AGP Executive Report

Tourism 3.0 Push: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica will add 20,000 hotel rooms and is in talks that could bring 3–4 million more visitors annually, as the Tourism 3.0 agenda shifts the sector toward more local linkages and jobs. Disaster Readiness: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Government is strengthening ODPEM to evolve into a National Resilience Organisation, while utilities must submit hurricane business continuity plans to the regulator ahead of the 2026 season. Science & Innovation: Dr Andrew Wheatley says Jamaica’s ST&I Strategic Plan 2026–2035 will go to Cabinet soon under the “House of Innovation,” alongside a completed cybersecurity standards framework and a tested cyber incident response plan. Early Childhood STEM: The NEST programme is rolling out play-based science in 500 early childhood institutions nationwide by year-end. Health Workforce: Jamaica and Ghana launch recruitment for specialist doctors and nurses to deploy in Jamaica, with applications open June 1–5. Cricket Calendar: CWI confirms a June 3–Aug 6 home series vs Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan across the region. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA forecasts a below-normal Atlantic season, but warns one storm can still be devastating. Local Transport Pressure: Opposition transport spokesman Mikael Phillips calls for a workable, less politicised system for phased PPV fare increases. Crime Alert: Police in Cypress Hills report a safe theft of about $100,000, with investigators linking the suspect to other break-ins.

Cricket & Sports: West Indies captain Shai Hope says Jamaica’s ODI series vs Sri Lanka will hinge on a strong top order, as the home side looks to keep its unbeaten ODI home run going. Local Cricket: JCA president Dr Donovan Bennett admits ticket sales for the opening ODI at Sabina Park are slow and is urging fans to turn out in the final days. Transport Costs: Jamaica commuters are questioning the timing of the first 8% PPV fare increase, with another 8% due July 1; opposition says the rollout is disrespectful and lacks proper public notice. Energy & Disaster Readiness: OUR has approved US$106.6m in parametric insurance for JPS ahead of the 2026 hurricane season, aimed at faster grid payouts. Innovation & Tech: Science Minister Andrew Wheatley unveiled a “House of Innovation” blueprint to turn research into national development outcomes. Agriculture: Opposition agriculture spokesman Dr Dayton Campbell calls for a permanent agricultural and fisheries disaster recovery fund to help farmers and fisherfolk recover faster after climate shocks. Parenting Support: NPSC says 12,000–14,000 parents train monthly, with psychosocial support in schools, including ZOSOs affected by hurricane damage. International Spotlight: US Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is in Jamaica as Southern Seas 2026 winds down.

Transport Update: Public passenger vehicle (PPV) fares rise in phases: an initial 8% takes effect today, with the remaining 8% coming July 1, as Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says the staggered plan aims to ease the hit on commuters. Broadcasting Watch: Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission has rapped Flow and Digicel for “substandard customer service” after channel and programming changes, citing weak subscriber communication and lack of proper notice. Road Safety: A crash on the Rose Hall main road in St James was reported Tuesday morning, less than a day after a fatal multi-vehicle collision on the same stretch. Tourism & Community: A rehabilitated Fontabelle to Geddes Town Road in St Mary has reopened, funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund, to boost access to heritage and eco-attractions. Business & Jobs: Vibrant Energy says it will invest $1 billion in a new FESCO-branded service station in St James, creating over 100 jobs. Hurricane Season: NOAA says the 2026 Atlantic season may be quieter than average, but officials stress preparedness still matters.

Tourism Recovery: Jamaica’s tourism is bouncing back after Hurricane Melissa, with room capacity now back to over 80% of pre-storm levels, though some Montego Bay hotels won’t reopen until later this year. World Cup Travel Drama: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana reached Mexico but assistant coach Helman Mkhalele remains stuck after a US visa denial, delaying his departure. Aviation Safety: Virgin Atlantic’s VS165, en route to Montego Bay, was diverted to Shannon, Ireland, after an engine issue; passengers were rebooked or refunded. Cricket at Sabina Park: West Indies’ ODI series opener vs Sri Lanka has low ticket sales, but the JCA says preparations are ready after hurricane-related light refocusing. Hurricane Readiness: Utility providers say they’re prepared for the 2026 season, with systems spread across the island to avoid a single-point failure if the Corporate Area is hit. Community & Crime: Salt Spring, St James reports no murders or shootings since the start of 2026, citing sustained police-community work. Business/Health: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics partner to expand access to blood tests for Alzheimer’s assessment across the Caribbean, including Jamaica. Sports Business: Porter Airlines adds new winter nonstop flights to Montego Bay from Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton.

