AGP Executive Report

Jamaica Economy Watch: The PIOJ says Jamaica is not in recession even after two negative quarters, arguing recovery should show up once Hurricane Melissa’s shock fades. Central Banking: The Bank of Jamaica kept its policy rate at 5.5%, warning inflation risks remain tied to global oil and shipping disruptions. Hurricane Readiness: NOAA forecasts a below-normal Atlantic season, but stresses “it only takes one” storm—so preparedness still matters. Public Safety & Crime: The JCF reports 17 offenders jailed for a combined 250+ years for firearm offences in the first quarter, alongside 175 firearms recovered islandwide. Local Governance: Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon escalated action against Old Shoe Arcade vendors, warning of shutdowns over illegal shopfront changes. Water & Recovery: NWC is pushing major capital works to cut non-revenue water and boost supply reliability, while government says modular housing bases for Hurricane Melissa victims are now under construction. Digital Services: Government is moving toward a digital document wallet and Gov Notify alerts for citizens. Health Alert: Experts say hantavirus risk to Jamaicans is very low, despite a separate cruise-ship outbreak abroad.

Suspected suicide probe: Police in St Mary say contractor Oneero Roberts, wanted for questioning after an alleged machete attack on his child’s mother, was found dead behind his home Wednesday after he fled the scene. Disaster readiness: Jamaica’s housing push after Hurricane Melissa is moving into the implementation phase, with 924 containerised units already on island and 500 more expected soon, says State Minister Abka Fitz-Henley. Hurricane outlook: NOAA expects a below-normal Atlantic season as El Niño develops—8 to 14 storms, but officials warn that even one major hurricane can still be devastating. Health expansion: Jamaica will expand cancer screening and treatment capacity with IAEA technical support, including boosting mammogram services at more hospitals. Economy & climate pressure: Bank of Jamaica data points to remittances as a key stabiliser, while Met Service warns a possible major El Niño could bring hotter, drier conditions and drought risk. Culture & sports: Cultural Passport legislation was approved by council, and Jamaican writer Kei Miller won the $175,000 Windham Campbell Prize.

US-Cuba Tensions: The US has deployed the USS Nimitz carrier strike group to the southern Caribbean as Washington moves to unseal an indictment charging former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of civilian planes. Caribbean Defence Drills: The move is tied to Southern Seas 2026 exercises with navies from 10 nations. JPL Football: Portmore United roared back from a 1-0 first-leg deficit to beat Mt Pleasant 4-2 in extra time, winning 4-3 on aggregate and booking the final. Labour Policy: Opposition MP Wavell Hinds wants labour matters, training and protections under one ministry, arguing the current system is fragmented. Early Childhood Push: Jamaica’s Early Childhood Commission launched the ECCE Progress Assessment Tool to strengthen pre-primary care and education. Disaster Readiness: Jamaica secured a US$200m World Bank catastrophe bond, topping its earlier US$150m coverage. Road Safety: A bus crash on the Bustamante Highway in Clarendon sent dozens of students to hospital. Weather Watch: Met Service says it’s monitoring an emerging El Niño that could bring warmer, drier conditions.

Cruise Refresh: Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled a bold new patriotic bow design, “From Sea to Shining Sea,” starting with The Carnival Legend after a 16-day dry dock—part of a wider fleet-wide visual refresh aimed at doubling down on its “America’s Cruise Line” identity. Jamaica Travel Push: Southwest is offering nonstop Chicago–Montego Bay roundtrips for about $338 (June 28–July 4), while Jamaica’s tourism buzz also rides on luxury, personalized Caribbean experiences and new resort expansion like Beaches’ US$150m Treasure Beach Village in Turks and Caicos. Super Eagles Unity Cup: Coach Eric Chelle named squads for Nigeria’s Unity Cup run in London, with Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo earning a first call-up as Nigeria prepares to face Zimbabwe (May 26) and potentially meet Jamaica or India next. Local Governance & Policing: St Elizabeth police say body-worn cameras are now deployed in key commercial areas, as public debate over accountability continues. Economy Watch: JPS reported lower first-quarter profits, and businesses’ fuel-and-transport cost worries jumped sharply as oil prices feed inflation fears. Disaster Resilience: The World Bank increased Jamaica’s hurricane insurance coverage to US$200m ahead of the 2026 season.

