy & Industry: Century Aluminum’s Jamalco refinery brings a new turbine online to run on self-generated power, targeting major alumina cost savings and reducing reliance on the national grid. Local Business Leadership: Pure National Limited names Omar McFarlane CEO after a 2024 fire, with about US$400m invested to rebuild production capacity. Tourism Investment Risk: Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association warns investors are uneasy over a proposed GCT increase for the sector, pressing for clarity. STEM for Rural Schools: SRC’s STEM Summer Attachment Programme reports 83% rural participation, aiming to close lab and equipment gaps. Community & Sports: St James High School will benefit from the Fitt Nation876 Charity 5K Night Run/Walk on Aug 15, while Montego Bay prepares to host the Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in November. Honours & Service: National Honours list includes business and public-service leaders such as Daryl Vaz, Maxine Henry-Wilson, Diana Stewart and Christopher Zacca.

Water & Drought Watch: Kingston and St Andrew car wash operators are bracing for tougher drought rules, with the NWC warning potable-water prohibitions could start as early as Aug. 10 if dry conditions persist. Energy & Industry: Jamalco has gone “off the grid” with a new power turbine (TG4), expected to cut energy costs and save up to US$28m a year as it runs on self-generated electricity. Tourism & Investment: The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association says uncertainty over a proposed jump in tourism GCT from 10% to 15% is making investors hesitate. Shipping & Relief: WISTA Jamaica will deliver hurricane relief supplies to Carisbrook Infant and Primary School in St Elizabeth on Aug. 15, funded by its High Tea fundraiser. Agriculture & Food Security: Jamaicans are being urged to protect bee populations to lift crop yields, while drought is also expected to shift honey harvest timing. STEM & Skills: The SRC’s STEM Summer Attachment Programme is drawing heavy rural participation, aiming to boost practical science teaching beyond urban schools. Business Continuity: After Montego Bay’s cinema closure, an Ocho Rios theatre says attendance is rising as patrons relocate within the island. National Honours: 140 Jamaicans are set to receive national honours this year, including business and public service leaders.

Tourism Investment: Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association says uncertainty over a proposed rise in the sector’s GCT from 10% to 15% is making potential investors “restive,” with stakeholders pushing for a quick resolution. Maritime Relief: WISTA Jamaica will donate hurricane relief supplies to Carisbrook Infant and Primary School in St Elizabeth on Aug 15, funded by proceeds from its High Tea fundraiser. STEM for Rural Teachers: SRC’s Summer Attachment Programme reports 83% rural participation (240 educators from all 14 parishes), aiming to boost practical, student-centred STEM teaching beyond urban areas. Agribusiness & Finance: JN Bank urged agribusinesses to “know your true cost of production” and protect margins, while May Pen Hospital’s $642m outpatient build is on track for next-year completion. Jamaica–Africa Trade Push: UNIA leader Steven Golding renewed calls for direct air links between Jamaica and Ghana to expand commerce, tourism and education, as Jamaica and South Africa also move to formalise investment delivery efforts. Hurricane Recovery on the Ground: ECU students joined rebuilding work in Jamaica as part of an alternative break experience tied to Hurricane Melissa recovery.

Tourism Finance Shock: The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association says investors are uneasy over a proposed jump in the sector’s GCT from 10% to 15%, urging Government to resolve the issue fast as it affects confidence to invest. Bilateral Trade Push: Industry Minister Aubyn Hill proposes a Jamaica–South Africa Investment Delivery Group after a high-level luncheon with Deputy Minister Alvin Botes, with Jamaica–South Africa trade still “modest” and imbalanced. Air Links for Growth: UNIA leader Steven Golding urges direct flights between Jamaica and Ghana to unlock trade, tourism, education and agriculture-linked opportunities like ackee processing. Energy & Retail Expansion: Regency Petroleum reports its best first quarter so far, citing LPG acquisition and a new Spanish Town Road station, and says a $300m service station near Norman Manley Airport is set to start soon. Water & Infrastructure: New York’s $434m water and sewer financing package highlights affordability-focused upgrades—relevant as Jamaica grapples with water and utility resilience. Local Business Spotlight: Wisynco reaffirms its commitment to Jamaica’s productive sector as BIGGA marks 30 years, while Sagicor’s Independence Village spotlights local craft, farming and food. Creative Industries: One Great Studio buys FarmHouse Creative Marketing for J$36m, strengthening branding and social media capabilities across hospitality, real estate and consumer sectors. Regulated Ganja Watch: Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority says reclassification could help unlock banking access and grants, with hopes tied to US scheduling signals.