Hurricane Season Kickoff: Atlantic hurricane season begins today, with NOAA forecasting a below-normal year thanks to strengthening El Niño—55% chance of fewer storms, but officials stress preparedness still matters for Jamaica’s life and property. Storm Readiness: FEMA-style guidance highlights reviewing insurance, documenting belongings, and planning for outages and damage before the first warning. Cricket—West Indies vs Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s warm-up on Caribbean soil impressed coach Ryan van Niek­erk, praising intensity and key returns ahead of the ODI series at Sabina Park. World Cup Drama—Bafana Bafana: South Africa’s trip to Mexico was delayed by visa issues, leaving assistant coach Helman Mkhalele behind at first; Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie called it a “debacle,” but the squad is now set to depart after visas were resolved. Food Supply—Scotch Bonnet Shortage: A looming shortage of Scotch bonnet peppers could push up costs across the Caribbean as weather, pests and disease hit Jamaica’s key crop. Youth Health—Vaping Surge: Caribbean policymakers are being urged to move faster as vaping spreads among students, with concerns about nicotine addiction and youth-targeted flavours. Diaspora Service: Seventeen projects are registered for Jamaica Diaspora Day of Service on June 18, focused on healthcare, education and community work in areas hit by Hurricane Melissa. Travel Safety—Virgin Atlantic Diversion: A Virgin Atlantic flight to Jamaica diverted to Ireland after an engine failure mid-Atlantic; passengers reported a loud bang and smoke smell, but no injuries were reported. Sports—Unity Cup: Nigeria retained the Unity Cup by beating Jamaica 3-0, while Jamaica coach Rudolph Speid pointed to youth and squad changes affecting preparation.

World Cup Visa Chaos: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were delayed en route to Mexico after a visa bungle left some players and officials stuck, prompting Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie to call it “embarrassing” and “grossly unfair,” with the team later set to depart Monday once visas were cleared. Caribbean Health & Youth Vaping: PAHO and regional youth advocates are urging stronger action against tobacco and nicotine, warning that vapes are being marketed with “appeal” to young people through flavours and online promotions. Jamaica Police & Community: INDECOM is pushing for a rethink of how body-worn cameras are deployed, while Guanaboa Vale Police ran a Child Month outreach focused on students’ mental health. Agriculture & Resilience: Jamaica says a FAO-backed US$50m agriculture recovery and resilience programme will be fully implemented in September to help farmers and fishers recover from Hurricane Melissa. Tourism & Travel: Air Canada is adding more Jamaica flights for the 2026-27 winter season as Caribbean Week in New York draws tourism ministers, including Jamaica’s. Sports (Local Focus): Cricket West Indies named a 15-man ODI squad for Sri Lanka with Shimron Hetmyer recalled, and Jamaica’s youth and skilled-trades push continues through plumbing outreach. Crime: Two men were found dead at a car mart in St Elizabeth, with police investigating.

Ghana–Jamaica Health Boost: Ghana has signed a bilateral deal to deploy about 400 Ghanaian nurses to Jamaica, a key outcome of the revived Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation after 21 years, with talks also covering defence, tourism and possible teacher exchanges. Ebola Watch: Jamaica’s Health Ministry says the country remains free of Ebola cases, but eight travellers are under mandatory self-quarantine after arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries. World Cup Visa Drama (South Africa): South Africa’s Bafana Bafana have had their World Cup departure delayed after visa problems disrupted travel to Mexico; Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie called it “embarrassing” and says players’ visas are now in hand, with only some officials still awaiting clearance before the charter leaves Monday. Unity Cup Fallout (Nigeria vs Jamaica): Nigeria retained the Unity Cup with a 3-0 win over Jamaica, with Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi scoring twice as the Super Eagles dominated at The Valley in London. US Navy Visit: The Government welcomed the USS Nimitz to Kingston Harbour for a week-long friendship mission, including youth STEM exposure and community initiatives. Local Development: Great Wall Motor will open its first dedicated Jamaica showroom on South Camp Road on Wednesday, June 3. Beach Modernisation Plan: Government is moving ahead with upgrades to public beaches, including Priory’s Fantasy Beach in St Ann, plus Pagee Beach and Success Beach.

Unity Cup Final: Nigeria beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the semi-final with debutant Femi Azeez scoring twice, setting up a Saturday May 30 showdown with Jamaica at The Valley (7:30pm Nigeria time). Squad Update: Samuel Chukwueze is out for compassionate reasons, with Azeez replacing him for friendlies vs Poland and Portugal. Reggae Boyz Boost: Jamaica added Manchester United defender Dante Plunkett as an emergency call-up for the final. Local Governance & Justice: Two fraud cases landed on a Justice of the Peace and a former JP after a police operation at the Mandeville Motor Vehicle Examination Depot; they’re due in court June 3. Public Service: The NIS reminded Jamaicans that workers aged 18-70 must register and contribute for benefits covering illness, injury, retirement and more. History & Research: Jamaica is set to receive £450,000 for transatlantic slavery research under the Lloyd’s Register Foundation PASSAGE programme. Safety & Weather: Officials urge hurricane preparedness now, even with forecasts pointing to a milder season, and warn against complacency.

