AGP Executive Report

Tourism Modernisation: Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica is moving to create a Tourism Authority and push “Tourism 3.0,” with a Tourism Supply Logistics Centre as a special economic zone to cut import leakage and boost local farmers, manufacturers and small businesses. AI in the Sector: The Jamaica Tourist Board is rolling out an AI multilingual digital concierge and a real-time insights dashboard, plus AI-supported foreign-language training for tourism workers. Beach Development: Three public beaches—Priory (St Ann), Success (St James) and Paggee (St Mary)—are in procurement for major upgrades, with construction targeted to finish by the 2027/28 fiscal year and plans for amenities, security and accessibility. Food & Jobs: Rising rents are pushing move-in costs to as much as 3–4 times monthly rent, as Jamaica’s housing deficit and higher construction and financing costs squeeze renters. Agri Security: Praedial larceny is down 58%, but cattle theft and illegal slaughter are emerging as a new threat, prompting tighter enforcement by the Agricultural Protection Branch. Capital Markets: Mailpac faces potential JSE sanctions as its MyCart deal accounting delays its 2025 audited financials and 2026 first-quarter report. Climate & Blue Economy: A Caribbean blue economy knowledge hub has launched, and Jamaican climate pitches from the Barbados summit are now in funding talks. Community Support: BH Paints donates $3.3m to Food For The Poor for Hurricane Melissa recovery, while Sygnus Foundation launches with a $16m roof restoration at Barbary Hall Primary and Infant School.

Tourism & Film: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica must move from being a backdrop to becoming a global source of screen content, pointing to Sky Studios’ “Possession” as proof: 300+ Jamaican cast and crew and about US$4 million injected into the local economy. Energy & Recovery: Under the $1B JSIF NEPRP, 2,200 hurricane-hit households have been wired for electricity, with 500+ already connected and the rest coming on stream in phases across Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth and Hanover. Public Access & Coastal Management: Montego Bay and Ocho Rios officials reaffirm unrestricted beach access, citing UDC oversight and plans to upgrade public sites like Old Hospital Park and Sunset/Dead-end Beaches. Industry & Jobs: UNI Global Union says companies are using AI as a cover for layoffs, with budget limits and restructuring named as the real drivers. Local Governance & Craft: Industry Minister Delano Seiveright opened talks with craft stakeholders after concerns about market conditions and post-hurricane impacts. Security & Transport: JUTC offers a $1M reward after arson destroyed a CNG bus in Spanish Town, St Catherine. Migration: Police custody in Portland rose to 28 Haitians after additional men were found at CASE and Passley Gardens.

Tourism Resilience Push: Minister Edmund Bartlett invited Jamaican diaspora engineers, scientists and technical professionals to help build climate-smart tourism resilience, stressing protection of coastal assets and trust as the industry’s “currency.” Local Industry & Jobs: First Union Financial launched a J$1 billion revolving micro-loan fund to back side-hustles and small businesses, with financing up to J$2.5 million across sectors including agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing and logistics. Creative Economy Upgrade: MIIC State Minister Delano Seiveright praised Adtelligent’s modern volumetric studio—built with a $40M DBJ grant and UNESCO support—aimed at boosting Jamaica’s digital and creative services exports. Agriculture Link to Hotel Boom: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green says the hospitality construction surge in St. Ann and St. James is creating demand for consistent, high-quality farm produce like potatoes, eggs, peppers and onions. Public Safety & Transport: JUTC offered a J$1 million reward for information on an arsonist who set fire to a Spanish Town CNG bus in May. Migration Watch: Police in Portland reported more Haitian arrivals in custody, bringing the total to 28 as screening continues. Beach Access Debate: JHTA defended managed beach access, arguing regulation is needed to protect users, coastlines and tourism. Global Trade Signal: IDB reported Latin America and the Caribbean exports rose 15.7% in Q1 2026, led by mining and agribusiness.

