AGP Executive Report

Coopers Pen Relocation Plan: PM Andrew Holness says he’s targeting a December start for relocating about 99 eligible residents after the Aug. 11 demolition, calling it a “humanitarian tragedy” while stressing he can’t keep people on privately owned land. Security Forces Policy: Holness also promised new policy guidance for how police and other security personnel should behave when supporting court-ordered evictions, after residents complained about rights being abused. Public Sector Wage Debate: Finance Minister Fayval Williams backs reimposing a wage cap, noting compensation is running at about 13.5% of GDP and revenues are $18.8b below forecast amid recession pressures from hurricanes Beryl and Melissa. BOJ Losses: Bank of Jamaica losses are deepening (reported $7.3b Jan 1–Aug 12), making a profit distribution to government unlikely this fiscal year. Transport Update: Jamaica’s demerit point system rollout is delayed to Oct. 1, 2026, pending a full revision and education programme. Drought & Food Prices: Shoppers at Coronation Market report sharp increases tied to drought, with items like lettuce, peppers and tomatoes costing far more. Hagley Park Road Fire: Hagley Park Road in St Andrew is partially open again after a Superior Parts dealership fire; the company says it’s cooperating with investigators. Sports & Culture: Jamaica’s CPL campaign gets a boost from Kingsmen’s win over St Kitts, while Asafa Powell pushes gender equity at the Pan Am Sports forum; and the media community mourns broadcaster Dervan Malcolm.

Haiti Crisis: A UN official told the Security Council nearly 200,000 people were forcibly returned to Haiti in the first eight months of 2026, after a deadly gang attack near Port-au-Prince and warnings that illegal arms flows are worsening the conflict. Land & Housing: Prime Minister Andrew Holness visited Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny, telling residents he has “no power to keep you here” after demolitions left families homeless, while Opposition figures push for legal protections and lasting shelter solutions. Public Safety & Crime: The Jamaica Constabulary Force destroyed millions of dollars in counterfeit goods seized in joint anti-illicit trade operations, saying fake products can fuel gangs and pose health risks. Energy & Emergency Response: Petrojam reported a fire at its refinery was extinguished with no injuries and no impact on fuel supplies, though some units stayed shut while assessments continue. Road Safety Push: Holness mandated a multi-stakeholder national road safety planning meeting aimed at cutting road deaths in half by 2030. Local Governance: New Kingston’s renewal initiative is moving into implementation, targeting homelessness, safety, sanitation and the business environment. Labour Watch: Doctors are awaiting a tribunal ruling on a long-running overtime pay dispute with Government. Environment: NEPA and partners advanced a US$4.52m project to conserve Jamaica’s endangered plants and restore key ecosystems. Sports: Jamaica Kingsmen’s Saim Ayub powered a CPL win over St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, while the Patriots remain stuck near the bottom.

CPL & Community Support: Jamaica Kingsmen beat St Kitts and Nevis Patriots by 11 runs at Warner Park, powered by Saim Ayub’s 102 off 58 and a key bowling spell, while Flow’s “Every Six Gives Back” keeps turning CPL moments into school, cricket and health support across the region. Public Sector Wages: Finance Minister Fayval Williams says the government made a “very good offer” to teachers and is now waiting on the Jamaica Teachers’ Association after the JCTU signed a new public-sector wage agreement. Education Access: A Ministry of Education directive says students should not be locked out for uniform or grooming breaches as the new term approaches. Drought Enforcement: Jamaica Environment Trust is pushing for tougher penalties for breaking water prohibition orders as car washing with piped water continues despite restrictions. Law & Order: MOCA is widening a cocaine probe into whether quantities were under-reported after cocaine was found in a police storage facility, with searches hitting senior officers’ homes. Local Economy: Opposition MP Isat Buchanan wants children caught with firearms referred to the Child Diversion Programme, while a major fire at Superior Parts in St Andrew has left families and workers calling for support. Business & Tourism: Nations Choice backs a roughly $1-billion cold-storage push to expand hospitality supply and exports, and May Pen welcomed the Global University of Medical Sciences as a boost to local investment.

