AGP Executive Report

USS Nimitz Visit: Jamaica’s government welcomed the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz to Kingston Harbour, framing it as a youth and STEM-focused friendship mission docked June 1–5. Police Accountability: INDECOM is pushing for a major overhaul of Jamaica Constabulary Force body-worn camera deployment, arguing cameras are too concentrated in traffic/public safety and not where accountability is most needed. Homelessness Response: KSAMC says it’s moving from complaints to action on downtown Kingston homelessness, starting with Justice Square and coordinating with police, health and mental health agencies. Youth & Vaping: Youth advocates and PAHO are warning that Caribbean governments are lagging as vaping spreads among teens, with flavours and online marketing masking nicotine risks. Agriculture Recovery: Jamaica says a FAO-backed US$50m agriculture recovery and resilience programme for Hurricane Melissa-affected farmers will be fully implemented in September. Labour Policy: Pearnel Charles Jr leads Jamaica’s delegation to the ILO’s International Labour Conference in Geneva, coordinating Caribbean discussions on social dialogue and tripartism. Sports & Governance: South Africa’s World Cup departure was delayed by visa paperwork chaos, with officials and ministers trading blame publicly. Local Sports: Red Stripe Flavours launched the 2026 Netball Jamaica Elite League, starting June 5.

Health Workforce Deal: Ghana and Jamaica signed a revived Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation agreement after a 21-year gap, including a plan to deploy about 400 Ghanaian nurses to bolster Jamaica’s healthcare delivery. Public Health Update: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health says the country is free of Ebola cases, but eight travellers are under mandatory self-quarantine after arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries. Regional Security/US-Jamaica Ties: The Government welcomed the USS Nimitz to Kingston Harbour for a June 1–5 visit, highlighting youth STEM exposure and community initiatives during the Southern Seas 2026 deployment. World Cup Admin Fallout (South Africa): South Africa’s Bafana Bafana departure for Mexico was delayed a day due to visa problems, with Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie demanding answers and SAFA saying players’ visas were eventually cleared for travel. Local Development/Business: Great Wall Motor will open its first dedicated Jamaica showroom on South Camp Road on June 3, as the brand reports about 2,000 vehicles already on Jamaican roads. Sports & Youth: Jamaica Squash brought squash to St Andrew Prep School as part of efforts to grow the sport in schools.

NaRRA Leadership: Prime Minister Holness has appointed outgoing Jamaica Ambassador Antony Anderson as CEO of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority, effective June 1, tasking him with speeding up resilience and development execution. Governance & Oversight: Former PM Bruce Golding says many public officials resist monitoring as “a humbug,” while backing digital accountability tools and JAMP’s push for compliance. Legal System Watch: The Court of Appeal overturned a professional misconduct finding against MP Isat Buchanan, citing breach of natural justice by the General Legal Council. Parliament vs Integrity Commission: Jamaica’s Firearm Licensing Authority lost a bid to force disclosure of an unpublished Integrity Commission report, though it got leave to challenge the decision. Public Safety & Fraud: Police charged a current JP Dudley Powell and decommissioned JP Marvin Dean with multiple fraud-related offences after an operation at the Mandeville Motor Vehicle Examination Depot. Social Protection: The NIS highlighted benefits and the requirement for workers and employers to register and contribute. Education Access: Flow Foundation signed an MoU to fund free high-speed Wi-Fi for 100 early childhood institutions. International Links: Jamaica will receive £450,000 for transatlantic slavery research under the PASSAGE programme. Commonwealth Rights: Sir Ian McKellen joined a London march urging Commonwealth countries to repeal anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

Hurricane Recovery & Disaster Risk: Jamaica says $30b will be spent on hurricane recovery this fiscal year, managed by NaRRA under Major General Anthony Anderson from June 1, as the country braces for the 2026 Atlantic season. Education & Digital Access: Flow Foundation will invest $5m annually to bring free high-speed Wi-Fi to 100 early childhood institutions, expanding its Internet in Schools programme with the Early Childhood Commission. Public Services & Accountability: The Court of Appeal overturned a professional misconduct finding against Portland Eastern MP Isat Buchanan, saying the General Legal Council breached natural justice. Housing Programme Oversight: Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. says the ROOFS verified beneficiary list will be published by parish, with a TRN-based digital platform to guide voucher redemption. Local Economy & Labour Policy: Montego Bay Chamber president Jason Russell pushes for tiered labour law reforms to reduce burdens on micro and small businesses while protecting workers. Sports Rights & Governance: RUSH Sports and TVJ warn they are the only authorised FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasters in Jamaica, targeting unauthorised streaming and piracy. Roads & Safety: NWA will close a section of the Lacovia to Holland Bamboo main road in St Elizabeth Sunday for emergency culvert replacement, with detours in place. Justice System: A university student accused of sexually assaulting his teenage cousin was freed after a no-case submission was upheld.

