AGP Executive Report

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.

Renewables & Energy Finance: IRENA opened a funding call for renewable energy projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including Jamaica, with support routed through its Climate Investment Platform and Energy Transition Finance Accelerator. Maritime Decarbonisation: An IDB-commissioned study says the Bahamas is among the most ready Caribbean states for the maritime energy transition, while shore-side power and green fuel bunkering still need infrastructure and investment—Jamaica is included in the readiness review. Jamaica–Ghana Trade Push: President John Mahama’s state visit produced multiple bilateral agreements on trade, health, tourism and skills exchange, with Mahama pledging to champion Caribbean inclusion in AfCFTA and Jamaica signalling direct-flight ambitions. Drought Relief for Farmers: Jamaica added $60m to drought mitigation, including water trucking, storage, drip irrigation support and catchment ponds; RADA also stepped up drought response with upgraded monitoring and farm support. Ganja Licensing Changes: The Cannabis Licensing Authority cut the registration fee for traditional farmers from US$3,000 to US$150 under a transitional permit programme, while noting future export growth may require reopening foreign imports. Housing & Disaster Recovery: Holness promised more ROOFS funding for the 50,000 still awaiting hurricane grants. Logistics Expansion: Pan Jamaica Group bought West Indies Freight (UK) and Jamaica Trading Services (Jamaica) to expand freight forwarding and customs brokerage across the UK, Miami, Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Industry & Jobs: Jamaica launched its first actors’ union, the Jamaica Actors Guild Association, aimed at fair wages and safer working conditions. Infrastructure: SPARK road works began on the Comfort Hall to Walespond roadway in St James, adding drainage and asphaltic concrete.

Tourism Tax Talks: Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Ministry of Finance will keep discussing the proposed jump in General Consumption Tax for tourism from 10% to 15% effective April 1, 2027, after a meeting with Finance Minister Fayval Williams; JHTA says the timing could hurt competitiveness, investment, jobs and local suppliers. Agribusiness & Water Security: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green says the Lucea Fish Sanctuary can become an eco-tourism draw with self-funded models, while the Water Resources Authority warns declining river flows are squeezing Jamaica’s water supply, with Corporate Area demand at about 40 million gallons daily. Energy Policy Pressure: St. Vincent’s solar growth is being held back by a 1973 Electricity Supply Act that doesn’t cover distributed generation, highlighting how outdated legal and rate structures can stall renewables. Regional Energy Partnerships: KTECH launched a residential energy partner programme across Central America and the Caribbean to expand solar-plus-storage installs. Workforce & Skills: Jamaica’s insurance sector gets a boost as CG Insurance wraps up an eight-week summer internship programme drawing students from Jamaica and five other jurisdictions. Industry & Community: Holness urged science and home-grown innovation to transform agriculture at Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show. Public Safety & Health: NWC warns of water restrictions starting Aug. 3 for customers served by Mona and Hermitage Dam.

Tourism & Tax Pressure: Hotels warn a proposed jump in Jamaica’s GCT for the sector from 10% to 15% could stall tourism recovery as operators face rising costs and tougher regional competition. Financial Regulation: Jamaica’s Appeal Court ruled the Financial Services Commission had no proper basis to seize Stocks and Securities Limited in 2023, citing a missing foundation for the regulator’s claims. Agriculture & Youth Skills: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green urged young farmers to use AI and technology to boost efficiency and returns, while stressing food production still needs people. Fisheries & Livelihoods: The Lucea Fish Sanctuary Office was officially opened to strengthen marine protection, restore fish stocks, and safeguard fisher incomes. Sports & Talent Pipeline: Intercol’s Paul Beckford hailed Jamaica’s intercollegiate athletes after a medal haul at the FISU Americas Games in Lima. Community & Culture: Women of Colour Hockey Collective expanded its reach by introducing hockey to Jamaican children in Kingston through a three-day clinic. Roads & Accountability: Concerns are rising over weak monitoring and enforcement on road works under SPARK, with claims that repairs fail quickly when materials and standards aren’t met. Business Turnaround: GraceKennedy reported improved profits in Q2 as food operations rebound after Hurricane Melissa disruptions.

