AGP Executive Report

Food Prices & Drought: Jamaica’s drought is pushing market prices higher, with vendors reporting shortages and steep increases for Irish potatoes ($350/lb), sweet potatoes ($250), pumpkins ($300), lettuce ($1,000) and sweet peppers ($600), while carrots ($400) and onions ($250) also rise as water-dependent crops struggle. Tourism & Capacity: Jamaica’s tourism recovery is gaining momentum, with 2.34 million visitors and about $2.5 billion in earnings through Aug. 31, but hotel availability remains the constraint—about 70% of room inventory is currently in service after Hurricane Melissa. Capital Markets: The JSE suspended trading in Medical Disposables & Supplies (MDS) after delays in filing audited financials, citing an IT disruption that affected accounting records. Housing Recovery: Government has signed contracts to build semi-permanent homes for Hurricane Melissa-affected families, with 268 units planned for Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth under a $1.05b first phase. Back-to-School Support: JPS says it invested about $22m via the JPS Foundation to provide vouchers, supplies, uniforms and grants for schools and communities ahead of the new academic year.

Remittances & trade expansion: JN Money Services has partnered with Africa-based fintech WapiPay to expand money transfers and trade payments across the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, following Bank of Jamaica approval. Export compliance push: The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association is urging MSME exporters to go beyond certification and fully understand and follow the regulations of each target market to keep access and grow sustainably. Public finance & debt management: The Government of Jamaica is raising US$1B via an unsecured international bond to support liability management, including a tender/exchange for existing global bonds. Bond buyback: GOJ is also offering investors premiums to buy back US$2.33B in bonds (2028, 2036 and 2039), tied to a concurrent new issuance. Capital markets disruption: Medical Disposables & Supplies (MDS) has been suspended from trading on the JSE after missing audited filing deadlines. Craft sector protection: The National Craft Council is calling for stronger protection against imported imitations of Jamaican craft symbols, alongside the $53.5M rehabilitation of the Old Fort Craft Market in Montego Bay. Water crisis response: Government has allocated $500M for drought relief ahead of school reopening, including $150M for water trucks to schools and health centres. Tourism & hospitality investment: H10 Hotels is rebranding its Trelawny property as an adults-only luxury resort, “Ocean Allure Eden Bay,” effective Nov. 1. Corporate results: Purity (Consolidated Bakeries) says it will take production offline over the next 18 months for a plant overhaul, with costs hitting results before benefits arrive.

AI Governance: Jamaica’s Science Minister Andrew Wheatley is urging CARICOM to push a unified approach to Artificial Intelligence rules, arguing the region must shape regulations that affect economies and public services. Parliament in the Digital Age: Nevis is taking part in the CPA conference in Jamaica, with its Assembly President Michelle Slack-Clarke presenting on keeping parliamentary decorum as legislatures go digital, while youth parliamentarians meet virtually on AI leadership. Tax Tech Update: Tax Administration Jamaica says its RAiS eServices and Jamaica Tax Portal services (property tax, traffic tickets, fitness fees) will be down Friday Sept 4 from 7:00–10:00 pm for a scheduled upgrade. Sports & Giving: Flow will donate TT$200 for every Trinbago Knight Riders six in CPL 2026 to the National Centre for Persons with Disabilities, with Jamaica’s Flow Foundation also pledging support for back-to-school initiatives. Tourism & Culture: Island Village in Ocho Rios will host the inaugural Jamaica Fashion Week Nov 19–22, 2026, aiming to spotlight local designers and grow the fashion platform. Public Health: Stevie Face and Help Jamaica Medical Mission stage the third annual St Thomas Health Fair Sept 5 with screenings, free eyeglasses, HIV/STI tests and medications. Casino Framework: Jamaica’s Casino Gaming Commission says the first licensed operator is expected to start by March 2027 under strict anti-crime and responsible gambling safeguards.

