AGP Executive Report

Disaster-Ready Jamaica: The revised Building Code will require structures to withstand Category Five hurricanes, with stronger enforcement powers for municipal corporations, mandatory compliance checks, and tougher penalties for illegal building in high-risk zones. Reconstruction Leadership: NaRRA CEO Antony Anderson says his engineering and complex project-management experience—leading JDF engineering operations during hurricanes Gustav and Ivan—fits the job of coordinating Jamaica’s next infrastructure push. Energy & Risk Debate: Jamaica is cautiously optimistic after offshore exploratory drilling near Morant Bay, but timelines for any commercial production likely stretch into the 2030s. Blue Economy Push: Jamaica urged more financing and technical support for SIDS ocean governance at the Island States Ocean Summit, tying marine health to jobs and tourism. Governance & Justice: The JLP mourned the death of retired Court of Appeal president Justice Ian Forte, praising his decades of service across the region. Crime & Accountability: MOCA charged three more suspects in the NCB phishing scam, bringing the total charged to 20. Trade & Investment: Afreximbank launched an inaugural Kingston roadshow to boost Jamaica’s access to trade finance and investment solutions. Business & Infrastructure: Kingston Wharves says it wants to double capacity with a US$20m plan tied to acquiring land at Tinson Pen.

Hurricane Melissa Recovery: PM Andrew Holness says another 300 container homes will arrive today, with 1,200 already in-country and the rest of the 2,500 housing solutions expected by July. Shelter & Disaster Readiness: Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie announced $60m more for emergency shelter upgrades and outlined a shift toward building large shelters in parishes ahead of hurricane season; NSWMA also detailed new hurricane measures, including prepositioning equipment and fuel reserves. Oversight & Investor Confidence: Opposition MP Peter Bunting warned that government actions against independent oversight bodies could hurt investor confidence. Integrity Commission Fallout (FLA): National Security Minister Horace Chang defended Firearm Licensing Authority CEO Shane Dalling despite Integrity Commission findings, while Young Jamaica pressed Mark Golding to explain the delayed certification of his 2024 statutory declaration. Governance in Action: CMU says a staff arrest over alleged misuse of student funds shows its internal controls work. Public Safety & Crime: MOCA charged three more people in the $47.5m NCB phishing scam, granting $450,000 bail each. AI Policy Push: Dr Andrew Wheatley said a National AI Draft Policy will be developed by November 2026. Sports (Local): West Indies fell to Sri Lanka by 41 runs in the opening ODI at Sabina Park; Reggae Girlz coach Hubert Busby treats friendlies in Panama as key tune-ups.

Police Accountability: Jamaica has charged a police officer with murder over the May 17 killing of Latoya “Buju” Bulgin, a case that sparked violent protests in Granville; the officer was denied bail and a further hearing is set for mid-June, with protesters and rights groups pointing to concerns including the lack of a body camera. Public Sector Pressure: The Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) is urging the Ministry of Finance to urgently settle outstanding travelling allowance claims dating back to 2024, saying workers are being forced to absorb rising commuting and road-wear costs while other salary issues remain unresolved. Security Incident: A former Jamaica Constabulary Force member, Mark Raby, was fatally shot by police after an alleged confrontation in St. Andrew; police say he was dismissed for misconduct and a firearm was recovered. Environment & Energy: A new report warns offshore oil and gas exploration in Jamaica’s Walton-Morant block could threaten major marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and key fishing grounds, urging stronger safeguards ahead of World Oceans Day. Regional Diplomacy: Jamaica and Ghana have resumed cooperation through a defence, healthcare recruitment and cultural exchange package signed after the Third Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation meeting in Accra.