Construction & Materials: Jamaica approved licences for five firms to import a combined 390,000 tonnes of cement to ease shortages after production disruptions at the country’s main cement producer, with demand expected to rise further for major reconstruction projects. Small Business Finance: First Union Financial launched a J$1 billion revolving micro-loan fund to support Jamaicans running side-hustles and micro-enterprises, with financing up to J$2.5 million across sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and tech. Tourism Strategy: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett pushed “Tourism 3.0,” urging broader local participation and higher dollar retention, while PM Holness said tourism boosts investor confidence by shaping perceptions. Diaspora & Skills: The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference highlighted education innovation and future-ready training, and Bartlett called for diaspora investment in resilience projects like solar, water systems, and reef restoration. Shipping Risk: Caribbean inter-island operators are reassessing routes and insurance after a U.S. military operation in Venezuela raised war-risk premiums and scrutiny near Venezuelan waters. Agriculture & Food Safety: Police and the Agricultural Protection Branch warned consumers after eight cows were stolen and illegally slaughtered in Clarendon, urging purchases only from licensed vendors. Health & Innovation: CO2LIFT® hosted a week-long medical retreat in Jamaica bringing together 40+ physicians and surgeons to advance standards of care.

Tourism Resilience Push: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett urged the Jamaican diaspora to go beyond remittances and invest in climate-smart agriculture, reef restoration, solar and water systems, and community tourism as Jamaica targets 10 million visitors and US$10 billion over 10 years. Tourism 3.0 Shift: Bartlett and PM Andrew Holness at RIU Jamaica’s 25th anniversary framed the next phase as “Tourism 3.0” focused on inclusiveness and higher local dollar retention, saying visitor confidence can unlock investment. Investor Confidence on Crime: Industry State Minister Delano Seiveright pointed to a sharp murder decline (down 43% in 2025) as a key factor improving investor perceptions and business costs. Food & Tourism Link: Jamaica Forum on Gastronomy Tourism highlighted plans to partner with international culinary institutions and build training pipelines to professionalise chefs and strengthen sustainable tourism supply chains. Small Business Financing: First Union launched a US$1 billion side-hustle and micro-loan fund to help employees start or scale income ventures. Agriculture Safety Alert: Jamaica’s Agricultural Protection Branch warned consumers after eight cows were stolen and illegally slaughtered in Clarendon, urging purchases only from licensed vendors. Housing Crowdfunding: Blue Mahoe Capital Caribbean kicked off a US$5m crowdfunding drive for affordable homes in Jamaica.

Tourism & Investment: PM Andrew Holness says tourism is Jamaica’s “first introduction” that builds confidence and attracts investment, while Edmund Bartlett pushes the shift from Tourism 2.0 to Tourism 3.0—more inclusion and higher local dollar retention—at RIU’s 25th anniversary in Montego Bay. Culinary Industry: Bartlett also announced plans to partner with international culinary institutions and bring more “afro global chefs” into Jamaica to professionalise gastronomy and strengthen tourism linkages. Crime & Business Confidence: Labour/Industry State Minister Delano Seiveright told the Diaspora conference that murders are down sharply (8% in 2023, 19% in 2024, 43% in 2025), improving investor confidence and cutting business costs. Small Business Finance: First Union launched a $1 billion side-hustle and micro-loan fund to help employees start or scale income ventures. Food Safety & Agriculture: Police/APB in Clarendon warned consumers after eight cows were stolen and illegally slaughtered, urging buyers to use licensed vendors only. Housing & Capital Markets: Blue Mahoe Capital Caribbean kicked off a US$5m crowdfunding push for affordable homes in Jamaica. EV Push: Kintyre Holdings entered Jamaica’s EV market via a majority stake in an EV dealership, funded through new share issuance. Farm Resilience: Government outlined a weather-triggered insurance scheme for farmers, plus drought support like catchment ponds. Culture & Media: “Stew Peas” premieres June 27, turning a kitchen joke into a film spotlighting Caribbean experience.

EV Market Entry: Kintyre Holdings (Ja) Ltd says it has bought a 75% stake in an electric vehicle dealership in a deal expected to reach $100 million, funded through new share issuance that dilutes existing shareholders. Roads & Congestion Relief: Government plans to dualise East King’s House Road and Lady Musgrave Road, widening a 2.8-km stretch to four lanes and adding drainage, utilities, traffic signals and fibre ducts, with Cabinet approval targeted by Aug. 31, 2026. Construction Supply: Cabinet has approved cement imports for six months to ease a local supply gap after Hurricane Melissa, with private sector players welcoming the move. Agriculture Risk Management: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green launched a weather-triggered insurance scheme for farmers, with $50 million earmarked to cover 5,000 farmers, plus drought support including catchment ponds. Food Safety Alert: Police warn the public to avoid buying beef from unknown sources after eight stolen cows were illegally slaughtered in Clarendon without veterinary inspection. Labour & Social Protection: Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. linked productivity to national resilience, while the Ministry of Labour also pushed reporting to fight child labour. Diaspora & Resilience: Jamaica’s 11th Biennial Diaspora Conference highlighted diaspora partnerships for a more climate-resilient Jamaica, including disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure.