Tourism & Housing: Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett says the push to build about 4,000 houses for tourism workers is on track, with safeguards to ensure only bona-fide employees benefit, and talks underway on longer-term mortgage financing. Parliament & Governance: Bartlett also urged regional legislatures to become trusted, fact-based institutions in the digital age, while House Speaker Juliet Holness stressed protecting democratic values as parliaments modernise. Drought Response: Government approved an extra $500m for Jamaica’s worsening drought and extreme heat—water trucks for schools and critical facilities, constituency support via MPs, and municipal assistance ahead of reopening. Economy & Finance: Opposition finance spokesman Julian Robinson criticised the government for not drawing down available international funding, warning it could mean falling tax revenues and more borrowing. Business & Markets: JSE suspended trading in shares of Medical Disposables and Supplies, while other market items included NCB’s bond offer overshooting target and Digicel appointing a new group chief business officer. Health & Social Impact: Supreme Ventures Foundation donated $2.1m to Chain of Hope Jamaica to help cover paediatric cardiac surgery costs; JASL launched a “Know Your Rights” app to tackle HIV discrimination. Community & Security: Protest erupted in St Catherine’s Harkers Hall after the killing of a Spanish Town Hospital worker, with INDECOM investigating.

Parliament & Democracy (Digital): Speaker Juliet Holness and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett pushed for stronger, resilient digital parliaments, warning that democracy must stay “human-centred” and never shut down during crises. Jamaica’s Business & Finance (Markets): The Jamaica Stock Exchange suspended trading in Medical Disposables and Supplies after it missed audited financial filings, citing an I-T disruption and expecting completion by end-November. Charities Go Digital: Jamaica’s JSWIFT platform now lets charitable organisations register and renew status online, aiming to simplify access for groups in Jamaica and the diaspora ahead of FATF scrutiny. Education & Inclusion: USF Connect-a-Child awarded tablets to 630 PEP students, targeting low-income learners and boosting participation in a more digital society. Regional Economy & Governance: Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said parliaments can strengthen regional cooperation by linking international policy to everyday public concerns. Tourism & Sports Diplomacy: Jamaica signed a training camp agreement with Japan’s Tottori Prefecture for 2027 World Athletics preparations, extending a partnership dating back to 2007. Airfare Politics: Senator Marlon Morgan accused the Opposition of misleading Jamaicans over rising airfare, arguing government has limited leverage over privately owned airlines. Local Talent & Youth Tech: LASCO-backed Creative Design Camp scholarship helped a 12-year-old build a skincare app, turning digital creativity into a product she can sell.

NCB Financial Group: Guardian Holdings Ltd director Dominic Rampersad will chair GHL from Oct 1, as Robert Almeida exits boards on Sept 30 and Julian Mair is set to become NCBFG Group CEO on Nov 17. Capital Markets: NCB Capital Markets closed an NCBFG bond offer that drew $11.06b in subscriptions, topping a $6.80b target by about 62.5%, with proceeds for debt refinancing. Telecoms & Economy: OUR data show Jamaica now has more internet subscriptions than people after mobile broadband surged to 104.35% penetration in Q4 2025, while fixed voice and revenue fell sharply. Tourism Tax Debate: JHTA has commissioned PwC to assess the proposed GCT hike for tourism from 10% to 15% effective April 2027, aiming to ground the discussion in independent analysis. Water Crunch: Drought and NWC restrictions are raising operating costs for Corporate Area water-dependent businesses, with some passing added costs to customers. Finance & Markets: JSE suspended trading in Medical Disposables & Supplies Ltd shares after it missed audited financial submissions. Public Sector & Governance: Parliament’s website relaunch was pushed back to next month, while PM Holness urged Commonwealth parliaments to defend democracy against tech-driven misinformation. Education & Youth: JMDA warned junior doctors are growing frustrated over delayed IDT overtime judgment; meanwhile Knockalva Polytechnic College is offering a free Sixth-Form Pathways Programme.