CPL Ticket Rush: Republic Bank CPL group-stage tickets for Antigua & Barbuda, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis and Saint Lucia go on sale Friday, 22 May, but Visa cardholders get a 48-hour priority window from 20–21 May to grab the best seats first. Bank of Jamaica Move: The BOJ is offering $27 billion in 30-day certificates of deposit on Wednesday at 5.75% to help pull money out of circulation and cool inflation. Murder Case Update: A fourth suspect has been charged in the abduction and murder of Digicel employee Kevin Walker, with police alleging a robbery plot that ended in stabbing and the body being dumped in West Kingston. Infrastructure Push: Government has approval to replace 55 bridges islandwide in 12–18 months under the Accelerated Bridge Programme, prioritising disaster-prone areas. Early Childhood Boost: The Early Stimulation Programme gets two new mobile units for rural communities, while the Labour Ministry also reaffirmed wider investment in Jamaica’s early childhood sector. Public Safety Debate: Opposition says the killing of Latoya Bulgin is “deeply troubling” and is calling for body-worn cameras and tighter protocol after the shooting in Granville.

Police shooting probe: Jamaica’s Indecom has opened an investigation after CCTV showed a woman being shot dead during a protest in Granville, St James, against a prior police killing—Latoya “Buju” Bulgin, 45, was reportedly hit while police were doing crowd control. Tenants vs landlord: In Queens, Parkash tenants are pushing for a change of ownership of a failing rent-stabilized building, citing broken elevators and sewage issues, as legal action targets notorious landlord Ved Parkash. Heat response: With record heat hitting the region, Massachusetts has opened more than a dozen spray decks to help residents cool off, with beaches and pools also rolling out for the season. Transit update: Long Island Rail Road service is back in phases after a strike ended with a tentative deal, though commuters still faced disruptions. Culture & sports: Popcaan lands on Drake’s new album, and Jamaica’s Khadija “Bunny” Shaw is named WSL Player of the Season in England.

Tourism Surge & New Routes: Jamaica is pushing a big airlift boost after topping one million visitors in Q1 2026, with new Porter nonstop services into Montego Bay and more growth planned via Wingo and Virgin Atlantic. Kingston Harbour Cleanup: The GraceKennedy Foundation’s June 5 lecture will spotlight progress on reducing waste flowing into Kingston Harbour, citing nearly 13 million pounds kept out over five years. Solar for UTech: UTech says a two-megawatt solar system will cut its monthly power bill from about $15m to $7.5m, with completion targeted for next January. Internet Costs: Starlink raised Jamaica’s monthly residential price by 6.4% to $7,450, effective June 18. Granville Tensions: In St James, anger is still simmering after Latoya Bulgin (“Buju”) was killed by police, with JFJ questioning whether force was proportionate and calls growing for body-worn cameras. Transport Pressure: Taxi and PPV operators are still waiting on a promised 16% fare increase, with government asking for two more weeks before a Cabinet decision on June 1. Construction Crunch: IMAJ is urging stronger government action to tackle the cement shortage affecting jobs and building plans.

LIRR Strike Hits Day 3: Long Island Rail Road service is still shut down as the strike enters its third day, leaving hundreds of thousands of commuters scrambling after last-minute talks failed to restart bargaining with the MTA. INDECOM Probes Police Shooting: In Jamaica, INDECOM has launched an investigation into the fatal police shooting of 45-year-old Latoya Bulgin in Granville, St James, as the body-worn camera debate flares again and the public is urged to come forward with information. Body Cameras Push: Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake says Jamaica Constabulary Force is rolling out body-worn cameras in phases, citing investments in digital storage and daily deployments. Transport Fare Meeting: The Transport Ministry has scheduled a Monday meeting with transport operators over a long-running demand for a fare increase, amid rising fuel costs. Hurricane Melissa Recovery: Sandals Foundation is moving outpatient services back on track with modular units delivered to hospitals in Trelawny and Hanover. Airlift Focus: Jamaica is set to host the Caribbean’s next big air connectivity summit in 2027 as the region pushes for more flights.