Disaster Preparedness & Climate Financing: ODPEM says Jamaica’s disaster risk management system is “strong, coordinated and response capable,” pointing to lessons from Beryl and Melissa, while Minister Matthew Samuda warns climate finance is still not enough to fully fund the National Adaptation Plan. Tourism Policy: Edmund Bartlett pushes “Tourism 3.0,” arguing tourism must shift from arrivals and hotel occupancy to a national development platform that brings in small entrepreneurs and community players. CARICOM Membership Process: Bermuda’s public consultation on the Green Paper on full CARICOM membership closes May 31, with feedback feeding into a White Paper and a regional decision path. Land, Housing & Standards: Robert Montague stresses engineering excellence and enforcement of the National Building Code as Jamaica expands housing and prepares for climate impacts. Real Estate Compliance: RETI and CCIM partner to raise professional standards and reduce informal practices in Jamaica’s real estate sector. Hurricane Recovery Logistics: PM Holness says JDF and ODPEM will be restocked with hurricane-recovery building supplies, targeting another 500 roofs. Sports & Culture: Unity Cup football builds to the final as Jamaica and Nigeria set for Charlton Athletic, while Kingston’s diaspora culture continues to trend with major Caribbean music events.

NaRRA & Police Accountability: Opposition and civil society are pressing the government on NaRRA’s new CEO appointment and on transparency around Jamaica Constabulary Force body-worn cameras, with Jamaicans for Justice again calling for the force’s internal camera policy to be made public. Disaster Preparedness & Climate: Meteorological officials and the National Disaster Risk Management Council are urging no complacency despite a forecast of below-normal hurricane activity, while the government also moves to strengthen disaster risk financing with a planned Blue Green Fund. Payments & Social Protection: The Labour Ministry says a new digital platform (GovPay) will enable direct deposits for Phase 2 of the ROOFS shelter programme, aiming to fix earlier beneficiary processing challenges. Infrastructure & Roads: Government is advancing plans for a One Road Authority, backed by a World Bank grant and local allocations, to modernise road management. Public Safety Incident: Beryllium confirms one contractor died after an explosion and fire at a Kingston garage adjacent to its compound; two injured men were airlifted to the US for burn treatment. Economy & Housing: Realtors report a sustained Jamaica real estate boom driven by Kingston/St Andrew and corridor demand, with diaspora buyers increasingly active. Sports: Jordan Scott set a meet record at JBL Jump Fest; Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz face Nigeria in the Unity Cup final after beating India 2-0.

NaRRA Gets Leadership and Oversight Set: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Jamaica Reconstruction and Resilience Oversight Committee (JAMRROC) will soon be announced, with NaRRA operations starting June 1 and Ambassador Antony Anderson appointed CEO; Cabinet is also finalising an initial project shortlist. Disaster Readiness Push: Holness urged Jamaicans to prune trees, clear drains and prepare early as the hurricane season nears, pointing to lessons from Hurricane Melissa and warning preparedness can’t be “ceremonial.” Hurricane Donations Accountability: On Labour Day, Holness said part of $1.4b in recovery donations will restock JDF and ODPEM with building materials to support more roofs, while defending government spending decisions after the auditor general’s findings. Solidarity Programme Funding Concern: Labour Ministry officials told a parliamentary committee that about 77% of the $1b Solidarity Programme allocation was returned for debt reduction, raising questions about how remaining funds will be handled. Police Body-Worn Cameras Debate: Former Police Commissioner Hardley Lewin renewed calls for mandatory body cameras, arguing delays leave INDECOM with little to challenge police accounts after fatal shootings. Digital Payments Gap: A MasterCard study says only 8% of small merchants use POS systems, despite strong consumer demand for digital payments. Ghana-Jamaica Health Link: Ghana and Jamaica signed a labour exchange framework for Ghanaian health professionals to deploy to Jamaica in June, with cooperation also expanding through a new health agreement. Cricket West Indies Schedule: CWI confirmed West Indies’ 2026 home season vs Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan, with Sabina Park hosting key matches and Barbados added as co-host for the NZ ODIs.

