AGP Executive Report

Islandwide blackout: Jamaica plunged into darkness Friday night after an island-wide power outage, with Energy Minister Daryl Vaz calling it “unacceptable” and ordering an emergency probe into the cause and delays in restoration. Power restoration: JPS later reported phased recovery, restoring service to about 500,000 of 700,000 customers by early Saturday, with the last customers energized by 6:30 a.m. Weather watch: A trough across the central Caribbean is bringing unstable conditions—cloudy skies, showers and thunderstorms (heaviest in eastern and south-central parishes) plus strong winds—prompting marine advisories for the south coast. Road safety: ITA says road deaths are down—49 fewer fatalities up to June 5 compared with the same period last year. Housing finance: Senate approved amendments to the NHT Act allowing $11.4b annually to support the Budget. Sports & culture: Express Canteen Services donated J$1m to Sts Peter and Paul Prep’s defence programme; Jamaica also won CTO Caribbean Week awards for tourism storytelling and social media promotion.

Power Crisis: Jamaica is dealing with an island-wide blackout after a system failure, with Energy Minister Daryl Vaz calling it “unacceptable” and ordering a probe; JPS says power is being restored in phases while an investigation continues. World Cup Focus: Ghana’s GFA has released Black Stars squad numbers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Jamaica’s own football scene keeps moving with GFA-related tournament updates and regional club competition scheduling. Tourism & Business: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett pushed a “supply-side” shift at Caribbean Week in New York, urging the region to measure tourism by local production and value retention; locally, Afreximbank held its first Jamaica roadshow to boost trade and investment links with Africa. Community & Services: Showfa Express and Paymaster launched a flat-rate parcel delivery option, and St. Elizabeth is rolling out disaster readiness planning with UNDRR support. Justice & Crime: A St Catherine woman accused of selling property she didn’t own was granted $1.5M bail.

Oil Watch: Jamaica is weighing early signs from offshore exploratory drilling off Morant Bay, with Energy Minister Darryl Vaz urging “cautiously optimistic” patience as timelines could stretch to production in the 2030s. Disaster-Ready Building Code: The revised code will require Category Five hurricane-resistant construction, with stronger enforcement powers, compliance checks and penalties for illegal building in high-risk zones. Reconstruction Leadership: NaRRA’s new CEO, Ambassador Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, says his engineering and large-scale project experience positions him to coordinate Jamaica’s next infrastructure push. Blue Economy Push: Jamaica is calling for more global support for SIDS ocean governance and blue economies, citing tourism’s major role in jobs and GDP. Road Safety: Motorcyclists are being urged to wear helmets that meet required standards, with guidance on how to spot truly certified gear. Business & Housing: Resorts World and Cirrus are moving into workforce housing, buying a Jamaica, Queens site for up to 700 homes. Sports & Culture: BYD is named official car partner of CPL 2026, while Vybz Kartel drops “God and Time” and FyaVerse links with BeatZBunnie on “HypnotiZed.”

Housing & Disaster Response: Prime Minister Holness says another 300 container homes will arrive today, with 1,200 already in-country and the rest of the 2,500 Melissa housing solutions expected by July. Shelter Upgrades: Desmond McKenzie announced $60 million for emergency shelter improvements and plans for larger, purpose-built shelters in Clarendon, St Elizabeth and Westmoreland ahead of hurricane season. Hurricane Readiness: NSWMA is prepositioning equipment 48 hours before storms, holding fuel reserves for 72 hours, and preparing alternative disposal sites after lessons from Hurricane Melissa. Oversight & Investor Confidence: Opposition MP Peter Bunting warns government moves against oversight bodies could hurt investor confidence, while National Security Minister Horace Chang says he has full confidence in FLA CEO Shane Dalling despite Integrity Commission findings. Business & Jobs: BPO leaders reject Opposition claims that AI is an existential threat, saying competitiveness and costs are the real challenge. Health Support: Preemie Foundation donates a $1.7m incubator to Mandeville Regional Hospital’s NICU, and Golden Krust will refurbish canteens for seven Western Jamaica schools still recovering from Melissa. Crime & Safety: Police impose a curfew in March Pen, Spanish Town after a deadly gun attack, and a CMU staffer is charged over alleged misuse of student funds.