Drought & Water Security: Jamaica’s government is intensifying drought response, including more water trucking as rainfall stays below average and Hermitage Dam drops to about 31%—with priority for hospitals, schools and vulnerable communities, and requests urged in advance. PNP Critique: The PNP says the Holness administration failed to prepare early, pointing to underinvestment in the water sector and non-revenue water losses. Road Safety Push: PM Holness directed a first multi-stakeholder National Road Safety Planning Meeting to cut fatalities toward the 2030 goal of halving road deaths. Police Integrity Probe: MOCA is searching properties linked to senior cops tied to the disbanded C-TOC as part of a widening cocaine investigation. Community Policing: Ellerslie Gardens residents in Spanish Town were commended for maintaining peace as police strengthen relationships ahead of crime. Education Support: The Ministry of Education is moving to address boys’ underperformance, while ECC is prioritising Zero to Three and Brain Builder Centres for 2026/27. Local Disruptions: Hagley Park Road in St Andrew is closed after a fire engulfed Superior Parts/Superior Honda Parts dealerships. Economy & Costs: Petrojam fuel prices rose again, with E-10 87 and 90 up, and the US dollar ending trading at $159.25. Culture & Events: BZR Weekend in October is projected to draw 50,000+ patrons, with Cardi B headlining. Sports: Jamaica’s table tennis programme gets a boost as international players switch allegiance to represent Jamaica.

Insurance & M&A: General Accident Jamaica says it has received Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago non-objection to its multi-step acquisition of Beacon, targeting completion in Q4 2026. Cannabis Regulation: Bahamas stakeholders say Jamaica-linked cannabis platform testing will begin with a tracking system (METRC) and be pilot-tested before year-end. Water & Drought Response: Water Minister Matthew Samuda warns drought is becoming an economic risk, urging conservation while commissioning the Bunkers Hill Water Supply System and promising water support for schools and farmers. Public Safety & Crime: MOCA searches a senior officer’s home amid a widening cocaine probe tied to under-reporting concerns after cocaine was found in a police storage facility. Parliament & Governance: Speaker Juliet Holness highlights a new Houses of Parliament website aimed at easier access to legislative information. Education: JAPSS calls for water to schools to be reliable, and educators push for a fixed Africa Day date on the school calendar. Business & Jobs: Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. says US immigration changes may open opportunities for Jamaican farm workers under the overseas employment programme. Culture & Events: BZR Weekend 2026 lands at the National Stadium with Cardi B headlining on Oct 18.

Education Policy: The Ministry of Education says it will strengthen TVET in high schools and is moving toward legislative changes to expand HEART/NSTA Trust involvement, aiming for more students to leave with recognised skills certification. School Governance: The Government also plans to reform school board appointments with objective selection standards and fit-and-proper criteria for chairpersons, with the minister reviewing CVs for chairs at struggling schools. Water & Drought Response: Water Minister Matthew Samuda commissioned the Bunkers Hill system and said water trucks will support schools, with a tank programme for early-childhood institutions and farmers so “no school must be closed.” Digital Health & Service Continuity: St Jago Park Health Centre will temporarily close Aug 27–31 to relocate electronic health record and network infrastructure, with urgent cases directed to Spanish Town Hospital. Telecom Disruption: Flow technicians are restoring services after vandalism damaged fibre lines in Stony Hill and Red Hills. Public Safety & Crime: A St Andrew man, Antonio Smith (“Rajay”), was charged with the murder of Tristan Parkes after a dispute escalated into stabbing. Regional Health Cooperation: CAR, DRC, Uganda, Congo and South Sudan agreed to boost cross-border preparedness to stop Bundibugyo Ebola spread. Tech in Healthcare: Government is developing a supporting framework for secure, widespread electronic prescribing and dispensing. Scholarships & Skills: UK government scholarships were awarded to seven Jamaicans, while the JPS & Partners co-op credit union scholarship programme urged recipients to maintain excellence.

