AGP Executive Report

CARICOM Rastafari Rights Push: Prime Minister Terrance Drew will chair a new CARICOM committee to tackle discrimination against Rastafarians, with a regional consultation and representation including Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Reparations Drive: Jamaica will petition King Charles III on Sept. 6, asking him to refer reparations questions to the Privy Council over Britain’s legal responsibility for slavery’s lasting impact. National Stadium Upgrades: Olivia Grange says the National Stadium track is now World Athletics Class One certified, while redevelopment plans include a new sports hall and throws area, plus a wider Independence Park revamp. Housing Affordability Warning: MP Julian Robinson warns Vineyard Town residents could be priced out as development accelerates, calling for affordable units alongside infrastructure upgrades. Land Agency Demolitions: West Albion, St Thomas residents report unexpected demolitions by the National Land Agency despite opposition calls for a halt and a rights-respecting process. Crime and Security: Deputy PM Horace Chang reiterates that criminals won’t find safe haven in Jamaica, as regional security cooperation and anti-crime messaging continues.

Crime & Governance: PM Andrew Holness linked delays in the Vineyard Town NHT housing handover to gang violence and warned Jamaicans “we cannot be ambivalent about criminality,” as murders trend down and the country is ranked most peaceful in the Caribbean. Parliament Watch: Opposition MP Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert attacked Nekiesha Burchell as “unruly” after another heated House standoff over the Integrity Commission report. Third-Country Nationals: Constitutional lawyer Dr Lloyd Barnett pressed the Government to answer key questions on the US TCN deal, including where transit cases are going and whether returns could expose people to harm. Housing Policy: New NHT rules take effect July 1, boosting housing solutions for contributors aged 35 and under to at least 20% and allowing eligible young contributors to use up to $2m of their entitlement for deposits. Transport & Cost of Living: A full 16% taxi fare hike and public passenger fare increase take effect, while JUTC changes Sunday operations on the Mandeville–Kingston route. Sports & National Infrastructure: World Athletics has certified the National Stadium track, and Jamaica’s para-sport delegation looks ahead to the Para South American Games in Valledupar. Regional & Rights Agenda: CARICOM will convene to address issues affecting Rastafarians across the region amid ongoing discrimination concerns. Business & Regulation: JSE suspends Kintyre Holdings and Atlantic Hardware & Plumbing for overdue audited financials; BGLC moves toward a Central Monitoring System to tighten gaming-machine oversight. Justice & Security Cases: Indecom testimony continues in a police murder trial, and a Clarendon woman faces money-laundering charges tied to alleged criminal-property holdings.

Gaming Oversight: The Betting Gaming and Lotteries Commission says a Central Monitoring System will modernise Jamaica’s gaming machine regulation, with an RFP to select a provider and tighter governance after incidents involving suspected stolen equipment. Disaster Preparedness: 200 Youth Summer Employment Programme workers will be placed with municipal corporations from July to December to support hurricane-season readiness, alongside NSWMA’s handover of four new water trucks for landfill and town-centre operations. National Security: National Security Minister Horace Chang told Parliament Jamaica is on track for fewer than 600 murders in 2026, citing a 23% drop in homicides year-on-year as of June 29. Cyber Policy: Andrew Wheatley says Jamaica is moving toward a new national cybersecurity law, with a legislative pathway and timeline laid out for Cabinet submissions. Reparations Push: Jamaica will petition King Charles on September 6 to refer slavery-reparations legal questions to the Privy Council. Tourism & Sports: World Athletics has certified the National Stadium track, while Tourism Minister Bartlett backed the JHTA’s new president, O’Brian Heron, as the sector seeks more infrastructure and better coordination. Regional Rights: CARICOM will convene a meeting and committee work on issues affecting Rastafarians across member states. Local Economy: St. Thomas’ SDC Economic Village is set to boost grassroots businesses through direct access to consumers and government services. Public Safety Rumours: Dr. Horace Chang denied reports that third-country nationals are being housed in Grants Town, St. Mary, urging calm as police monitor the area.