Charity Digital Push: Charitable organisations can now register and renew their status online via JSWIFT, a move meant to modernise services and tighten oversight ahead of FATF review. Tourism Jobs & Recovery: Royalton Negril has reopened after Hurricane Melissa restoration, bringing 960 workers back and adding 573 rooms to the sector’s inventory, with more Royalton properties set to return next month. Banking Modernisation: Bank of Jamaica begins the phased withdrawal of cheques—J$1m+ cheques (including manager’s cheques) won’t be accepted in the clearing system from Sept. 1. Trade & Culture Links: Jamaica signed an OAS MOU with the National Gallery of Jamaica to expand exhibitions, artist exchanges, training and youth engagement across the Americas. Security & Integrity: PICA graduated 29 new immigration officers as it expands its complement to 237, stressing integrity and fair application of laws. Environment & Marine Life: NEPA starts coral spawning observation dives as reef health is flagged as having declined to critical, with restoration and reproduction plans for resilient colonies. Diaspora Talent: GraceKennedy is inviting diaspora university students to its 2027 Birthright Programme—an all-expenses-paid six-week internship and cultural experience. Public Alerts: Jamaica Customs Agency warns the public about scammers posing as customs officers and urges payment only through authorised channels.

Banking & Payments: Jamaica begins a phased withdrawal of cheques today, with J$1M+ cheques (including manager’s cheques) no longer accepted in the national clearing system, while foreign-currency cheques are unaffected. Financial Services Leadership: National Commercial Bank Jamaica appoints Sheree Martin as CEO effective Sept 1, making her the first woman to lead NCBJ. Tourism Recovery: Royalton Negril reopens Aug 25, bringing back 960 workers and 573 rooms, with Royalton Blue Waters and Hideaway Blue Waters set to restart Sept 15. Regulation & Integrity: Casino Gaming Commission outlines guardrails for Jamaica’s first licensed casino operator, including KYC, anti-money laundering controls, surveillance, and cooperation with MOCA and FID. Trade & Development Finance: Afreximbank appoints Kudakwashe Matereke to lead Anglophone West Africa operations, aiming to deepen intra-African trade and client coverage. Customs Scam Alert: Jamaica Customs Agency warns the public about scammers posing as customs officers and urges use of authorised payment channels only. Agriculture & Food Security: Prolonged drought cuts Jamaica’s food production by 15%, with vegetables hardest hit; government is pushing “plant more with less” via hydroponics and aquaponics. Energy Disruption: Parts of Portmore are without electricity after a vehicle crash pulled down wires; repairs expected to complete by 5:00 pm today. Sports & Training: Jamaica signs a 2027 World Athletics Championships training camp agreement with Japan’s Tottori Prefecture. Forex: US$ ended at $159.02 to one US dollar.

Charity Digital Push: Jamaica’s Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies will launch online registration and renewals for charitable organisations on JSWIFT from Sept. 1, letting groups apply and receive certificates remotely—especially helpful for diaspora members. Health Research Funding: The Ministry of Health and Wellness awarded $48 million to five researchers under the Research for Wellness Fund to support applied studies aimed at practical solutions for Jamaica’s health challenges. Maritime Growth Plan: The Caymanas Special Economic Zone is expected to lift maritime activity, with the Maritime Authority of Jamaica saying it’s preparing a stronger, more efficient regulatory framework to match international standards. Tourism & Roads: A $42.7 million TEF upgrade rehabilitated the Robin’s Bay to Strawberry Fields road in St. Mary, improving access for residents and visitors as government expands tourism eastward. Insurance Rebrand: Advantage General Insurance Jamaica has rebranded as Sagicor General Insurance Jamaica, aligning with the wider Sagicor Group for growth and service improvements. Business & Finance: Digicel appointed Salvador “Salva” Hierrezuelo as group chief business officer effective Sept. 1, bringing 20+ years of telecom and B2B leadership. Consumer Watch: The Consumer Affairs Commission reminded shoppers to keep receipts (even photo them) and use proper complaint channels if products are defective or misrepresented.

CPL & Business of Sport: Jamaica Kingsmen beat Trinbago Knight Riders by seven runs on the DLS method after rain cut play at the Queen’s Park Oval, with TKR making 180/6 and the Kingsmen reaching 127/3 in 14.4 overs; the result keeps playoff pressure high. Jobs & Competitiveness: The Global Services Association says Jamaica has lost 20,000 jobs and about US$180m in foreign exchange over two years, blaming competitiveness and urging a push into customer service, healthcare and technical services—plus tougher action on scamming and cyber fraud. Trade & Investment Links: Trinidad and Tobago’s High Commissioner says the two CARICOM states should move past old trade frictions and expand trade missions, noting Jamaica’s market reach into T&T rose 170% from 2019 to 2025. Education Accountability: CXC exam absenteeism is raising public-finance concerns, with 10,481 students not showing up for May/June 2026 sittings, including missed math and English papers. Tourism Resilience: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett named co-chair of World Economic Forum Tourism Day 2026, spotlighting risk intelligence and people-focused resilience. Public Assets & Informal Settlements: UDC urges Jamaicans to protect public spaces; PM Holness outlines a response to Cooper’s Pen evictions that rejects squatting but aims for lawful transition to property ownership.