Cannabis & Finance: Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority says ganja rescheduling to US Schedule III could unlock banking access and grants for farmers and businesses, with leaders “keeping their fingers crossed” for the move. Trade & Investment: Industry Minister Aubyn Hill proposes a Jamaica–South Africa Investment Delivery Group to turn modest, imbalanced trade into measurable outcomes, with film/animation and automotive/e-mobility flagged. Water Infrastructure: New York’s Hochul announces $434m for affordable water and sewer upgrades, including Jamaica Bay sewage pump replacements and Brooklyn pump-station improvements. Energy & Research: UWI Mona launches the W.A.T.E.R. Laboratory to strengthen freshwater and marine environmental research across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Manufacturing & Brands: Wisynco reaffirms commitment to Jamaica’s productive sector as BIGGA marks 30 years. Creative Industries: One Great Studio buys FarmHouse Creative Marketing for J$36m, expanding branding and social media capabilities. Sports Media: CPL 2026 confirms broadcast partners as the league expands to seven teams, with coverage across the region. Independence Celebrations: Flag-raising ceremonies in Spanish Town and Montego Bay highlight Jamaica’s 64th anniversary theme of resilience.

CPL on TV: Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League 2026 has confirmed broadcast partners, with pan-Caribbean coverage via Rush Live & Louder as the tournament expands to seven teams and ends with a first-ever CPL final in Barbados. Energy & investment: Wigton Energy has hired Mayberry Investments to arrange funding for over 70MW of solar across its Clarendon and Wigton I Repowering projects, targeting a debt-and-equity mix. Agri-business push: JN Bank is urging agribusiness operators to “know your costs” and protect margins as they plan post–Hurricane Melissa growth, while also highlighting support for farmers at Denbigh. Hurricane recovery grants: Jamaica Chamber of Commerce has disbursed $2.5m to 12 MSMEs hit by Hurricane Melissa to restore operations, replace equipment and preserve jobs. Local food industry: Flame2Fork is expanding into ready-to-eat meals, aiming to lift annual revenue by about 10% as it grows distribution through PriceSmart clubs. Road safety model: IDB points to Cemex’s road-safety programme, including a Vulnerable Road Users initiative rolled out in Jamaica, as a regional best practice. Cannabis sector watch: Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority says US rescheduling talk could unlock banking access and grants for farmers and businesses, as the industry waits on clearer global rules. Healthcare focus: Minister Tufton says new hospital buildings must be matched with compassionate patient care, not just capacity. Independence honours: 140 Jamaicans are set for national honours, including Order of Jamaica recipients Daryl Vaz and Maxine Henry-Wilson, plus diaspora awardees in the US and Canada.

Independence & Culture: Jamaica’s 64th Independence celebrations build to today’s Grand Gala at the National Stadium, themed “United in Celebrating Resilience,” with major tributes, a Reggae Icon award for Busy Signal and Wayne Wonder, and a drone-and-fireworks finale. National Honours: Bank of Jamaica outgoing governor Richard Byles is among 140 Jamaicans set for October Order of Jamaica and Order of Distinction awards, including entertainment figures and senior public officials. Food Security (Agri): Whitfield Town councillor Eugene Kelly is pushing backyard farming, launching a seedlings programme to boost ground provisions and healthier eating amid cost pressures. Trade & Investment (Africa): Industry Minister Aubyn Hill proposes a Jamaica–South Africa Investment Delivery Group to turn bilateral trade into measurable outcomes, as Jamaica and Ghana leaders also press for deeper economic ties and direct flights. Medicinal Ganja (Regulation): The Cannabis Licensing Authority says Jamaica’s legal medicinal ganja industry grew 63% in 2025 to $10 billion, citing farmer support and regulatory widening. Tourism & Business: Royalton Hotels & Resorts reopens all Jamaica properties with a family package, while Republic Bank CPL confirms 2026 broadcast partners and expands the tournament. Security & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker reports show Jamaica ranked 8th among New York cities for scam reports in June, and local fraud losses remain a concern.