Police Accountability: A police officer has been charged with murder after the killing of Latoya “Buju” Bulgin during protests in Granville, with Indecom saying bail was denied and another hearing set for mid-June. More Violence in St. Andrew: A former JCF member, Mark Raby, was fatally shot by police after an alleged confrontation on Camp Road, according to reports. Public Sector Pressure: The Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) is urging the Ministry of Finance to urgently settle outstanding travelling allowance claims dating back to 2024, saying workers are being forced to absorb costs while other salary issues remain unresolved. Marine Environment Watch: A new report warns offshore oil and gas exploration in Jamaica’s Walton-Morant block could threaten coral reefs, seagrass beds and key fishing grounds. Tourism & Travel: Jamaica’s Caribbean Week in New York 2026 is bringing tourism leaders together, while Jamaica’s JUTC is listed as transportation partner for Reggae Sumfest 2026. Business: Caribbean Cement says cement supply has improved, with production up and dispatches rising after April weather disruptions. Sports (World Cup build-up): South Africa’s Bafana Bafana trained in Mexico under heavy security ahead of a warm-up against Jamaica.

Hurricane Recovery & Resilience: Jamaica is strengthening disaster response for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season with a new GeoConnect data governance framework, letting agencies share and verify damage assessments in real time, while Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie says a new building code will be introduced this year to push climate-smart construction that can withstand Category 5 storms. Public Services & Infrastructure: The NSWMA will launch a $200m public education push to improve waste collection and curb illegal dumping after Hurricane Melissa debris work, and Jamaica is also rolling out the NEST early science programme to all early childhood institutions by year’s end. Governance & Accountability: Opposition parties are demanding resignations tied to the Firearm Licensing Authority after an Integrity Commission report raised claims of missing ammunition, falsified records and lost electronic evidence. Economy & Business: Derrimon Trading Company’s shares were suspended on the JSE Junior Market for failing to file audited statements on time. Sports: West Indies opened their ODI series against Sri Lanka with a 41-run loss at Sabina Park, while Jamaica’s JUTC will be the transport partner for Reggae Sumfest 2026.

Tourism 3.0 Push: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica will add 20,000 hotel rooms and is in talks that could bring 3–4 million more visitors annually, as the Tourism 3.0 agenda shifts the sector toward more local linkages and jobs. Disaster Readiness: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Government is strengthening ODPEM to evolve into a National Resilience Organisation, while utilities must submit hurricane business continuity plans to the regulator ahead of the 2026 season. Science & Innovation: Dr Andrew Wheatley says Jamaica’s ST&I Strategic Plan 2026–2035 will go to Cabinet soon under the “House of Innovation,” alongside a completed cybersecurity standards framework and a tested cyber incident response plan. Early Childhood STEM: The NEST programme is rolling out play-based science in 500 early childhood institutions nationwide by year-end. Health Workforce: Jamaica and Ghana launch recruitment for specialist doctors and nurses to deploy in Jamaica, with applications open June 1–5. Cricket Calendar: CWI confirms a June 3–Aug 6 home series vs Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan across the region. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA forecasts a below-normal Atlantic season, but warns one storm can still be devastating. Local Transport Pressure: Opposition transport spokesman Mikael Phillips calls for a workable, less politicised system for phased PPV fare increases. Crime Alert: Police in Cypress Hills report a safe theft of about $100,000, with investigators linking the suspect to other break-ins.

Cricket & Sports: West Indies captain Shai Hope says Jamaica’s ODI series vs Sri Lanka will hinge on a strong top order, as the home side looks to keep its unbeaten ODI home run going. Local Cricket: JCA president Dr Donovan Bennett admits ticket sales for the opening ODI at Sabina Park are slow and is urging fans to turn out in the final days. Transport Costs: Jamaica commuters are questioning the timing of the first 8% PPV fare increase, with another 8% due July 1; opposition says the rollout is disrespectful and lacks proper public notice. Energy & Disaster Readiness: OUR has approved US$106.6m in parametric insurance for JPS ahead of the 2026 hurricane season, aimed at faster grid payouts. Innovation & Tech: Science Minister Andrew Wheatley unveiled a “House of Innovation” blueprint to turn research into national development outcomes. Agriculture: Opposition agriculture spokesman Dr Dayton Campbell calls for a permanent agricultural and fisheries disaster recovery fund to help farmers and fisherfolk recover faster after climate shocks. Parenting Support: NPSC says 12,000–14,000 parents train monthly, with psychosocial support in schools, including ZOSOs affected by hurricane damage. International Spotlight: US Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz is in Jamaica as Southern Seas 2026 winds down.

Transport Update: Public passenger vehicle (PPV) fares rise in phases: an initial 8% takes effect today, with the remaining 8% coming July 1, as Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says the staggered plan aims to ease the hit on commuters. Broadcasting Watch: Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission has rapped Flow and Digicel for “substandard customer service” after channel and programming changes, citing weak subscriber communication and lack of proper notice. Road Safety: A crash on the Rose Hall main road in St James was reported Tuesday morning, less than a day after a fatal multi-vehicle collision on the same stretch. Tourism & Community: A rehabilitated Fontabelle to Geddes Town Road in St Mary has reopened, funded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund, to boost access to heritage and eco-attractions. Business & Jobs: Vibrant Energy says it will invest $1 billion in a new FESCO-branded service station in St James, creating over 100 jobs. Hurricane Season: NOAA says the 2026 Atlantic season may be quieter than average, but officials stress preparedness still matters.