CARICOM Rights Agenda: CARICOM will convene a regional meeting to tackle discrimination and marginalisation faced by Rastafarians, with a committee set to include Barbados, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. Reparations Push: Culture Minister Olivia Grange says Jamaica will petition King Charles on September 6 for reparatory justice over the Zong slave ship, asking for legal clarity through the Privy Council. Third-Country Nationals Row: Opposition leader Mark Golding joined protests in Cross Roads, St Mary, demanding the government publish details of a reported US arrangement, while National Security Minister Horace Chang insists no such deal exists. Integrity Commission Court Move: Dr Andrew Wheatley’s bid to challenge the IC is set for July 23, with the IC reportedly undertaking not to charge him until the judicial review is decided. Tourism Overhaul: Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica will replace older tourism laws with a new Tourism Authority and legislation to modernise sector governance. Public Finance & Social Policy: Denise Daley renewed calls for a national femicide registry, while the economy contracted 4.1% in Q1 2026 and insolvency options are being promoted for struggling MSMEs. Disaster Response Upgrade: The Fire Brigade launched a Drone Unit with thermal imaging to strengthen search-and-rescue and firefighting. Local Life: A Falmouth blaze destroyed a long-running clothing and fabric outlet during back-to-school season.

International Development Leadership: Spain’s AECID has named Victoria Tur Gómez as its new director, taking over Aug. 1 after Antón Leis moves to UNHCR. Migration & Reintegration: Jamaica’s National Security and Peace Ministry says it’s working with Labour to help involuntarily returned migrants access jobs, tackling stigma that blocks reintegration. CARICOM Rights Agenda: CARICOM will convene a meeting and form a committee to address discrimination and marginalisation affecting Rastafarians, with Jamaica among the committee members. Road Safety Law Update: Chief Justice Bryan Sykes says demerit points and driver disqualifications will still be applied by courts for offences under the older 1938 Road Traffic Act, even as the new system is set to fully roll out Oct. 1. Public Order & Governance: Protesters at Cross Roads rallied against the Holness administration, including anger over a TCN MOU and calls for MP Andrew Wheatley’s removal from Cabinet. Sports-to-Business Push: A Jamaica sports summit urged turning athletic success into investment, exports and jobs. Education Message: State Minister Rhoda Crawford told valedictorians that graduating high school is a defining milestone for lifelong excellence.

Third-Country Nationals Row: Deputy PM Dr Horace Chang denied reports that TCNs are being housed in Grants Town, St Mary, saying no facility has been identified or operationalised and urging calm as police warn against threats or attacks. Senate Political Fight: PNP senator Lambert Brown’s TCN claims drew pushback from JLP communications chair Abka Fitz-Henley, who said the Government is being “careful and diligent” and not facilitating criminals. Road Safety Policy: Chief Justice Bryan Sykes clarified that Jamaica’s demerit points regime will apply from October 1, 2026, with courts still imposing points and disqualification where required. Monetary Update: Bank of Jamaica kept the policy rate at 5.5%, warning inflation may rise further in the short term. Energy Leadership: Petrojam named Danville Walker as General Manager effective July 1. Agriculture & Crime: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green said domestic produce hit 190,000 tonnes in Q1 2026 despite Hurricane Melissa; meanwhile Jamaica recorded a second straight week of single-digit murders (six homicides). Tourism & Business: Edmund Bartlett congratulated new JHTA president O’Brian Heron; JHTA also highlighted tourism linkages and recovery efforts.