NaRRA Leadership Fight: PM Holness appointed Major General Antony Anderson as NaRRA CEO effective June 1, but the PNP says the government must explain whether he applied through the original recruitment process and why it produced no appointable candidate. Disaster Preparedness & Finance: Holness said Hurricane Melissa exposed gaps, with ODPEM to evolve into a national resilience body and logistics to be treated as central; Jamaica also secured a US$200m World Bank catastrophe bond to replace the US$150m Melissa payout. Public Safety & Accountability: Supreme Court granted an injunction restraining Bounty Killer from defamatory publications about Mr Vegas pending trial. Local Governance: KSAMC says it’s partnering with police to remove downtown tarpaulins that block camera visibility under its Cleaner Kingston drive. Infrastructure Pressure: Taxi operators in Gregory Park protested worsening road conditions, saying repairs have been promised but not delivered. Health Cooperation: Jamaica and Ghana signed an MoU to strengthen healthcare delivery and deploy medical workers, with a first batch of Ghanaian professionals expected in June. Sports & National Pride: Reggae Boyz beat India 2-0 to reach the Unity Cup final against Nigeria; CWI also confirmed West Indies home cricket series with Sabina Park hosting Sri Lanka white-ball matches. Weather Alert: Strong winds and rough seas are expected to persist into the weekend, especially affecting southern parishes and marine areas.

NaRRA Leadership: PM Andrew Holness appoints Ambassador Major General Antony Anderson as CEO of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority, effective June 1, as Jamaica accelerates post-Hurricane Melissa rebuilding with a focus on speed plus accountability. Disaster Risk Financing: Jamaica secures US$200m hurricane insurance coverage via a new World Bank catastrophe bond, replacing the prior US$150m tranche that paid out after Melissa. Health Workforce Deal: Jamaica signs an MOU with Ghana to fill health-sector gaps through structured recruitment and temporary deployment of Ghanaian nurses and doctors, with the first batch expected to depart in June. Police Reform & Care Standards: Holness orders the JCF to review protocols for handling injured persons and removing the deceased from crime scenes, to strengthen professionalism and compassion. Local Governance Clean-Up: KSAMC’s Cleaner Kingston drive continues downtown, including removing tarps that interfere with police camera visibility. Economy Outlook: Bank of Jamaica projects gradual recovery, with GDP growth forecast at 1–3% for 2026/27 and 2027/28, while reserves remain robust. Security Incident: Four people are taken to hospital after an explosion at Guardsman Group’s corporate office in St Andrew; foul play not suspected. Labour & Workplace: State Minister Donovan Williams highlights the Industrial Disputes Tribunal’s 50-year role in maintaining industrial harmony. Education Pressure: UTech students push back against proposed fee increases and a higher enrollment deposit, with a meeting set for Friday.

Unity Cup Semi-Final Tonight: India and Jamaica meet in London for the second Unity Cup semi-final, with the match streamed on FanCode and kicking off at 7:30 PM local time at The Village—India’s first UK appearance since 2002. Portia Simpson Miller Honoured: The government named the Ministry of Labour and Social Security headquarters after Portia Simpson Miller and will also rename the Western Children and Adolescent Hospital in St James for her legacy. Courtroom Tension: Defendants in the Klansman gang trial complained they were “treated like cattle” after being transported in prison trucks that sat in the heat before proceedings. BOJ Push for Jam-Dex: Bank of Jamaica kept the policy rate at 5.5% and said Jam-Dex rollout is still slow, though Jamaica National Bank is expected to retrofit POS machines by July. Financial Sector Move: Barita received BOJ approval to operate as a financial holding company, setting up deeper integrated and digital services. Labour Day Momentum: Sabina Park got major restoration upgrades as Labour Day projects rolled on across Kingston and St James.

Modular Housing Push: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says about 3,000 modular units are expected to be deployed after Hurricane Melissa, targeting families whose homes were totally destroyed and who can’t rebuild—units will go on proper bases, not just “plopped down.” Labour Day Recovery Politics: Holness also hit back at criticism over over $1B in hurricane donations that critics say sat unspent, calling it “common nonsense” and pointing to a Auditor General audit showing only $26.2M spent up to April. Police Reform Pressure: Jamaica’s Police Commissioner Kevin Blake urged officers to show “emotional maturity” and act professionally under split-second stress after the Granville shooting controversy. Local Infrastructure Snag: Portmore’s Labour Day sidewalk work was slowed by a cement shortage, with crews doing only a section for now. Unity Cup Build-Up: Jamaica’s Unity Cup semi-final vs India is set for London, with the tournament also featuring Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Ghana–Jamaica Links: Ghana and Jamaica renewed cooperation via their PJCC, while Ghana launched a digital e-visa portal to boost mobility.