Independence & Culture: Jamaica’s 64th anniversary celebrations hit a high note with today’s Grand Gala, promising more than 1,800 participants, tributes to reggae icons Busy Signal and Wayne Wonder, and a drone-and-fireworks finale. CPL & Entertainment: Republic Bank CPL confirms drone shows before matches at Arnos Vale (Jamaica Kingsmen vs Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on Aug 7, and Falcons vs St Lucia Kings on Aug 9), with both fixtures starting 7:15pm. Agriculture & Food Security: El Niño-linked heat is stressing crops and livestock and pushing up fresh food prices, raising both food security and food safety concerns for households. Ganja Industry: The Cannabis Licensing Authority says Jamaica’s legal medicinal ganja sector is growing, reporting a 63% jump in 2025 value to $10 billion and pushing wider access for small farmers. Local Governance & Safety: St James Municipal Corporation demolished an unauthorised giant swing attraction in Norwood Pen, citing missing approvals and serious safety risks. Infrastructure: NWA is fast-tracking repairs to the Over River Bridge in St James, aiming to reopen before the new school year. Science & Research: Jamaica will host the Global Research Council Americas Regional Meeting in November, positioning the island to shape regional research and funding priorities. Jamaica–Ghana Ties: President Mahama’s visit advances plans for direct air links, trade, education, healthcare and culture, including the handover of reconstructed African houses at Seville Heritage Park. Business & Tourism: Appleton Estate kicks off “On the Rum” Rum Month with an islandwide On The Rum Tour across 21 stops.

Jamaica–Ghana Economic Push: President John Dramani Mahama’s Jamaica state visit is driving fresh talks on trade, direct air links, education, healthcare and reparatory justice, with Jamaica’s PM Andrew Holness backing cooperation and Mahama pledging to champion AfCFTA expansion to the Caribbean. Agri-Import Substitution: Jamaica planted 100 Kenyan Wambugu apple trees across agro-parks in a bid to build local apple production and boost farmer income. Tourism & Hospitality Deals: Appleton Estate kicks off “On the Rum” with an islandwide tour and August activations, while Sandals rolls out major travel-advisor incentives and Independence Day events tied to bookings. Local Business & Finance: JN Bank highlights agricultural financing support at Denbigh, and Paramount Trading is in talks to manufacture lubricant brands locally for an international marketer. Industry & Infrastructure: Jamaica’s energy integration gets a boost as a joint energy working group is formed with Guyana. Sports & Entertainment: CPL matches at Arnos Vale in St Vincent will open with drone shows, and Jamaica’s Dream Weekend videographer Elephant Man incident sparks legal action.

Independence & Culture: Jamaica gears up for Independence Day on Aug. 6 with the National Stadium Grand Gala under “United in Celebrating Resilience,” featuring major performances, a 1,800-plus participant lineup, and a 1,000-drone finale. Trade & Logistics: Ghana President John Dramani Mahama says he’ll push for Caribbean inclusion in AfCFTA and fast-track direct flights Accra–Montego Bay, while both countries move toward maritime transhipment routes to cut shipping friction. Agriculture Recovery: American Friends of Jamaica hands over 247,517 seed packets worth about US$750,000 to boost post-Hurricane Melissa food security, while JN Bank highlights Denbigh support for farmers and agribusiness resilience. Insurance & Risk: IronRock reports it has settled most Hurricane Melissa claims, reaching about 95% for sole/lead policies by July 31. Business & Industry: Pan Jamaica Group expands logistics via acquisitions of UK firm West Indies Freight and Jamaica Trading Services; Paramount Trading explores manufacturing lubricant brands locally for an international marketer. Finance & Cost of Living: Credit card balances hit a record $94B, prompting calls for tighter lending practices as annual salary increases become less automatic and more tied to performance. Tech & Skills: Amber National AI Lab launches Jamaica’s first locally developed large language model training push, aiming to build and monetize homegrown AI. Tourism & Travel Sector: Sandals rolls out Jamaica Independence Day travel advisor incentives ahead of major resort reopenings later this year. Community & Safety: Morant Bay Market hosts the “LIV GUD” anti-violence campaign, promoting respectful, peaceful interactions in public spaces.

Jamaica–Ghana Deal-Making: President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Kingston produced multiple agreements to deepen cooperation on health, trade, tourism, air services, and economic integration, with both leaders pushing stronger investment links and logistics. AfCFTA Push: Mahama says he will champion Caribbean inclusion in the African Continental Free Trade Area, aiming to expand market access for Jamaican manufacturers and exporters. Agriculture Under Strain: With drought worsening, the Government says it will add $60m to drought mitigation, including water trucking, storage, drip irrigation, and catchment ponds, while farmers warn crop losses could lift prices. Marine Protection Plan: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining wants to raise Jamaica’s protected marine space from 11,000 to 20,000 hectares over three years, citing fish sanctuary recovery. Water Supply Cuts: NWC restrictions begin for customers served by Mona Dam, with scheduled daily supply windows. Agro-Investment Leases: 22 leases were handed out for the Amity Hall/Bridge Pen Agro-Park at Denbigh, targeting jobs and food security. Entertainment Industry Tension: Lawyers for a videographer involved in the Elephant Man onstage incident are pursuing legal action and demanding a public apology. Energy Transition Funding: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable projects across the Caribbean and Central America, including Jamaica.