Education & Digital Access: Flow Foundation will invest $5 million yearly to bring free high-speed Wi-Fi to 100 early childhood institutions, partnering with the Early Childhood Commission to boost early digital literacy. Hurricane Readiness: Jamaica is preparing for the 2026 Atlantic season with a $50-million parametric insurance support package for 5,000 farmers, shifting from post-disaster response to pre-disaster protection. Local Governance & Infrastructure: The government says $30 billion will be spent on Hurricane Melissa recovery this fiscal year under NaRRA, with Major General Anthony Anderson leading from June 1. Business & Finance: Cornerstone Trust, Merchant Bank and JN Fund Managers get approval to rebrand under Barita, positioning Barita Merchant Bank as Jamaica’s first digital bank. Road Updates: NWA will close a section of the Lacovia to Holland Bamboo main road in St Elizabeth Sunday for emergency culvert replacement. Sports & Media Rights: RUSH Sports and TVJ warn they are the only authorised FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasters in Jamaica, targeting unauthorised streaming and side-loaded apps. Justice: The Court of Appeal clears MP Isat Buchanan of misconduct tied to 2020 comments about DPP Paula Llewellyn.

Unity Cup Final (London): Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle says Nigeria is ready to retain the Unity Cup trophy against Jamaica on Saturday, after both teams booked their spots with 2-0 semi-final wins; Nigeria’s win featured debut brace hero Femi Azeez, while Jamaica advanced after beating India. Football & Culture: India’s men’s team was celebrated at India House in London ahead of its Unity Cup clash, while Curaçao’s federation president admitted criticism over a late coaching change affected him personally. Disaster Preparedness: ODPEM says Jamaica’s disaster risk management system remains strong and “learning,” as officials highlight readiness, coordination, and recovery capacity after Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa; Minister Matthew Samuda also stressed that climate financing is still not enough. Hurricane Recovery: PM Holness says Jamaica will restock the JDF and ODPEM with hurricane-recovery donations to support another 500 roofs. Local Governance & Training: RETI and CCIM partner to strengthen compliance and ethics in Jamaica’s real estate industry. Public Safety: Police probe a decomposed body found in St Catherine’s Hartlands. Arts & Identity: Retired actress Pauline Stone Myrie weighs in on the patois debate, arguing it’s “the language of the people of Jamaica.” Business & Telecoms: Flow Jamaica reports Q1 revenue down to US$103.2m as Melissa disruption keeps some subscribers offline. Sports (Jamaica-linked): Popcaan’s Drake collaboration “Amazing Shape” lands on the Billboard Hot 100.

Hurricane Preparedness: Jamaica’s Met Service is urging no complacency even with a forecast for a quieter 2026 Atlantic season, warning El Niño could mean fewer storms but still dangerous rain, flooding and heat. Disaster Risk & Resilience: The Government is also pushing stronger disaster risk financing and risk management ahead of the season. Police Transparency: Jamaicans for Justice is again calling on the JCF to publish its internal body-worn camera policy, arguing transparency and accountability shouldn’t require ATI requests. NaRRA Oversight: Civil society says it will keep monitoring NaRRA’s public engagement and execution transparency as the legislation comes into effect. Banking Modernisation: Outgoing BOJ governor Richard Byles says JAM-DEX adoption is moving too slowly, especially with banks still not retrofitting point-of-sale systems. Social Protection Payments: A new digital platform (GovPay) is set to support direct deposits for Phase 2 of the ROOFS programme. Business & Community: Restaurants of Jamaica mobilised Labour Day support for school improvement projects across western Jamaica and St Catherine. Tragedy in Kingston: Beryllium Limited confirmed one contractor died after a garage explosion and fire on South Camp Road; two victims were airlifted to the US for burn treatment.

Disaster Preparedness: Prime Minister Andrew Holness is urging Jamaicans to step up hurricane readiness ahead of the 2026 season, saying preparedness must start in households and communities and extend to key operators like Flow/Digicel, JPS and NWC after Hurricane Melissa exposed gaps. Reconstruction Oversight: Government will soon name members of the Jamaica Reconstruction and Resilience Oversight Committee (JAMRROC) to supervise NaRRA’s post-disaster work, with NaRRA’s CEO Antony Anderson set to begin June 1 and a shortlist of initial projects to be published shortly. Health Workforce Deal: Ghana and Jamaica have formalised a labour exchange agreement for Ghanaian health professionals, with the first batch expected to leave for Jamaica in June. Cricket Spotlight: Cricket West Indies confirmed the 2026 home season—West Indies host Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan, with Sabina Park set for Sri Lanka white-ball matches and Tests split across Antigua and Barbuda and Trinidad & Tobago. Unity Cup Final Build-up: Jamaica coach Rudolph Speid says his side can beat Nigeria in Saturday’s Unity Cup final after wins over India, while Nigeria also advanced to the decider. Tourism & Travel: Jamaica’s 2026 tourism push is framed around reimagining travel for the season, while Air Canada rolls out free streaming-quality Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members on Caribbean routes. Business & Finance: Butterfield has agreed to acquire CIBC Caribbean’s 91.7% stake in a deal valued around US$1.8 billion, aiming to expand regional banking and wealth services.