Agriculture Insurance Push: The Ministry of Agriculture says it will roll out a weather-triggered insurance scheme for farmers, with J$50 million set aside to cover 5,000 farmers at a base rate of J$10,000 for one-year policies, prioritising youth and women, via RADA and partners including Weather Protect. Drought Support: The same resilience drive includes a J$149 million drought programme, including free catchment pond development for community groups. Food & Health in Schools: The Fi We Children Foundation backs the National School Garden Project, saying school gardens help tackle childhood obesity and NCDs by linking nutrition education with hands-on farming and healthier food choices. Education Showcase: The Ministry of Education staged the National School Garden Grand Exhibition 2026, celebrating school projects and highlighting growth of the programme since 2024. Construction Supply Relief: Cabinet has approved additional cement imports to ease a local shortage affecting rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa, with officials pointing to supply adjustments and rising demand. EV Market Entry: Kintyre Holdings Jamaica is entering electric vehicles through a partnership with Florida’s Rush Hour Engineering, starting EV distribution in Jamaica via Affinity Automotive Group. Fraud Alert: Industry Minister Delano Seiveright warns Jamaicans about a fake AI-generated video falsely using his image to promote an investment scheme, urging people not to share money or personal details. Diaspora & Resilience: The 11th Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay drew 1,000+ visitors from 15 countries, renewing calls for diaspora investment and partnerships to rebuild a more climate-resilient Jamaica. Skills for Industry: HEART College student Rayon-Jai Pusey is selected to represent Jamaica at WorldSkills Shanghai in Autonomous Mobile Robotics, signalling growing local engineering talent.

EV & Investment Moves: Kintyre Holdings Jamaica is entering the electric vehicle market via a partnership with Florida’s Rush Hour Engineering, using its subsidiary Affinity Ventures Group to roll out Chinese-made JMEV EVs starting in Jamaica and expanding across the Caribbean. Construction Supply Watch: Cabinet has approved additional cement imports to ease a shortage hitting Jamaica’s construction sector, with officials pointing to weather-related production setbacks and post-Hurricane Melissa rebuilding demand. Fraud Alert (AI Scams): Industry Minister Delano Seiveright is warning Jamaicans about a fake social media video using his image and an AI-manipulated voice to promote an unauthorised investment scheme—people are urged not to send money or share personal details and to report the content. Diaspora & Commodities: JACRA is encouraging diaspora investors to put money into Jamaica’s commodities—spices, cocoa, coconut and coffee—highlighting farm and processing opportunities. Infrastructure Resilience: Works Minister Robert Morgan says 55 structures, including the Black River Bridge in St. Elizabeth, are earmarked under the Accelerated Bridge Programme to strengthen transport against extreme weather. Tourism Momentum: Sandals is rolling out a US$200 million overhaul across three Jamaica properties, including Sandals Montego Bay and the rebrand of Sandals Royal Caribbean as Sandals Caribbean Cay. Labour & Safety: Two Jamaican farm workers died in an Ontario crash involving an off-road utility vehicle and an SUV; investigations are ongoing.

Tourism & Diaspora: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett urged Jamaicans overseas to invest and act as ambassadors to strengthen Jamaica’s tourism resilience, as the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference pushed a “diaspora climate corps” idea and highlighted the sector’s 10 million visitors/US$10 billion earnings target. Education & Skills: The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information reaffirmed that literacy and numeracy are the foundation of its education transformation, with reading restored to timetables and stronger comprehension linked to better CSEC outcomes. Infrastructure Resilience: Works Minister Robert Morgan says 55 bridges are earmarked under the Accelerated Bridge Programme, including rebuilding the Black River Bridge in St Elizabeth to better withstand floods and extreme weather. Blue Economy & Oceans: Jamaica and Canada were confirmed as next hosts of the Our Ocean Conference, with Jamaica set to host in 2029 in Montego Bay, boosting momentum for marine protection and sustainable ocean management. Labour & Agriculture: Two Jamaican farm workers died in an Ontario crash; both were Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme participants. Business & Tech: UTech will introduce Mandarin in September via a two-year agreement, supporting language and academic literacy programmes. Industry & Jobs: A UTech-led analysis warns AI disruption could hit women harder, with about 60,000 jobs estimated at risk of elimination. Music & Culture: Sean Paul and Brushy One String released “Burn Dem Down,” while Grammy rule changes sparked renewed debate on whether dancehall should get its own category.