Commonwealth Games: Scotland’s Josh Kerr stormed to gold in the men’s Mile in Glasgow, in a chaotic, partisan race that capped a standout athletics day. Netball: The Silver Ferns ended a Commonwealth Games gold drought by beating Jamaica 56-48, with a decisive third-quarter break. Entertainment & Culture: Reggae actor Ras Ajai (Brian Boucher) was shot dead in Waterford, Portmore, while “Redeemed: A Father’s Love” is set for a Jamaican premiere. Brand & Music Business: Guinness extended its partnership with dancehall artiste Govana for 2026-2027, expanding the music platform across the Caribbean. Agriculture & Food Security: CASE biotech researchers developed banana and plantain varieties resistant to Tropical Race 4 and tolerant to Sigatoka, with improved planting materials already distributed for research. Finance & Regulation: The FSC opened consultations on “fit and proper” corporate governance standards for non-banking financial industries, with the consultation period ending Aug. 5. Roads & Living Costs: Concerns are rising over weak monitoring and enforcement in road repairs under SPARK, with residents reporting pothole-related vehicle damage.

Education Funding Overhaul: Government says it’s reviewing tertiary funding to shift to a modern performance-based framework tied to student achievement, quality, research and labour-market needs. Roads & Construction: PM Holness highlights SPARK Programme work as Retreat Drive and Passion Gardens in Bull Bay officially open, with more community corridors slated for reconstruction. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Ministry receives $120m in organic, non-GMO seed packets from AFJ to support recovery after Hurricane Melissa, with quarantine testing at Bodles before distribution. Utilities Relief: OUR reports securing $10.4m in credits and compensation for customers for 2026 Jan–Mar, mainly from JPS and NWC. Hurricane Recovery Watch: Principals warn school repairs after Hurricane Melissa are moving too slowly, leaving some students under inadequate conditions. Business & Manufacturing: GraceKennedy posts stronger June quarter profits as food operations rebound, including recovery of its Westmoreland meats facility. Maritime/Policy: Jamaica’s role in global seafarer training and IMO engagement continues, while trafficking policy is set to be tabled in Parliament. Coastal & Environment: Experts flag “none of this is normal” sargassum surges affecting Caribbean shorelines and tourism.

Agribusiness & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining received 240,000+ organic non-GMO seed packets from the American Friends of Jamaica, valued at about US$750,000, with quarantine and testing at Bodles before distribution to farmers, schools and recovery-priority communities. Water & Utilities Relief: The OUR says it secured $10.4M in credits, compensation and account adjustments for utility customers in 2026 Jan–Mar, including JPS and NWC, with most applied during the quarter. Road Infrastructure: PM Holness says Retreat Drive and Passion Gardens in Bull Bay were completed under the SPARK road programme, highlighting a systematic push to rebuild community corridors. Fisheries Diversification: The National Fisheries Authority is showcasing at Denbigh how it’s expanding beyond fishing into oyster farming, freshwater prawns, tilapia and sea moss to strengthen food security. Anti-Trafficking & Cybercrime: Deputy PM Horace Chang says Jamaica’s national trafficking policy is near tabling and warns of “cyber factories” detected locally, tied to forced online fraud. Creative Industries Support: Kingston Creative has joined the JBDC-linked SBDC network, bringing free/low-cost coaching to creative MSMEs starting in August. Local Business Growth: KFC Jamaica opened its 44th outlet, KFC Salem in St Ann, investing about $285M and creating 45 jobs. Culture & Sports: Cornelius Grant says five productions are set for release across cinema, TV and digital; and Jamaica’s Antonio Watson was disqualified from the Commonwealth Games 400m semi-final for a lane violation.