Tourism 3.0: Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica is reimagining tourism under “Tourism 3.0,” aiming for sustained growth and bigger local benefits as the sector moves beyond recent global shocks. Disaster Recovery & Resilience: Government is strengthening hurricane readiness after Hurricane Melissa, including a new building code requiring Category 5 standards, plus a GeoConnect data governance framework to share real-time damage assessments. Local Governance & Services: NSWMA will launch a $200m public education push to cut illegal dumping and improve waste collection frequency, while JUTC reminds commuters not to reserve seats for people not on board. Justice & Accountability: Opposition PNP renews calls for the resignation of Firearm Licensing Authority CEO Shane Dalling after an Integrity Commission report flagged missing ammunition, falsified records, and lost electronic evidence. Science & Cybersecurity: Cabinet will consider creating the NCCAC to coordinate Jamaica’s cybersecurity posture, and the SRC Act will be reviewed to modernise scientific governance. Sports (Local): At Sabina Park, Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 41 runs in the 1st ODI; Shai Hope made 56.

Tourism 3.0 Push: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica will add 20,000 hotel rooms and is in talks to boost visitor numbers by millions annually, as he unveiled the Tourism 3.0 agenda at Caribbean Week in New York. Science & Innovation Governance: Dr. Andrew Wheatley says Jamaica’s ST&I Strategic Plan 2026–2035 and the “House of Innovation” framework will go to Cabinet soon to fix long-running gaps between research, government, and industry. Cybersecurity Upgrade: Wheatley also reports Jamaica’s Cybersecurity Standards Framework is complete, with a tested national incident response plan and US$10 million approved for rollout through 2029 amid rising cyberattack attempts. Disaster Readiness: PM Holness says ODPEM is being strengthened and repositioned to improve national resilience ahead of shocks, while Opposition’s Dr. Dayton Campbell renews calls for a permanent agriculture and fisheries disaster recovery fund. Health Workforce Link: Ghana and Jamaica launch a recruitment drive for Ghanaian doctors and nurses to deploy in Jamaica, targeting specialist roles and requiring relevant professional registration and experience. Public Transport Fare Fight: Opposition transport spokesman Mikael Phillips questions the long-delayed PPV fare increase process, arguing for a workable system that won’t leave operators and commuters stuck. Integrity Commission Probe: The Integrity Commission reports accountability gaps at Jamaica’s Firearm Licensing Authority, including missing ammunition, weak vault checks, and manipulated licence system entries. Early Childhood STEM: The NEST programme is rolling out science learning to 500 early childhood institutions nationwide by end-2026, starting in several parishes already. Sports & Governance: Cricket West Indies confirms its 2026 home series schedule across the region, with final New Zealand ODIs co-hosted by Barbados.

Transport & Cost of Living: Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has set a phased 16% PPV fare increase—8% takes effect today and the rest on July 1—prompting public backlash over timing and fears of added pressure on already-stretched commuters. Opposition Pushback: Opposition spokesman Mikael Phillips called the rollout “disrespectful,” saying the public wasn’t properly informed and warning he’ll seek legal advice. Electricity Policy: Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says negotiations for a new all-island electricity licence are at a “technical stage,” with an update expected this month ahead of the July 2027 expiry. Elections & Boundaries: The ECJ has advanced Portmore’s creation as Jamaica’s 15th parish by presenting proposed constituency boundary adjustments for four St Catherine/Portmore constituencies, with further consultations before Parliament. Science & Innovation: Andrew Wheatley unveiled the “House of Innovation” framework to turn research and innovation into development outcomes, seeking Cabinet approval. Agriculture Resilience: Dr Dayton Campbell urged a permanent Agricultural and Fisheries Disaster Recovery Fund, arguing disaster support shouldn’t be ad hoc. Mental Health: The Government says it’s strengthening school mental health programmes and youth psychosocial support as anxiety and trauma concerns rise. Sports (Local): The JCA says ticket sales for the West Indies vs Sri Lanka ODI opener at Sabina Park are slow, while Shai Hope points to a strong batting top order for the series.