Tourism Recovery: Jamaica’s tourism is bouncing back after Hurricane Melissa, with room capacity now back to over 80% of pre-storm levels, though some Montego Bay hotels won’t reopen until later this year. World Cup Travel Drama: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana reached Mexico but assistant coach Helman Mkhalele remains stuck after a US visa denial, delaying his departure. Aviation Safety: Virgin Atlantic’s VS165, en route to Montego Bay, was diverted to Shannon, Ireland, after an engine issue; passengers were rebooked or refunded. Cricket at Sabina Park: West Indies’ ODI series opener vs Sri Lanka has low ticket sales, but the JCA says preparations are ready after hurricane-related light refocusing. Hurricane Readiness: Utility providers say they’re prepared for the 2026 season, with systems spread across the island to avoid a single-point failure if the Corporate Area is hit. Community & Crime: Salt Spring, St James reports no murders or shootings since the start of 2026, citing sustained police-community work. Business/Health: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics partner to expand access to blood tests for Alzheimer’s assessment across the Caribbean, including Jamaica. Sports Business: Porter Airlines adds new winter nonstop flights to Montego Bay from Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton.

Hurricane Season Kickoff: Atlantic hurricane season begins today, with NOAA forecasting a below-normal year thanks to strengthening El Niño—55% chance of fewer storms, but officials stress preparedness still matters for Jamaica’s life and property. Storm Readiness: FEMA-style guidance highlights reviewing insurance, documenting belongings, and planning for outages and damage before the first warning. Cricket—West Indies vs Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s warm-up on Caribbean soil impressed coach Ryan van Niek­erk, praising intensity and key returns ahead of the ODI series at Sabina Park. World Cup Drama—Bafana Bafana: South Africa’s trip to Mexico was delayed by visa issues, leaving assistant coach Helman Mkhalele behind at first; Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie called it a “debacle,” but the squad is now set to depart after visas were resolved. Food Supply—Scotch Bonnet Shortage: A looming shortage of Scotch bonnet peppers could push up costs across the Caribbean as weather, pests and disease hit Jamaica’s key crop. Youth Health—Vaping Surge: Caribbean policymakers are being urged to move faster as vaping spreads among students, with concerns about nicotine addiction and youth-targeted flavours. Diaspora Service: Seventeen projects are registered for Jamaica Diaspora Day of Service on June 18, focused on healthcare, education and community work in areas hit by Hurricane Melissa. Travel Safety—Virgin Atlantic Diversion: A Virgin Atlantic flight to Jamaica diverted to Ireland after an engine failure mid-Atlantic; passengers reported a loud bang and smoke smell, but no injuries were reported. Sports—Unity Cup: Nigeria retained the Unity Cup by beating Jamaica 3-0, while Jamaica coach Rudolph Speid pointed to youth and squad changes affecting preparation.

World Cup Visa Chaos: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were delayed en route to Mexico after a visa bungle left some players and officials stuck, prompting Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie to call it “embarrassing” and “grossly unfair,” with the team later set to depart Monday once visas were cleared. Caribbean Health & Youth Vaping: PAHO and regional youth advocates are urging stronger action against tobacco and nicotine, warning that vapes are being marketed with “appeal” to young people through flavours and online promotions. Jamaica Police & Community: INDECOM is pushing for a rethink of how body-worn cameras are deployed, while Guanaboa Vale Police ran a Child Month outreach focused on students’ mental health. Agriculture & Resilience: Jamaica says a FAO-backed US$50m agriculture recovery and resilience programme will be fully implemented in September to help farmers and fishers recover from Hurricane Melissa. Tourism & Travel: Air Canada is adding more Jamaica flights for the 2026-27 winter season as Caribbean Week in New York draws tourism ministers, including Jamaica’s. Sports (Local Focus): Cricket West Indies named a 15-man ODI squad for Sri Lanka with Shimron Hetmyer recalled, and Jamaica’s youth and skilled-trades push continues through plumbing outreach. Crime: Two men were found dead at a car mart in St Elizabeth, with police investigating.

