Monetary Policy & Markets: Bank of Jamaica raised its policy rate to 6% to curb inflation, with an investment adviser saying higher yields should pull more money into fixed-income and bond markets. Banking & Payments: Lawyers have filed a Supreme Court motion challenging BOJ’s plan to phase out paper cheques, starting with limits on cheques of $1m+ from Sept. 1. Fiscal Pressure: Jamaica’s sugar-sweetened drinks tax fell short of budgeted collections, with the Independent Fiscal Commission saying the Government’s explanation for the large SCT gap was not enough. Healthcare Labour: The Jamaica Medical Doctors Association warned of possible healthcare disruption if the Industrial Disputes Tribunal doesn’t rule by Oct. 2 in a $31b overtime dispute. Tourism & Tech: Tourism Awareness Week puts AI and digital transformation at the centre of Jamaica’s Tourism 3.0 push. Agriculture & Food Security: CARICOM agriculture ministers and the IDB urged a systems approach—better logistics, financing and climate-resilient investment—to cut the region’s food import bill. Disaster Finance: CCRIF said parametric insurance is key for fast liquidity after disasters, citing recent payouts after Hurricane Melissa. Local Economy & Jobs: Dinthill Technical plans a US$1.4m commercial farming push to generate millions in returns for students and the school’s breakfast programme. Business Support: AFJ says it raised US$12m and deployed US$7.2m for education, health, economic development and disaster recovery ahead of its Oct. 16 Hummingbird Gala in New York. Governance & Infrastructure: A road-repair “blame game” continues between Works Minister Robert Morgan and PNP councillors over parochial road funding and management.