Crime & Public Safety: Jamaica recorded a second straight week of single-digit murders, with six homicides reported between June 21–27, down 23% year-on-year, though St James remains the worst-hit division with 35 murders since the start of the year. Education Accountability: The Ministry of Education condemned Ascot Primary School in Portmore after reports that lower-performing students were denied graduation gowns and treated differently during the ceremony; the principal has apologised. Justice & Community Mediation: Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says he’ll push parish JPs to be trained and certified to provide mediation, aiming to cut domestic killings linked to home and neighbour disputes. Road Safety Enforcement: Chuck also urged judges to impose stiffer fines, including maximum penalties, on motorists using the courts to avoid paying traffic tickets. Disaster Recovery for Fishers: The Agriculture Ministry will expand its Boat and Equipment Retooling Initiative, adding $66M this year for 20 boats and engines, with India contributing another 20 under hurricane recovery support. Health Promotion: Government launched sensitisation for the $500M CARE Fund, inviting local organisations to lead healthier lifestyle efforts at the grassroots. Tourism Policy: Minister Matthew Samuda urged tourism stakeholders to market Jamaica as a nature-positive destination, shifting beyond “sun, sea and sand” toward mountains, rivers and hiking trails. Regional Politics: Jamaica and Guyana signed multiple MOUs covering agriculture, defence/security, finance and climate resilience, deepening strategic cooperation. Third-Country Nationals Debate: PNP senator Lambert Brown faced pushback from JLP communications taskforce member Marlon Morgan over claims about the US third-country nationals arrangement, with the government reiterating no criminals would be accepted. University Integrity: The UWI warned the public about a fraudulent website using its name and collecting personal data without authorization.

Third-Country Nationals Clash in Senate: Government Senator Marlon Morgan hit back at Opposition Senator Lambert Brown over claims that the US third-country national (TCN) deal would allow “criminals” into Jamaica, insisting ministers have repeatedly stated no one with criminal antecedents will be accepted. Integrity Commission in Court: MP Andrew Wheatley has filed for judicial review after the Integrity Commission recommended charges over alleged illicit enrichment, seeking to quash the report and block any prosecution. Education Rights at Graduation: The Fi We Children Foundation condemned reports of “graduation apartheid” at Ascot Primary in Portmore, where some students allegedly were denied caps and gowns based on PEP results, warning of possible constitutional breaches. Police Leadership Move: Barbados announced Acting Deputy Commissioner Sonia Boyce will be appointed Commissioner of Police effective July 3. Earthquake Report: A 4.1 quake shook eastern Jamaica, including the Corporate Area, with no reported damage or injuries. Regional Diplomacy: Jamaica and Guyana signed multiple MoUs covering agriculture, defence and security, finance, housing, technology and climate resilience. Sports & Selection: Demisha Roswell was named to Jamaica’s CAC Games team after a Commonwealth Games omission, with JAAA apologising for the administrative error.

Road Safety & Justice: Justice Minister Delroy Chuck backed Jamaica’s Demerit Point System, saying reckless motorists treat tickets “as confetti,” with licence suspensions set to begin Oct. 1, 2026. Community Peacebuilding: JPs were urged to take a bigger role in mediation and dispute resolution to stop conflicts turning violent. Disaster Preparedness: Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie pushed churches to educate congregations on hurricanes, earthquakes and flooding, using their community reach. Tourism Policy Fight: The JHTA says Jamaica risks losing tourism competitiveness unless government accelerates roads, drainage, water and other resort-town infrastructure, and it’s also pressing PM Holness over a proposed GCT increase on tourism activities. Regional Recovery: Guyana will build 300-plus homes in Jamaica as part of its second-phase Hurricane Melissa support. Governance & Compliance: Charities and non-profits warn a proposed Non-Profit Organisations Act could drive volunteer groups out of existence if new rules are imposed without sector input. Sports & Public Life: A 3.9 quake was felt in parts of Jamaica; and West Indies crushed Sri Lanka in the first Test as Kemar Roach hit 300 Test wickets.

Non-Profit Regulation Fight: Charity leaders warn Jamaica’s proposed Non-Profit Organisations Act could push volunteer-run groups out of business, citing heavy compliance burdens and lack of meaningful sector input—while one group says its registration was back-dated after a long delay. Integrity Commission Court Challenge: Minister Andrew Wheatley has filed for judicial review after the Integrity Commission recommended multiple charges, as Prime Minister Holness also seeks court action over the IC’s handling of his statutory declarations. Kingston Local Governance: Mayor Andrew Swaby says councillors’ divisional allocations rise to $13M (from $10M) for road repairs, while he criticises JLP councillors over meeting absences. Aviation Law Update: The Senate approved the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act, 2026, to align Jamaica’s aviation rules with international standards. Tech and Productivity Push: PM Holness announced a National AI Laboratory at UTech, framing AI and upskilling as key to Jamaica’s long-term competitiveness. CARICOM and Housing Links: Holness points to Guyana’s faster approvals as a model for Jamaica’s housing delivery, with CARICOM reaffirmed as central to development.

