AGP Executive Report
Last update: 9 hours agoJamaica Macro: STATIN data shows the economy contracted 4.1% in Q1 2026, with goods output down 7.3% (agriculture -18.3%, mining -23.5%) and services down 3% (accommodation/food -16.6%); finance and insurance was the only services bright spot (+2.9%). Jobs & Recovery: Unemployment edged up to 3.7% as employment fell 25,700 and the labour force shrank, with Hurricane Melissa still weighing on labour participation. Tourism Governance: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica will modernize oversight by creating a new Tourism Authority and replacing outdated laws to support the Tourism 3.0 agenda. Business & Trade: Small businesses are being urged to use Jamaica’s insolvency regime as a recovery tool, with early action key to reorganisation. Tax & US Risk: A proposed digital services tax could face a US tariff threat if Donald Trump follows through on a 100% levy tied to such measures. Labour Rights/Equity: CARICOM will convene to address discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians, including plans for a regional committee. Local Economy Hits: A Falmouth blaze destroyed a clothing and fabric outlet just as back-to-school shopping ramps up. Markets: The US dollar closed at $158.51. Food Retail Expansion: KFC is set to open near Mary Brown’s Corner in 2027.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.
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