Cricket & National Pride: Cricket West Indies has mapped out the 2026 men’s home season, with West Indies set to host Sri Lanka (white-ball at Sabina Park June 3–14; Tests June 25 & July 3 in Antigua), New Zealand (five ODIs July 11–21 split between Guyana and Barbados), and Pakistan (two Tests July 25–29 and Aug 2–6 in Trinidad & Tobago). Unity Cup Football: Jamaica booked the Unity Cup final after beating India 2-0 in London, with Courtney Clarke and Kaheim Dixon scoring; Jamaica now face Nigeria, while India plays Zimbabwe for third place. Public Art Push: Kingston Creative launched three major mural open calls—Saltfish & Soul in downtown Kingston, Montego Bay – Past, Present & Future at Doctors’ Cave, and Nature in Action at Constant Spring Road—covering culinary, environment and heritage themes. Disaster Readiness & Funding: PM Holness says Hurricane Melissa exposed gaps in Jamaica’s disaster preparedness, while Jamaica also secured a US$200m World Bank catastrophe bond to strengthen hurricane recovery financing. Local Business & Safety: Taxi operators protested worsening Gregory Park road conditions; and downtown Kingston’s KFC was rocked by an explosion that left two technicians with burn injuries. Sports Beyond Cricket: Jamaican tennis star Blaise Bicknell is set to compete at the Kingston Open in August 2026, the first ATP Challenger in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Hurricane Resilience: Jamaica secured a new US$200m World Bank catastrophe bond to protect against hurricanes, replacing the prior US$150m cover that paid out after Hurricane Melissa. Police Reform & Safety: PM Andrew Holness ordered the JCF to review protocols for handling injured people and removing the deceased from crime scenes, stressing professionalism and compassion. National Reconstruction Leadership: Holness appointed Ambassador Major General Antony Anderson as CEO of NaRRA, effective June 1, to speed up post-Melissa rebuilding with accountability. Economy Outlook: Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard Byles projected gradual recovery, with GDP growth forecast at 1–3% for 2026/27 and 2027/28. Business & Finance: Barita Financial Group received a licence to operate as a financial holding company, while Mastercard-backed work highlights gaps in digital payments for small merchants. Sports & Unity Cup: Jamaica and India set for Unity Cup semi-final at The Valley in London, with Jamaica aiming to regain momentum. Regional Politics: CARICOM condemned US threats against Cuba, with Jamaica’s opposition also weighing in. Security Incident: Four people were injured in an explosion at Guardsman Group’s facility in St Andrew.

WSL Shock Move: Khadija “Bunny” Shaw has agreed a new four-year deal with Manchester City just hours before her title-celebration announcement, ending talk of a free-transfer exit and making her one of the highest-paid strikers in the world. BOJ Watch: The Bank of Jamaica kept the policy rate at 5.5% and warned inflation could still push above target, while also flagging slow progress on Jam-Dex adoption—though one bank is expected to retrofit POS machines by July. Labour Day in Kingston: Sabina Park got major restoration for National Labour Day, while multiple community projects rolled out across parishes, from school cleanups to upgrades at Kingston Public Hospital and the Denham Town Golden Age Home. Sports & Culture: West Indies batting coach Floyd Reifer says the high-performance camp is running on intensity; and Jamaica is pushing film growth, spotlighting “Love Offside” as a local production that can drive wider economic benefits. Regional/World: Trinidad’s opposition leader is urging police oversight reforms modelled on Jamaica’s INDECOM, and Jamaica has tightened Ebola travel guidance.

Healthcare Partnership: Ghana and Jamaica signed an MoU to boost cross-border recruitment and training of specialist healthcare workers, with Ghanaian staff set for high-demand areas like critical care, oncology, paediatrics and midwifery—aimed at easing Jamaica’s health workforce shortages while protecting professional standards. Labour Day Recovery: Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted Labour Day projects still tied to Hurricane Melissa recovery, including St Elizabeth’s Lewis Town Early Childhood Institution, as he pushed back on criticism over unspent hurricane donations. Finance & Markets: Jamaica plans to raise billions on the local market this week through two benchmark investment note offerings to help fund the $1.44 trillion national budget. Sports & Pride: Jamaican-born mountaineer Rohan Freeman made history again by summiting Everest for a second time, while Unity Cup football in London continues to build momentum ahead of the semi-finals.