Beauty & Business Formalisation: Industry and Commerce State Minister Delano Seiveright says Jamaica’s beauty and personal care sector is projected to earn about US$250M annually, with JAMPRO pushing exports—while urging entrepreneurs to formalise to unlock financing, grants, digital payments and e-commerce. Justice & Governance: The Ministry of National Security and Peace, via DPM Horace Chang, denies claims that third-country nationals are being housed in St Mary, stressing no such government arrangements exist and urging people to rely on official updates. Aviation & Senate Tensions: A Senate debate on the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Bill turned heated as Opposition Senator Lambert Brown accused the Government of bringing in people described by US officials under the third-country nationals arrangement, prompting interruptions and a push to record the exchange in Hansard. Education & Infrastructure: A $3.7B contract was signed for Jamaica’s first STEAM Academy at Bernard Lodge, and $310M is earmarked to rebuild STETHS, including a mechatronics/robotics lab. Road Safety Push: Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says the Demerit Point System starts Oct 1 and urges motorists to clear outstanding tickets by Sept 30; the public is also being asked to report dangerous driving. Regional Diplomacy: PM Holness reaffirmed CARICOM’s central role during a visit to the CARICOM Secretariat, while Jamaica and Guyana signed MoUs covering energy, security, tourism and finance.

Jamaica–Guyana Diplomacy: PM Andrew Holness and President Irfaan Ali signed four agreements covering energy, finance, defence/security and agriculture, with Jamaica also confirming an energy working group to shape regional power cooperation. Project STAR Funding: Government reaffirmed its Project STAR social transformation push with a new $200 million public-private partnership over 24 months, targeting psychosocial support, youth mentorship, family strengthening and community mobilisation in violence-prone areas. Tourism Workers’ Pension: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme has grown to $5.3 billion, with 10,000+ workers registered and benefits tied to a five-year vesting period. Health Sector Labour: JMDA says medical interns’ conditions are improving after Health Minister Christopher Tufton ordered audits of accommodations and duty rotas following protests over exploitative hours and understaffing. Public Safety & Governance: Justice Minister Delroy Chuck warned JPs against using dashboard decals, saying criminals are exploiting them; meanwhile, PSOJ urged Andrew Wheatley to step aside while Integrity Commission matters are addressed. Community & Rights: Fi We Children Foundation called for a prompt probe after a policewoman allegedly ordered a student off a JUTC bus. Cost of Living: Market Bag reported steep market price spikes—onions up to $400/lb and lettuce $600—pushing shoppers to substitute cheaper options.

Tourism Workers Pension Scheme: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett told the House the fund is now worth $5.3 billion, seeded with $1 billion and already registering 10,000+ workers, with benefits starting at 65 after a five-year vesting period. Tourism 3.0: Bartlett also pitched a new “Tourism 3.0” growth architecture aimed at turning tourism into broader national development by linking local suppliers, logistics, culture and technology to visitor spending. Public Beach Access: Montego Bay and Ocho Rios officials reiterated that unrestricted public beach access remains a priority, even as management and infrastructure plans move forward. Road Safety: The Demerit Point System returns on October 1, 2026, with a zero-tolerance approach from then and a compliance window ending September 30. Governance & Integrity Commission: Opposition youth/human rights spokesperson Isat Buchanan renewed calls for full constitutional reform and judicial independence, while PSOJ and others pressed PM Holness to remove Andrew Wheatley pending Integrity Commission allegations. Project STAR: Government reaffirmed a $200 million public-private partnership for 24 months to expand psychosocial support, youth mentorship and community mobilisation in violence-prone areas. Education & Recovery: The state earmarked $310 million to rebuild and strengthen STETHS after Hurricane Melissa, with reinforced upgrades to dorms and key blocks. JUTC Bus Incident: Fi We Children Foundation urged a transparent investigation after a viral claim that an off-duty cop removed a student from a JUTC bus despite payment. Anti-Corruption/Assets Recovery: FID secured cash forfeiture orders totaling over $2 million in two parish court matters under POCA.