Court & Justice: Raheem Sterling, born in Kingston, Jamaica, was charged in the UK with dangerous driving, nitrous oxide possession and failing to provide a specimen after a Lamborghini crash on the M3; he’s due in Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Sept. 15. Health & Education: A Global School-based Health Survey reports Jamaican student obesity rising to 15.3% and overweight to 31.7% (with less activity and low sleep flagged). The JCF Cadet Academy is also pushing a structured discipline-and-mentorship route for boys struggling with truancy. Public Services & Governance: KPREIT has paused the sale of its 591 Spanish Town Road property after last year’s fire, citing renovations and pending insurance claims. Finance & Regulation: The FSC is proposing mandatory recovery plans and annual crisis drills for insurers and securities dealers. Economy & Cost of Living: Businesses expect inflation to stay above the BOJ target, forecasting 6.7% over the next year. Housing & Land: Opposition figures are pressing for solutions after Coopers Pen homes were demolished, tied to a long-running land dispute. Tourism & Policy: Hard Rock says it received Cabinet approval for a Montego Bay integrated resort, but casino operations still need separate regulatory clearance. Sports: The CPL’s return to Sabina Park is drawing crowds and boosting expectations for next year’s international matches.

Government Performance & Coordination: The Cabinet Office says it’s strengthening whole-of-government coordination, execution and performance monitoring as the civil service adjusts after Hurricane Melissa. PNP Party Administration: The PNP confirmed six regional chairpersons for 2026-27, with Region Six decided after a final count and legal guidance. Gender-Based Violence Support: Government completed its third shelter for abused women, adding accommodation plus counselling and skills training to help survivors transition back to independent life. Tourism & Jobs: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett highlighted service quality as the driver of Jamaica’s 42% repeat-visitor rate, while launching the Tourism Service Excellence Awards. Climate & Agriculture: CIMH and UWI Climate Studies Group warn El Niño could intensify heat and drought into 2027, while farmers received climate-resilient agricultural kits under a regional soil-health project. Environment Watch: Jamaica Environment Trust raised concerns about NRCA permits for wetland removal/development in Falmouth, arguing conservation zones are being undermined. Business Costs: MSME Alliance president Antoinette Hamilton urged the BOJ to push banks to cut lending rates faster when policy rates fall. Community Safety: A Neighbourhood Watch was launched in St. John’s Heights, St. Catherine, to boost vigilance and reporting. Sports & Culture: Jamaica U-14 coach Vas(s)ell Reynolds said the team was outplayed in the CFU final loss to Haiti; and Oasis Music Festival returns Aug. 29 with Masicka, Sizzla, Jahshii, Wayne Wonder, Gentleman and Mr. Killa.

US–Jamaica Security Deal: The two governments signed a Status of Forces Agreement to deepen military and security cooperation, aimed at hitting gun, drug and people-trafficking networks. Courts & Tech: Chief Justice Bryan Sykes says AI should support court work by cutting admin burdens and improving access—never replacing judges or court staff. Immigration Fallout: A US federal judge struck down Trump’s nationality-based visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Jamaica, restoring case-by-case reviews. Local Governance & Housing: Opposition Senator Floyd Morris says Ruthven Towers residents still lack property documents years after purchase, pressing NHT and the PM for answers. Public Services: CPFSA says it located a child abused in a viral video and is now safeguarding her and her sibling while investigations continue. Education & Community: Portmore Mayor Leon Thomas funded back-to-school supplies for Gregory Park students; JAPSS warns teaching vacancies are bigger than ads suggest. Health & Diaspora Aid: Right Now For Jamaica and Percy Junor Hospital received over US$400,000 in supplies, topping $60m in total support. Environment: NEPA, JCF and the FLA warn bird hunters of steep penalties as Jamaica’s tightened shooting season begins. Culture & Sports: Celene Hall was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2026; Usain Bolt proposed to Kasi Bennett at his 40th birthday.