Labour Day & Hurricanes: PM Andrew Holness used Labour Day to push practical hurricane prep—check roofs, clear drains, prune only when safe, and test generators—while also calling for more national pride amid littering and roadside waste. Police Reform: Holness told the JCF to review protocols for helping the injured and handling the deceased, and reiterated the push for full camera deployment as public anger over police conduct continues. Community Resilience: In St James, the Rose Heights Community Centre is being rehabilitated as a Labour Day parish project (about $3.8m), aiming to serve both as a hub and an emergency shelter. Local Infrastructure: Portmore’s Labour Day sidewalk push hit a cement shortage, but interim steps allow work to resume. Culture & Sports: Come Alive returns Aug 1 (Emancipation Day) with Michael W Smith and others; and Portmore United won the JPL title on penalties, while Humble Lion and Tru-Juice earned Premier League spots. Regional Ties: Ghana and Jamaica revived cooperation talks in Accra, highlighting shared heritage and trade, culture, and security links.

Police Cameras & Accountability: PM Holness doubled down on full rollout of JCF camera systems, saying about 1,000 body-worn cameras are already in use and another 1,000 are being procured—phased, with training and secure storage—after public anger over the Latoya “Buju” Bulgin case and calls for restraint in lethal-force situations. Crime Trends: JCF stats show murders down 22.5% year-to-date (Jan 1–May 23), with major crimes down 20.2%, though St. James and some divisions saw increases. AI Governance: Technology Minister Andrew Wheatley ordered an urgent AI literacy policy recommendation for Cabinet, warning ministries may be adopting AI before safeguards and guardrails are ready. IP & Creative Economy: Jamaica and WIPO are strengthening IP protection and training, aiming to help creatives and businesses monetize ideas. Global Spotlight: Unity Cup earned FIFA Tier 1 status, boosting Jamaica’s visibility ahead of matches in London. Culture & Sports: Sabrina Dockery posted a PB 11.05 to win Florida’s 100m; and Sri Lanka named Kusal Mendis captain for the West Indies tour starting in Kingston. Hate-Crime Concern: A Queens kosher bagel shop was trashed on video, now investigated as a possible antisemitic hate crime.

Policing & Protest: PM Andrew Holness doubled down on police reform, saying Jamaica will fully deploy integrated camera systems across the JCF, including body-worn cameras—about 1,000 already in use with another 1,000 on the way—after fresh outrage tied to the Granville killings. Public Safety Pressure: Residents in Granville staged another peaceful protest, demanding “end police brutality” and justice for Latoya Bulgin, as the community keeps spotlighting police conduct. Sports Spotlight: Mt Pleasant edged 10-man Montego Bay 3-2 to secure third place in the JPL and a Caribbean Shield berth, while the Unity Cup is reported as FIFA Tier 1—though appearances won’t count as official caps. Work & Migration: Jamaica says 15,169 workers were sent to Canada and the US in 2025 under the Overseas Employment Program, with upgrades planned to speed processing. Water Infrastructure: Stepney, St Ann broke ground on a $140m rainwater catchment tank expected to be finished in about six months. Housing/Business: A June 5 South Florida conference will push “From Deed to Key” on land, wills, and investment, targeting untitled family land and diaspora capital.

Police Reform Backlash: Prime Minister Andrew Holness told the JCF to urgently tighten procedures for handling injured people and the deceased at crime scenes, after public outrage over the treatment of a shooting victim—while reiterating that the JCF’s job is to preserve, protect, and serve life. Tourism & Aviation: Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon welcomed plans to repeal and replace the Tourism Act, arguing it should strengthen protections and inclusion for tourism workers; meanwhile Caribbean Airlines announced route cuts and reduced frequencies from June 1, citing sustained losses and a push toward a codeshare deal. Digital Push: Government says Jamaica Post is being repositioned as a digital one-stop for services, with EU funding also flowing into the Digital Transitioning Programme. Labour & Culture: Labour leaders marked Workers’ Week and Labour Day themes of resilience and honouring labour heroes, while PM Holness backed film as an economic growth frontier. Local Life: NWA warned of traffic delays on Lime Hall Road and moved to clear flooding-causing debris in Lucea’s Riley River corridor.