Public Assets Protection: UDC is urging Jamaicans to help safeguard public spaces like Dunn’s River, warning that garbage disposal and damaged infrastructure (including lighting at Harmony Beach Park) are ongoing issues. Science & Innovation Funding: The OPM has extended applications for the 2026 Prime Minister’s National Medal for Science and Technology and National Innovation Awards to Sept. 14, with universities, research bodies and industry groups eligible to nominate. Tourism Resilience on Global Stage: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett named co-chair of World Economic Forum Tourism Day 2026, spotlighting resilience, real-time risk intelligence and people-focused investment. STEM Skills for Youth: UTech’s STEM Summer Camp trained about 100 students in AI, robotics and engineering, with practical sessions and a JDF Coast Guard field trip. Informal Settlements Policy Shift: PM Holness says Cooper’s Pen must be handled as a “watershed” case—squatting is wrong, but residents shouldn’t be abandoned, with a fair path to legal property ownership. Innovation Support for Awardees: SRC and DBJ partner with OPM to move award winners toward commercialization via technical help, financing and market testing. Climate & Food Risk: El Niño is expected to intensify extreme heat, disrupting planting, livestock and harvests—raising pressure on adaptation and heat-tolerant farming.

Tourism Recovery: Royalton Negril reopened Aug. 25, bringing 960 employees back and restoring 573 rooms as Jamaica pushes to recover from Hurricane Melissa. Port Infrastructure: The Port Authority of Jamaica opened tenders for engineering design studies for a mixed-use port at Yallahs, St Thomas, and a marina at Lucea, Hanover—submissions close Sept. 9. Business & Property: ALTRUHOMES’ Wick Hall Estate is using a digital platform to streamline property selection, financing, documentation and signing. Education Accountability: More than 10,000 students missed CXC exams, raising concerns about wasted public funds. Energy & Cost Pressure: JPS is disputing a fridge damage claim, blaming a bird strike. Housing Recovery: Senior citizens in Spring Mount, St James say ROOFS support is slow, while other families still struggle to rebuild after Melissa. Drought Watch: JUGC urges prayer and responsible action as water restrictions bite across seven parishes. Sports & Economy Mood: Trinbago Knight Riders retired Dwayne Bravo’s No. 47 jersey; Sunil Narine says he has no plans to return to West Indies internationals.

Constituency Funding: St Andrew South West MP Dr Angela Brown Burke is pushing for a 50% jump in the Constituency Development Fund, saying current allocations can’t keep up with rising back-to-school costs and broader community needs. Diaspora Housing Investment: Blue Mahoe Capital says it’s building a regulated investment route to turn diaspora money into direct housing development in Jamaica, aiming to pool capital through a real-estate-linked structure. Health Sector Boost: The Health Ministry awarded 141 scholarships for health-related studies and also announced a $50m research grant push to strengthen Jamaica’s healthcare workforce and research pipeline. Roads for Tourism & Communities: A $42.7m road rehabilitation in St Mary is set to improve access for residents and visitors as Government expands tourism beyond core resort areas. Disaster & Environment: Churches are urging prayer, water conservation, and support for vulnerable groups as drought bites, while Jamaica’s first Urban Forest Run drew 750+ participants to back forest restoration. Fire & Business Impact: Firefighters contained a major Hagley Park Road blaze at Superior Parts Limited, with the cause still under investigation, highlighting risks for commercial hubs. Crime Update: A St Catherine man, “Rat Poison,” has been charged with murder and related offences after a businessman was shot dead in Central Village.