PPV Fare Shockwave (Phased): Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says the long-pending 16% public passenger vehicle fare increase starts today with an 8% jump, and the remaining 8% comes July 1—route taxis, rural stage carriages, and hackney fares all adjusted in the new schedule. Broadcasting Commission Clampdown: The Broadcasting Commission has rapped Flow and Digicel for “substandard customer service” tied to late 2025 channel and programming changes, including poor subscriber notice practices. USS Nimitz Diplomacy: Jamaica’s government welcomed the USS Nimitz’s Kingston visit as goodwill and maritime partnership, while critics abroad questioned whether the timing signals pressure on Cuba. Hurricane Season Reality Check: NOAA says Atlantic storm numbers may be lower than average, but officials stress preparedness still matters because one storm can still be devastating. World Cup Ticket Politics (Ghana): Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams insists the government secured 1,000 Black Stars tickets early to avoid rising costs and denies any illegal resale scheme. Local Crime Update: Police say a 33-year-old US national, Kadian Bradshaw, was stabbed to death at an Airbnb in Hanover; her husband is the main suspect. Tourism Infrastructure Boost: St. Mary’s rehabilitated Fontabelle to Geddes Town Road is set to improve access to heritage and eco-tourism sites, funded through the Tourism Enhancement Fund.

World Cup Travel Turmoil: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana reached Mexico but were left without assistant coach Helman Mkhalele after a US visa denial, with SAFA president Danny Jordaan saying the team has the experience to handle delays. Sports Governance & Transparency: Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams rejected claims of illegal 2026 World Cup ticket sales, saying government secured 1,000 tickets in advance and that safeguards will prevent resale and keep the process open to scrutiny. Jamaica’s Public Institutions: Giovanni Dennis was appointed CEO of the Jamaica Information Service, taking over after a long vacancy, as the government pushes for a “next level” of performance. Anti-Corruption Watch: The Integrity Commission’s Craig Beresford urged Parliament to strengthen the Integrity Commission Act, warning current weaknesses limit what the agency can do. Crime & Community Safety: Salt Spring, St James reported no murders or shootings since the start of 2026, citing sustained police-community collaboration. Hurricane Readiness: Liberty Caribbean/Flow says it is prepared for the 2026 hurricane season, pointing to lessons from Hurricane Melissa and investments in resilience. Education & Youth: BOJ Money Quest launched to boost financial literacy among grades 4–6, with cash prizes for top students and schools.

World Cup Admin Fallout: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana finally left for Mexico after visa delays, but the assistant coach Helman Mkhalele was left behind at first—sparking sharp criticism from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and SAFA’s apology for the “debacle.” Caribbean Policy Pressure: A new warning flags a youth vaping surge across the region, arguing governments are moving too slowly as nicotine and “nicotine-free” vapes still hook young people. Jamaica Diaspora Mobilisation: Seventeen projects are registered for Jamaica Diaspora Day of Service on June 18, with healthcare, education and community work—mostly in western parishes hit by Hurricane Melissa. Food Supply Strain: A looming shortage of Scotch bonnet peppers threatens Caribbean hot sauce supply and raises costs, as weather, disease and pests disrupt key farming areas. Environment & Kingston: World Environment Day activities in Jamaica focus on the Kingston Harbour Cleanup Project, backed by GraceKennedy Foundation and Clean Harbours Jamaica. Regional Diplomacy: CARICOM foreign ministers push “unified action” and a dual approach to sovereignty, food/energy security and big-power rivalry.

USS Nimitz Visit: Jamaica’s government welcomed the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz to Kingston Harbour, framing it as a youth and STEM-focused friendship mission docked June 1–5. Police Accountability: INDECOM is pushing for a major overhaul of Jamaica Constabulary Force body-worn camera deployment, arguing cameras are too concentrated in traffic/public safety and not where accountability is most needed. Homelessness Response: KSAMC says it’s moving from complaints to action on downtown Kingston homelessness, starting with Justice Square and coordinating with police, health and mental health agencies. Youth & Vaping: Youth advocates and PAHO are warning that Caribbean governments are lagging as vaping spreads among teens, with flavours and online marketing masking nicotine risks. Agriculture Recovery: Jamaica says a FAO-backed US$50m agriculture recovery and resilience programme for Hurricane Melissa-affected farmers will be fully implemented in September. Labour Policy: Pearnel Charles Jr leads Jamaica’s delegation to the ILO’s International Labour Conference in Geneva, coordinating Caribbean discussions on social dialogue and tripartism. Sports & Governance: South Africa’s World Cup departure was delayed by visa paperwork chaos, with officials and ministers trading blame publicly. Local Sports: Red Stripe Flavours launched the 2026 Netball Jamaica Elite League, starting June 5.