Education & Skills: UTech will launch Mandarin classes in September via a two-year deal with China’s CLEC, with CLEC supplying instructors and UTech providing facilities and support; the LTRC already teaches Spanish, Japanese and French. Governance & Integrity: Opposition leaders are renewing calls for Prime Minister Andrew Holness to remove Science Minister Andrew Wheatley from Cabinet after the Integrity Commission recommended criminal charges, including illicit enrichment. Tourism & Diaspora Investment: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett urged the diaspora to invest in climate-smart tourism and resilience as Jamaica targets 10 million visitors and US$10 billion in earnings over 10 years. Creative Economy Funding: Culture Minister Olivia Grange called on overseas Jamaicans to back a new Jamaica Entertainment and Cultural Development Foundation to close a reported US$5 billion financing gap for creatives. Agriculture Resilience: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green announced a fruit-tree planting push to reach 3,000 hectares by 2035, with free planting material and technical support. Infrastructure Delivery: SPARK road works report 26% completion as of April 2026, with 109 roads already finished and more under construction. Industry Recognition: Club Kingston won Best Airport Lounge in Latin America and the Caribbean at the 2026 Priority Pass Excellence Awards.

Creative Economy & Diaspora Finance: Jamaica is pushing a new Jamaica Entertainment and Cultural Development Foundation to close a $5-billion funding gap for creatives, with Minister Olivia Grange urging overseas Jamaicans to back the plan. Agriculture & Food Security: The Government says it will plant 3,000 hectares of fruit trees by 2035, targeting longer-term resilience after Hurricane Melissa and offering free planting material plus technical support. Diaspora Governance: The Global Jamaica Diaspora Council and Youth Council have been expanded to boost global engagement, with wider regional representation and stronger consular support. Energy Costs: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica will change JPS’s electricity licence and scale renewables to cut power bills for households and businesses. Tourism Resilience: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett calls for more local ownership and diaspora involvement to make the visitor product more shock-resilient. Food Safety & Industry: A sugar recall highlights physical contamination risks and the role of testing and enforcement in protecting consumers. Gaming Regulation: BGLC warns operators to get licensed ahead of tougher enforcement, while adjusting compliance expectations for gaming machines. Business & Infrastructure: Greater Montego Bay drainage work is underway to reduce Catherine Hall flooding impacts, with major projects and concerns from businesses like National Baking Company. Reggae & Culture Exports: Sean Paul and Brushy One String drop “Burn Dem Down,” while Marcia Griffiths releases “When You Love Me,” adding to Jamaica’s music-led global push. Marine Conservation: The Queen Conch Mobile Lab in The Bahamas begins its first hatch, supporting Caribbean restoration efforts.

Construction & Infrastructure: Jamaica’s SPARK road programme phase one completion slips three months to end-March 2027, with Works Minister Robert Morgan citing quality and value-for-money. Road Costs: The Montego Bay Perimeter Road contract rises by nearly US$80 million to US$354.25 million as scope and engineering requirements expand. Tourism & Hospitality: Sandals and Beaches Resorts rolls out the Island Insiders Club loyalty programme from July 1, replacing Sandals Select Rewards while preserving existing member status. Agriculture & Food Manufacturing: Low scotch bonnet yields after Hurricane Melissa and earlier storms are squeezing hot pepper sauce supply and pushing up costs for local producers. Energy & Resilience: Energy Minister says new solar farm standards build hurricane-season resiliency into requirements. Governance & Integrity: Dr Andrew Wheatley rejects Integrity Commission findings and faces recommended illicit enrichment and related charges. Public Services: National Blood Transfusion Service launches eDelphi software to improve blood collection and a Lifesavers Club to grow regular donors. Immigration Policy: Jamaica says it’s in talks with the US to accept up to 25 non-criminal third-country nationals monthly, but not US deportees. Finance & Rates: Fed signals could limit BOJ room to cut as more policymakers project higher rates. Tech & Compliance: BGLC adjusts gaming machine policy—operators won’t face a fixed Pulse-to-SAS deadline, but machines must connect to the future Central Monitoring System.