US-Jamaica Security Oversight: Opposition National Security spokesperson Fitz Jackson says the government must share full details of the newly signed Jamaica–US Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), including safeguards and a published MOU on third-country nationals, after reports of its execution. Water Crisis in Kingston: Drought has pushed Corporate Area supplies down again, with Hermitage Dam at 31.4% and Mona Reservoir at 48.4%, prompting restrictions and conservation calls. Beach Access Policy: NEPA says the Beach Access and Management Policy is meant to address public access concerns, pointing to a government list of 60 public bathing beaches and urging people to review the policy. Housing Accountability: Professor Floyd Morris says Ruthven Towers residents are still waiting for documents and promised amenities four years after the apartments were sold, calling it a “bad deal” and demanding clarity on titles and strata setup. Business & Finance: SBAJ signed an MoU with the Development Bank of Jamaica to help MSMEs formalise via grants up to $800,000, while the Micro Stock Market has seen no funds raised yet, blamed on limited education and readiness. Regional Security Training: Jamaica is among 17 nations taking part in Fuerzas Comando 2026 in Paraguay, a special operations skills competition backed by U.S. Southern Command. Culture & Community: Miss Universe Jamaica 2026 Celene Hall was crowned, and Jada Kingdom released “Dweet & Done” as dancehall continues to push forward.

US immigration ruling: A federal judge struck down the Trump administration’s blanket suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including some Caribbean states, calling it contrary to law—an immediate win for families waiting on case-by-case decisions. Tourism & diaspora investment: Jamaica Tourist Board has appointed Vance Carter as its first business development liaison for the US diaspora, tasked with building investment links into Jamaica’s tourism sector. Local governance & housing: East New York is set to get a new Liberation Center and community hub tied to a land trust push for community ownership and keeping land out of the private market. Education outcomes: Holy Trinity High’s Grade Seven Academy Reading initiative reports a major jump in grade-eight reading results, with most students improving across diagnostic assessments. Health workforce: The Ministry of Health launched the Dr Barry Wint Memorial Scholarships for 131 recipients, expanding training in key healthcare gaps. Community & safety: A Manchester southern zone youth camp wrapped with practical life skills and anti-scam messaging, including direct engagement with senior law-enforcement officers. Sports: CPL standings shifted after Guyana Amazon Warriors beat Antigua Falcons by seven wickets, while Jamaica’s Minister of Culture backs CPL’s return to rebuild local cricket and grow women’s participation.

US-Jamaica Security Deal: The US and Jamaica signed a Status of Forces Agreement to deepen security cooperation, with officials framing it as a stronger regional partnership against guns, drugs and criminal networks. Immigration Court Fight: A US federal judge struck down a Trump policy suspending immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful,” and the ruling includes Jamaica among affected nations. Local Governance & Health Tech: The Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica is urging government to pass legislation enabling electronic prescribing and dispensing, saying the current system is outdated. Public Safety: St Mary police are seeking a man wanted for the attempted murder of his 51-year-old common-law wife, alleging head injuries and burns after an attack in Forte George. Sports & Culture: Minister Olivia Grange says bringing CPL back to Jamaica can rebuild local cricket and expand women’s opportunities; Jamaica was also dethroned in the CFU U-14 boys final, losing 4-0 to Haiti. Community Support: A diaspora-led non-profit, Right Now For Jamaica, handed Percy Junor Hospital supplies worth about US$400,000, boosting care after Hurricane Melissa.

US Immigration Ruling: A Manhattan federal judge struck down President Trump’s immigrant visa suspension for applicants from 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful,” and the list includes Jamaica and several Caribbean states—though other visa limits remain. Jamaica–US Security: Jamaica and the US signed a Status of Forces Agreement to deepen security cooperation against guns, drugs, and criminal networks. BOJ & Money Tech: The Bank of Jamaica says Jam-Dex transactions have surged to $51.7m in seven months to July as it expands wallet providers and point-of-sale acceptance; separately, the BOJ also outlined growth projections and stability priorities. Real Estate Rules: The Real Estate Board is drafting a new Code of Ethical Conduct to modernise standards last set in 1998, reflecting digital marketing and more complex deals. Justice System: Justice Minister Delroy Chuck signalled support for plea bargaining and mediation to reduce case backlogs, with defence lawyers warning it must be a “real bargain.” Local Governance Pressure: Cooper’s Pen residents in Trelawny protested after demolitions, demanding relocation and help from the Prime Minister. Economy & MSMEs: SBAJ urged the new BOJ governor to urgently convene stakeholders to tackle financial and regulatory hurdles for micro, small and medium-sized businesses.