Health Workforce Deal: Ghana and Jamaica signed a revived Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation agreement after a 21-year gap, including a plan to deploy about 400 Ghanaian nurses to bolster Jamaica’s healthcare delivery. Public Health Update: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health says the country is free of Ebola cases, but eight travellers are under mandatory self-quarantine after arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries. Regional Security/US-Jamaica Ties: The Government welcomed the USS Nimitz to Kingston Harbour for a June 1–5 visit, highlighting youth STEM exposure and community initiatives during the Southern Seas 2026 deployment. World Cup Admin Fallout (South Africa): South Africa’s Bafana Bafana departure for Mexico was delayed a day due to visa problems, with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie demanding answers and SAFA saying players’ visas were eventually cleared for travel. Local Development/Business: Great Wall Motor will open its first dedicated Jamaica showroom on South Camp Road on June 3, as the brand reports about 2,000 vehicles already on Jamaican roads. Sports & Youth: Jamaica Squash brought squash to St Andrew Prep School as part of efforts to grow the sport in schools.

NaRRA Leadership: Prime Minister Holness has appointed outgoing Jamaica Ambassador Antony Anderson as CEO of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority, effective June 1, tasking him with speeding up resilience and development execution. Governance & Oversight: Former PM Bruce Golding says many public officials resist monitoring as “a humbug,” while backing digital accountability tools and JAMP’s push for compliance. Legal System Watch: The Court of Appeal overturned a professional misconduct finding against MP Isat Buchanan, citing breach of natural justice by the General Legal Council. Parliament vs Integrity Commission: Jamaica’s Firearm Licensing Authority lost a bid to force disclosure of an unpublished Integrity Commission report, though it got leave to challenge the decision. Public Safety & Fraud: Police charged a current JP Dudley Powell and decommissioned JP Marvin Dean with multiple fraud-related offences after an operation at the Mandeville Motor Vehicle Examination Depot. Social Protection: The NIS highlighted benefits and the requirement for workers and employers to register and contribute. Education Access: Flow Foundation signed an MoU to fund free high-speed Wi-Fi for 100 early childhood institutions. International Links: Jamaica will receive £450,000 for transatlantic slavery research under the PASSAGE programme. Commonwealth Rights: Sir Ian McKellen joined a London march urging Commonwealth countries to repeal anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

Hurricane Recovery & Disaster Risk: Jamaica says $30b will be spent on hurricane recovery this fiscal year, managed by NaRRA under Major General Anthony Anderson from June 1, as the country braces for the 2026 Atlantic season. Education & Digital Access: Flow Foundation will invest $5m annually to bring free high-speed Wi-Fi to 100 early childhood institutions, expanding its Internet in Schools programme with the Early Childhood Commission. Public Services & Accountability: The Court of Appeal overturned a professional misconduct finding against Portland Eastern MP Isat Buchanan, saying the General Legal Council breached natural justice. Housing Programme Oversight: Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. says the ROOFS verified beneficiary list will be published by parish, with a TRN-based digital platform to guide voucher redemption. Local Economy & Labour Policy: Montego Bay Chamber president Jason Russell pushes for tiered labour law reforms to reduce burdens on micro and small businesses while protecting workers. Sports Rights & Governance: RUSH Sports and TVJ warn they are the only authorised FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasters in Jamaica, targeting unauthorised streaming and piracy. Roads & Safety: NWA will close a section of the Lacovia to Holland Bamboo main road in St Elizabeth Sunday for emergency culvert replacement, with detours in place. Justice System: A university student accused of sexually assaulting his teenage cousin was freed after a no-case submission was upheld.