CPL & Sports Economy: Jamaica Kingsmen notched a third CPL win and a second over St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, edging them by 11 runs at Warner Park—another boost for local cricket momentum. Public Finance & Wages: Finance Minister Fayval Williams backs reimposing a public-sector wage cap, citing compensation at about 13.5% of GDP and revenues running below forecast, as the economy feels hurricane fallout. Central Bank Pressure: Bank of Jamaica losses climbed to $7.3b (Jan 1–Aug 12), making a BOJ profit payout to government this fiscal year unlikely. Food Prices & Drought: Shoppers at Coronation Market report higher prices as drought hits supply—sweet peppers, lettuce, tomatoes and bananas among the costlier items. Water Supply Costs: NWC plans higher capital spending as drought strains water systems, with extra funding for upgrades plus water trucking and storage tanks. Security & Evictions: PM Holness says policy guidance will be developed for security forces supporting court-ordered demolitions, after backlash over Coopers Pen. Business & Jobs Shock: Superior Auto Parts fire response continues; the company says it’s cooperating with investigators as the blaze gutted the facility and affected at least 105 jobs. Tourism Infrastructure: Government opened a $42.7m St Mary road upgrade under the Tourism Enhancement Fund to extend tourism access beyond Ocho Rios. Health Research Push: $50m in healthcare research grants will fund projects on cancer, sickle cell and environmental health risks. Community & Learning: Urban Forest Run drew 750+ participants for forest restoration; Jamaica Library Service reading awards saw Portland and Trelawny lead as entries topped 7,000. Media Loss: Veteran broadcaster Dervan Malcolm has died, prompting tributes from across Jamaica’s media, political and business circles.

JBDC Leadership: Jamaica Business Development Corporation appoints Daenia Ashpole as CEO effective Sept. 1, bringing trade, policy and MSME support experience. Public-Sector Pay: Government and JCTU sign a three-year public-sector wage agreement (Apr 1, 2025–Mar 31, 2028) including a $80,000 tax-free grant and 5% salary increases in 2026/27 and 2027/28. MSME Financing: EXIM MSME Facility approved financing for 28 enterprises in 2025, disbursing about $630.9M, with demand described as oversubscribed. Water Security: Government advances a long-term plan to connect Jamaica’s water systems, with the Western Resilience Water Programme investing US$170M in transmission and distribution works. Energy Update: Petrojam fire at Marcus Garvey Drive is extinguished; no injuries and no impact on fuel supplies reported, with some units shut as a precaution. Transport & Roads: New detour road opens off Montego Bay bypass; Spring Mount corridor sees temporary works to restore access after erosion and landslides. Business District Renewal: New Kingston Business District Renewal Initiative moves into implementation, targeting homelessness support, safety, sanitation and beautification. Consumer Safety: Police advise vehicle buyers and sellers to use safe, neutral locations like police stations for checks and title verification. Tourism/Trade Signals: World Meteorological Organization-backed CAP workshop in New Kingston focuses on disaster early warning capacity to protect lives and economic activity.

Public Sector Pay Talks: Finance Minister Fayval Williams says the government made a “very good offer” to teachers and is now awaiting the Jamaica Teachers’ Association’s next move, as the JCTU wage agreement was signed for April 1, 2025 to April 1, 2028. MSME Lending Boost: JMMB Bank increased lending to micro, small and medium-sized businesses in the June quarter, with loans and advances rising to $246 billion. Buy Jamaican Push Slows: The Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association says the Buy Jamaican campaign is off to a slow start, citing funding gaps for public education. Tourism & Hospitality Investment: Nations Choice is investing about $1 billion in cold storage to expand hotel supply and begin exporting from Jamaica, while Marriott’s refreshed Grand Lido Negril reopens as a smaller, adults-only all-inclusive. Local Business Disruption: A major fire destroyed Superior Auto Parts on Hagley Park Road, leaving over 100 people jobless and straining response efforts amid drought conditions. Crime & Security: MOCA-led searches target high-ranking police and soldiers in an expanding cocaine probe, following an earlier discovery at a former C-TOC storage facility. Road Safety Planning: A multi-stakeholder national road safety meeting was convened to accelerate progress toward halving road deaths by 2030. Community & Education Support: JN Money’s Support Their Start campaign delivered back-to-school help to families in Montego Bay, and Supreme Ventures Foundation’s back-to-school dental clinic supported 120 children in state care.