Transport Tension: Jamaica’s Transport Ministry has scheduled a Monday meeting with public transport operators after fresh calls for a fare increase, citing global fuel-price pressure and promising a balance that won’t hit the public too hard. Police Accountability: The JCF has interdicted the officer involved in the fatal Granville, St. James shooting of Latoya Bulgin, with INDECOM and IPROB now investigating. Public Health Watch: Westmoreland health authorities have ramped up hantavirus surveillance at ports of entry and are urging residents to ignore fake health notices online while strengthening mosquito and rodent control. Agriculture Push: Floyd Green says the ministry is reclaiming agro-park lands not put into production, with 120 acres taken back in 2025 and more land flagged for repossession. Sports Spotlight: Jamaicans grabbed six wins at the NJCAA Track and Field Championships, while the National Futsal Tournament 2026 kicks off with 28 teams set to compete. Regional Tourism: Edmund Bartlett announced Jamaica will host the CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Kingston on Feb. 23, 2027.

Long Island Rail Road Strike: MTA CEO Janno Lieber and unions say talks are stalled, with workers walking off at 12:01 a.m. Saturday—leaving 275,000 daily riders bracing for Monday chaos and limited shuttle options. Sports Spotlight: Jamaica’s Matrix Sporting Clay Competition returns to Bog Walk, St Catherine, with defending champions Chad Ziadie and Aliana McMaster facing a stacked field. Youth Sports: JTTA officially launches the 2026 Preparatory and Primary School League at the National Arena, spotlighting grassroots table tennis. Disaster Recovery: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green announces $250 million for Phase 2 of the Hurricane Melissa Recovery Programme. Health Watch: Westmoreland steps up hantavirus surveillance at ports of entry despite no confirmed cases. Community Anger: Burnt Savannah residents protest a curfew they say is blocking their ability to earn, after police shut down a candlelight vigil. Tourism & Airlift: Jamaica will host the CTO Air Connectivity Summit in Kingston in Feb 2027, building on last year’s Bermuda push to boost regional flights.

Sports Tourism Boost: Kingston is set to make history in August by hosting the English-speaking Caribbean’s first ATP Challenger, the Kingston Open (Aug 16–29) with US$214,000 in prize money and ranking points, and Jamaica’s Blaise Bicknell expected to lead the regional charge. Athletics Spotlight: Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser opened her 2026 season in China with a strong 7th-place finish in the women’s 400m (51.56) at the Wanda Diamond League. UWI Future-Readiness: UWI says it’s “doing more with less” as it pushes digital transformation and AI, including an AI research cluster and plans for a Caribbean AI institute. Health Policy Move: Jamaica is developing a dedicated menopause and andropause policy, with Minister Christopher Tufton citing major numbers affected and gaps in care. Regional Agriculture Planning: Jamaica has completed a draft 10-year National Agricultural Development Plan with FAO support, now heading for stakeholder feedback. International Disruption: In the U.S., the Long Island Rail Road strike shut down service for the first time in 30+ years, leaving commuters facing major travel chaos.

Agriculture Blueprint: Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture has completed a draft 10-year National Agricultural Development Plan, built around resilient farming, agribusiness and value chains, trade efficiency, food security and nutrition, plus cross-cutting focus on research, tech, workforce, youth, gender and praedial larceny—next week’s workshop will take it to key stakeholders. Transport Pressure: Opposition transport spokesman Mikael Phillips says the public transport system’s “chaos” is being driven by the Transport Authority, pointing to rising taxi licences without matching parking and logistics support, and criticising delays to promised reform legislation. Crime Response: Police are increasing security in Half-Way-Tree after the killing of 68-year-old bearer Lawrence Kessna during an attempted cheque cashing robbery at Scotiabank. Diaspora & Property: Jamaica National Group will host a pre-diaspora real estate webinar ahead of the Diaspora Conference, targeting Jamaicans abroad looking to invest at home. CPL Draft Buzz: CPL 2026 rosters are taking shape, with Andre Russell moving to the new Jamaica Kingsmen and Gudakesh Motie joining Barbados Tridents. Regional Disruption: In the US, the Long Island Rail Road strike has begun after talks failed, threatening major commuter disruption.