Ghana–Jamaica Health Boost: Ghana has signed a bilateral deal to deploy about 400 Ghanaian nurses to Jamaica, a key outcome of the revived Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation after 21 years, with talks also covering defence, tourism and possible teacher exchanges. Ebola Watch: Jamaica’s Health Ministry says the country remains free of Ebola cases, but eight travellers are under mandatory self-quarantine after arriving from or transiting through Ebola-affected countries. World Cup Visa Drama (South Africa): South Africa’s Bafana Bafana have had their World Cup departure delayed after visa problems disrupted travel to Mexico; Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie called it “embarrassing” and says players’ visas are now in hand, with only some officials still awaiting clearance before the charter leaves Monday. Unity Cup Fallout (Nigeria vs Jamaica): Nigeria retained the Unity Cup with a 3-0 win over Jamaica, with Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi scoring twice as the Super Eagles dominated at The Valley in London. US Navy Visit: The Government welcomed the USS Nimitz to Kingston Harbour for a week-long friendship mission, including youth STEM exposure and community initiatives. Local Development: Great Wall Motor will open its first dedicated Jamaica showroom on South Camp Road on Wednesday, June 3. Beach Modernisation Plan: Government is moving ahead with upgrades to public beaches, including Priory’s Fantasy Beach in St Ann, plus Pagee Beach and Success Beach.

Unity Cup Final: Nigeria beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the semi-final with debutant Femi Azeez scoring twice, setting up a Saturday May 30 showdown with Jamaica at The Valley (7:30pm Nigeria time). Squad Update: Samuel Chukwueze is out for compassionate reasons, with Azeez replacing him for friendlies vs Poland and Portugal. Reggae Boyz Boost: Jamaica added Manchester United defender Dante Plunkett as an emergency call-up for the final. Local Governance & Justice: Two fraud cases landed on a Justice of the Peace and a former JP after a police operation at the Mandeville Motor Vehicle Examination Depot; they’re due in court June 3. Public Service: The NIS reminded Jamaicans that workers aged 18-70 must register and contribute for benefits covering illness, injury, retirement and more. History & Research: Jamaica is set to receive £450,000 for transatlantic slavery research under the Lloyd’s Register Foundation PASSAGE programme. Safety & Weather: Officials urge hurricane preparedness now, even with forecasts pointing to a milder season, and warn against complacency.

Education & Digital Access: Flow Foundation will invest $5 million yearly to bring free high-speed Wi-Fi to 100 early childhood institutions, partnering with the Early Childhood Commission to boost early digital literacy. Hurricane Readiness: Jamaica is preparing for the 2026 Atlantic season with a $50-million parametric insurance support package for 5,000 farmers, shifting from post-disaster response to pre-disaster protection. Local Governance & Infrastructure: The government says $30 billion will be spent on Hurricane Melissa recovery this fiscal year under NaRRA, with Major General Anthony Anderson leading from June 1. Business & Finance: Cornerstone Trust, Merchant Bank and JN Fund Managers get approval to rebrand under Barita, positioning Barita Merchant Bank as Jamaica’s first digital bank. Road Updates: NWA will close a section of the Lacovia to Holland Bamboo main road in St Elizabeth Sunday for emergency culvert replacement. Sports & Media Rights: RUSH Sports and TVJ warn they are the only authorised FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasters in Jamaica, targeting unauthorised streaming and side-loaded apps. Justice: The Court of Appeal clears MP Isat Buchanan of misconduct tied to 2020 comments about DPP Paula Llewellyn.

Unity Cup Final (London): Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle says Nigeria is ready to retain the Unity Cup trophy against Jamaica on Saturday, after both teams booked their spots with 2-0 semi-final wins; Nigeria’s win featured debut brace hero Femi Azeez, while Jamaica advanced after beating India. Football & Culture: India’s men’s team was celebrated at India House in London ahead of its Unity Cup clash, while Curaçao’s federation president admitted criticism over a late coaching change affected him personally. Disaster Preparedness: ODPEM says Jamaica’s disaster risk management system remains strong and “learning,” as officials highlight readiness, coordination, and recovery capacity after Hurricanes Beryl and Melissa; Minister Matthew Samuda also stressed that climate financing is still not enough. Hurricane Recovery: PM Holness says Jamaica will restock the JDF and ODPEM with hurricane-recovery donations to support another 500 roofs. Local Governance & Training: RETI and CCIM partner to strengthen compliance and ethics in Jamaica’s real estate industry. Public Safety: Police probe a decomposed body found in St Catherine’s Hartlands. Arts & Identity: Retired actress Pauline Stone Myrie weighs in on the patois debate, arguing it’s “the language of the people of Jamaica.” Business & Telecoms: Flow Jamaica reports Q1 revenue down to US$103.2m as Melissa disruption keeps some subscribers offline. Sports (Jamaica-linked): Popcaan’s Drake collaboration “Amazing Shape” lands on the Billboard Hot 100.