Disaster Preparedness & Climate Financing: ODPEM says Jamaica’s disaster risk management system is “strong, coordinated and response capable,” pointing to lessons from Beryl and Melissa, while Minister Matthew Samuda warns climate finance is still not enough to fully fund the National Adaptation Plan. Tourism Policy: Edmund Bartlett pushes “Tourism 3.0,” arguing tourism must shift from arrivals and hotel occupancy to a national development platform that brings in small entrepreneurs and community players. CARICOM Membership Process: Bermuda’s public consultation on the Green Paper on full CARICOM membership closes May 31, with feedback feeding into a White Paper and a regional decision path. Land, Housing & Standards: Robert Montague stresses engineering excellence and enforcement of the National Building Code as Jamaica expands housing and prepares for climate impacts. Real Estate Compliance: RETI and CCIM partner to raise professional standards and reduce informal practices in Jamaica’s real estate sector. Hurricane Recovery Logistics: PM Holness says JDF and ODPEM will be restocked with hurricane-recovery building supplies, targeting another 500 roofs. Sports & Culture: Unity Cup football builds to the final as Jamaica and Nigeria set for Charlton Athletic, while Kingston’s diaspora culture continues to trend with major Caribbean music events.

NaRRA & Police Accountability: Opposition and civil society are pressing the government on NaRRA’s new CEO appointment and on transparency around Jamaica Constabulary Force body-worn cameras, with Jamaicans for Justice again calling for the force’s internal camera policy to be made public. Disaster Preparedness & Climate: Meteorological officials and the National Disaster Risk Management Council are urging no complacency despite a forecast of below-normal hurricane activity, while the government also moves to strengthen disaster risk financing with a planned Blue Green Fund. Payments & Social Protection: The Labour Ministry says a new digital platform (GovPay) will enable direct deposits for Phase 2 of the ROOFS shelter programme, aiming to fix earlier beneficiary processing challenges. Infrastructure & Roads: Government is advancing plans for a One Road Authority, backed by a World Bank grant and local allocations, to modernise road management. Public Safety Incident: Beryllium confirms one contractor died after an explosion and fire at a Kingston garage adjacent to its compound; two injured men were airlifted to the US for burn treatment. Economy & Housing: Realtors report a sustained Jamaica real estate boom driven by Kingston/St Andrew and corridor demand, with diaspora buyers increasingly active. Sports: Jordan Scott set a meet record at JBL Jump Fest; Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz face Nigeria in the Unity Cup final after beating India 2-0.

NaRRA Gets Leadership and Oversight Set: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Jamaica Reconstruction and Resilience Oversight Committee (JAMRROC) will soon be announced, with NaRRA operations starting June 1 and Ambassador Antony Anderson appointed CEO; Cabinet is also finalising an initial project shortlist. Disaster Readiness Push: Holness urged Jamaicans to prune trees, clear drains and prepare early as the hurricane season nears, pointing to lessons from Hurricane Melissa and warning preparedness can’t be “ceremonial.” Hurricane Donations Accountability: On Labour Day, Holness said part of $1.4b in recovery donations will restock JDF and ODPEM with building materials to support more roofs, while defending government spending decisions after the auditor general’s findings. Solidarity Programme Funding Concern: Labour Ministry officials told a parliamentary committee that about 77% of the $1b Solidarity Programme allocation was returned for debt reduction, raising questions about how remaining funds will be handled. Police Body-Worn Cameras Debate: Former Police Commissioner Hardley Lewin renewed calls for mandatory body cameras, arguing delays leave INDECOM with little to challenge police accounts after fatal shootings. Digital Payments Gap: A MasterCard study says only 8% of small merchants use POS systems, despite strong consumer demand for digital payments. Ghana-Jamaica Health Link: Ghana and Jamaica signed a labour exchange framework for Ghanaian health professionals to deploy to Jamaica in June, with cooperation also expanding through a new health agreement. Cricket West Indies Schedule: CWI confirmed West Indies’ 2026 home season vs Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan, with Sabina Park hosting key matches and Barbados added as co-host for the NZ ODIs.