CPL & Cricket: Matthew Forde’s maiden T20 five-for (4-0-23-5) and Kamil Pooran’s unbeaten 81* powered the Saint Lucia Kings to a six-wicket win over the Jamaica Kingsmen, chasing 170 with 10 balls to spare and moving St Lucia to the top of the table. Sports (Tennis): The Kingston Open ATP Challenger final is set after Valentin Royer beat Clement Chidekh and Pedro Martinez overcame Daniil Glinka; Royer and Martinez meet for the singles title. Local Crime: A 43-year-old St Andrew man, Ruel Myles, was charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his brother with a machete during an altercation. Housing/Community Dispute: Cooper’s Pen residents in Trelawny protested again, demanding government help and relocation after homes were demolished amid a property dispute. Economy/Policy: Bank of Jamaica Governor Dr Brian Langrin projected real GDP growth of 1–3% for 2026/27, with FX stability but pressure from post-hurricane rebuilding costs. Regional/International: Jamaica’s Independence Day reception in New Delhi highlighted expanding ties with India, including defence training and disaster relief cooperation. Governance & Law (US): A US judge struck down Trump’s 75-country immigrant visa suspension, ruling it was “contrary to law” and beyond the State Department’s authority.

US-Jamaica Security: Jamaica and the United States signed a Status of Forces Agreement to deepen cooperation on security, organised crime, drug trafficking and disaster response, setting a clearer legal framework for temporary deployments and joint activities. Banking & Cost of Living: The Bank of Jamaica says a one-stop customer shopping platform to compare bank products and fees is coming soon, while EKYC is slated for a pilot in 2027 before a full national rollout. Small Business Pressure: SBAJ president Garnett Reid urged the new BOJ governor, Dr Brian Langrin, to push banks to cut interest rates as small businesses say they’re paying 15%–18% and can’t cope. Economy & Trade: Opposition and business voices are pointing to a widening trade deficit and weak growth, arguing Jamaica needs faster action to boost local production and exports. Water Woes: Water Minister Matthew Samuda warned more parishes could face prohibition orders as dam levels fall, with Clarendon and Manchester flagged for possible additions. Education After Melissa: Plans to end the shift system are delayed by hurricane repairs, but the ministry says full elimination remains a priority. Justice Modernisation: The judiciary targets an integrated electronic case management system to go live on Oct 1, 2027. Crime & Community: Police defended the Standpipe curfew protocols as residents mourn recent killings. Sports: CPL action dominated the weekend, with Saint Lucia Kings beating Jamaica Kingsmen to move to the top of the table.

US–Jamaica Security Deal: Jamaica and the United States signed a Status of Forces Agreement to govern temporary deployment of personnel for training, joint operations and disaster response, framed as part of the fight against organised crime, drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. Local Governance & Revenue: Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation says it has started a drive to collect over $265m in outstanding trade licence, property tax, signs and billboard payments, with notices issued in Half Way Tree and online payment support. Early Childhood Oversight: The Early Childhood Commission is urging parents to send children only to early-childhood institutions with ECC permits, stressing permits should be visibly displayed and that unpermitted facilities pose health and safety risks. Consumer Protection: Consumer Affairs Commission advises shoppers to check back-to-school items carefully and notes “no refunds/no exchange” signs don’t override rights under the Consumer Protection Act for defective or substandard goods. Airport & Port Royal Concerns: Airports Authority of Jamaica rejects claims that the NMIA runway extension is causing seawater ingress in Port Royal, saying seawater issues predate the project and that studies and regulatory reviews found no interference. Science & Innovation Awards: Applications are open for the 2026 Prime Minister’s National Medal for Science, Technology and Innovation and National Innovation Awards under “Science Solves.” Sports (CPL): Jamaica Kingsmen sit on four points after early CPL results, while Keemo Paul’s big all-round showing powered a win over the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, and Saim Ayub is reported to have joined the Kingsmen mid-tournament.