Tourism Push: Jamaica unveiled its “10x10x10” tourism vision, targeting 10 million visitors and US$10b in earnings over 10 years, with Tourism 3.0 shifting focus to jobs, community participation and sustainability as about 80% of rooms are back online after Hurricane Melissa. Education Resilience: Government committed $18b to rebuild and rehabilitate schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa, aiming for disaster-ready facilities after the storm disrupted about 152,000 students and 8,000 teachers. Banking & Markets: Scotiabank Caribbean Holdings moved to take Scotia Group Jamaica private, offering $61.50 per share (valuing the minority stake at about $54b), while Scotia Group reported a $378.32b loan book and rising earnings. Local Industry & Agriculture: FAO and JACRA trained about 170 farmers to revive ginger production with cleaner planting material; Caribbean rum producers also highlighted sustainability upgrades. Digital & Business Readiness: A warning that many Jamaican firms still lack effective websites as AI changes how customers discover businesses. Urban Enforcement: KSAMC issued a 14-day notice to remove an illegal structure blocking access on a gully reserve in Patrick City, St Andrew.

Tourism Innovation Push: The Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) is inviting applications for its Tourism Innovation Incubator, with a June 17 deadline for tourism-linked ideas submitted via tef.gov.jm/incubator, including a 60-second video pitch. Diaspora Investment Drive: Industry Minister Delano Seiveright urged overseas Jamaicans to move beyond remittances into ownership stakes—buying land, investing in businesses, building warehouses, and partnering in modern farming and operations. Housing & Property Finance: The National Housing Trust says diasporans can partner across the housing construction cycle, with opportunities for developers, financiers, and visionaries. Land Enforcement Dispute: Jamaica’s National Land Agency is denying claims that West Albion, St Thomas residents weren’t served notices before demolitions, saying consultations and notices began in 2024 and the lands are reserved for development. Energy Costs Watch: Oil prices dipped below US$80 after progress toward a US-Iran deal, which could eventually ease Jamaica’s fuel-import bill, though local pricing depends on multiple factors. Corporate & Jobs Signals: Indies Pharma Jamaica reported a 38.5% decline in net profit for the six months ended April 30, citing hurricane disruption but showing improvement in the second quarter. Food & Retail Business: Pizza Hut Jamaica’s franchise operator, Restaurants of Jamaica, may be affected indirectly as Yum Brands sells Pizza Hut outside mainland China to LongRange Capital for about US$1.5 billion. Tourism Growth Target: Jamaica’s tourism ministry is pushing a 10x10x10 plan to reach 10 million annual visitors in 10 years, backed by new flights and renewed resort investment.

Tourism Push: Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett unveiled a 10x10x10 plan to reach 10 million annual visitors in 10 years, banking on new flights, reopened resorts and sector momentum. Energy & Costs: Global oil prices slid below US$80 a barrel after a US-Iran deal raised hopes of more supply—potentially easing Jamaica’s fuel-import bill, though local prices depend on multiple factors. Food & Manufacturing: Indies Pharma Jamaica reported a 38.5% drop in net profit for the six months ended April 30, citing Hurricane Melissa disruption, while National Baking Company says its US$75m Catherine Hall plant is still progressing despite flooding concerns. Construction Skills: The NHT is urging students to apply for its 2026/27 Construction Scholarship, aiming to grow Jamaica’s skilled construction workforce. Business & Finance: Pizza Hut Jamaica is set to come under a new global owner after Yum Brands’ US$2.7b sale, and the Court of Appeal granted Fitz Jackson leave to appeal in the Scotia Bank cheque fee case. Inflation Watch: Jamaica’s annual inflation rose to 5.4% in May, driven mainly by higher food, restaurant and electricity/petrol costs. Maternal Health: Victoria Jubilee Hospital received 14 foetal monitoring machines (CTG and ultrasound) worth $32m to boost early detection of pregnancy complications. Diaspora & Investment: At the Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay, officials urged Jamaicans to invest in growth areas like renewable energy, film and logistics, and highlighted youth engagement in policy and innovation.