Governance & Integrity: Pressure is building on Prime Minister Andrew Holness over Dr Andrew Wheatley after the Integrity Commission recommended charges tied to alleged illicit enrichment; the PSOJ and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce both urged action to preserve public confidence and ensure due process. Health Sector: Health Minister Christopher Tufton ordered RHAs and UHWI to complete a 72-hour physical audit of medical interns’ accommodation and to review duty rosters to prevent overwork, following complaints from the JMDA. Road Safety: Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says the demerit point system is set to return, giving delinquent motorists until September 30 to clear outstanding tickets, with 1.1 million unpaid fines on record. Education: St Elizabeth Technical High School is set to restore full classes after about $310 million in repairs; meanwhile, St James stakeholders questioned a proposed boys’ committee after PEP results showed girls outperforming boys. Public Safety Tech: The Jamaica Fire Brigade trained its first drone operators to strengthen firefighting support, search-and-rescue, and disaster assessment. Crime & Security: Police report a record first-half 2026 cocaine haul—over 5,100 kg seized—aimed at disrupting transnational trafficking networks. Regional Diplomacy: Jamaica says it stands ready to support Venezuela after twin earthquakes; CARICOM also pledged solidarity and assistance. Local Politics: PNP mayors distanced themselves from the Government’s beach access plan, saying they were not consulted.

Humanitarian Response: The U.S. is sending search-and-rescue teams to Venezuela after twin 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying digging through collapsed buildings is the immediate priority. Local Tragedy: In Canada, a Norfolk County farming community mourns two Jamaican offshore workers, Rupert “Lenky” Bell and David Lindsay, killed in a collision. Tourism Jobs & Local Sourcing: Jamaica’s Tourism Ministry is pushing a “Local First” policy to cut import leakage and keep more tourism earnings at home, alongside plans for a Tourism Supply Logistics Centre to link hotels, farms, ports and producers. Construction Supply: Government approved importing 660,000 metric tonnes of cement to stabilize the market and protect local production. Ocean Governance: Jamaica signed four ocean/environment partnerships at Our Ocean Conference, including a Caribbean ocean coordination mechanism and ocean acidification efforts. Health System: Chronic Care Connect and the Jamaica Moves app were launched to help patients manage diabetes and hypertension through phone-based tracking. Labour & Wages: Opposition legislator Damion Crawford urges a special minimum wage for tourism workers, citing unpredictable hours and higher living costs. Disability Services: Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. urged persons with disabilities to register with the JCPD to access benefits and emergency support.

Tourism Governance Overhaul: Minister Edmund Bartlett’s “Tourism 3.0” reframes tourism as a national development platform, proposing a new Tourism Authority to separate promotion from regulation and pushing a “Local First” policy with procurement targets and linkages tracking. Health System Accountability: Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton warns hospital administrators they’ll be held accountable, ordering rapid audits of medical intern accommodation and corrective action after complaints of extreme work hours and unsafe living conditions. Public Safety & Crime: FNID says cocaine seizures in the first half of 2026 already top the combined total of 2016-2021, with over 5,100kg seized and an estimated J$3b street value. Border Drug Watch: Jamaica Customs reports an emerging synthetic drug threat, with rising MDMA/ecstasy detections and tablet/pill quantities flagged as diversification of trafficking routes. Water Politics: Opposition water spokesperson Ian Hayles argues for a national master plan, better system linkages, and renewable energy resilience; Government counters claims of political bias in project spending. Cost of Living: Petrojam announces gasoline down $0.25 and diesel down $10.50 effective June 28. Courts & Rights: The US Supreme Court blocks a Rastafari inmate’s lawsuit over forced dreadlock cutting, limiting money-damages claims against individual prison officers. Labour: Parliament approved a minimum wage rise from $16,000 to $17,000 effective July 1, with overtime and double-time rates also increased.