LIRR Strike Hits Long Island: The Long Island Rail Road shut down early Saturday after five unions walked out following failed contract talks, disrupting travel for nearly 300,000 daily riders and leaving commuters in places like Valley Stream, Bellmore-Merrick, Glen Cove, Wantagh and Seaford scrambling for alternatives. The MTA says it will run limited free shuttle buses to Queens subway links during rush hours, and riders are being urged to work remotely where possible. Immigration Relief for Doctors: In the US, authorities lifted a hold on immigration applications for doctors with pending cases, though it’s still unclear how much it will speed up approvals. CPL Draft Shake-Up: In cricket, Trinbago Knight Riders used right-to-match options to keep key West Indies stars for CPL 2026, while Jamaica Kingsmen landed Andre Russell and Rovman Powell. Local Politics: Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton fired back at former UHWI chairman Wayne Chai Chong at Parliament’s PAC. Crime Update: A 68-year-old bearer was shot dead during an attempted robbery on Half-Way Tree Road. Economy Watch: Jamaica’s inflation dipped in April as electricity costs eased, even as food prices continued to rise.

CPL Draft Shake-Up: The 2026 CPL roster picture changed fast after the annual draft, with Barbados Tri­dents snapping up star spinner Gudakesh Motie from the Guyana Amazon Warriors, while Sunil Narine stayed put with Trinbago Knight Riders and Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard and others were retained; Gun Arrest in Boston: A Jamaican man, Marlon Straw, 54, was arrested at Franklin Field on gun charges, including being flagged as an armed career criminal with a record dating back to 1993; LIRR Strike Looms in New York: Long Island Rail Road workers are pushing toward a possible strike after talks with the MTA stalled, with service still “extremely limited” following an East River tunnel fire and contingency shuttles set to run if trains stop; Jamaica Health Push: Government says it will roll out a $50 million pilot to tackle period poverty in schools, targeting eight schools and about 2,000 girls.

Airport Retail Push: Norman Manley International Airport operator PAC Kingston Airport Limited will soon invite bids for a major expansion of shops, restaurants and duty-free, aiming to lift non-aeronautical revenue as traffic from Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe grows. Horse Racing Spotlight: Dream Catcher romped to an 8¼-length win in the Portmore Stakes, putting her firmly in the frame for the 1000 Guineas. Sports & Culture: Jamaica Basketball Association makes history with an Adidas kit partnership for the men’s national team, while Spragga Benz kicks off his “Journey to Kingston” birthday series with a Miramar start on May 30 before stops in Philadelphia and Kingston. Business & Money: Sagicor Group Jamaica posted $2.01B net profit in Q1, but JSE Group profits fell 43% as market activity cooled. Food & Farming Under Pressure: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green outlined a $145M drought mitigation plan for farmers, including mini water catchment ponds and support like mulch and drip irrigation. Public Health & Safety: Health Minister Tufton says Jamaica will develop a social media policy for children and adolescents. Environment Watch: Experts warn Jamaica’s bird shooting season may be reopened too quickly after Hurricane Melissa, as conservationists say populations are still struggling.

LIRR Disruption in New York: A fire on the tracks at Penn Station triggered major delays and cancellations, with LIRR service temporarily suspended between Jamaica and Penn Station and trains rerouted to Grand Central. Strike Watch: With a possible LIRR strike looming Saturday night, the MTA is pushing contingency plans like shuttle buses and cross-honouring tickets. Remittances Up: Jamaica’s Bank of Jamaica reports remittances rose 4.2% in the first two months of 2026 to US$542 million, with February the highest since 2022. Tourism Shift: Caribbean tourism leaders are moving to regulate short-term rentals more formally as Airbnb/Vrbo-style stays become a core part of the business. Family Planning Push: Health Minister Christopher Tufton says Jamaica will develop a National Fertility and Family Support Strategy as the birth rate falls to about 1.3 children per woman. Jamaica in the Spotlight: Club Kingston won Priority Pass Lounge of the Year for Latin America and the Caribbean.