AGP Executive Report

Regional Security: Asset recovery and joint investigations take centre stage as Caribbean law enforcement officials meet in Guyana, pushing a shared framework for Joint Investigation Teams. Climate & Skills: Slalom sustainability leader Meagan Breidert argues for plain-language climate action, while the UN marks World Youth Skills Day with a focus on AI, green and social-emotional skills. Biodiversity Under Threat: The IUCN Red List flags deep-sea mining as the biggest threat to a critically endangered deep-sea snail, warning that mining could smother vent life. Local Tech & Infrastructure: Jamaica’s NWC tops customer experience in a 2025 mystery shopping study, and NaRRA’s US$200m sewerage overhaul for Kingston and St Andrew targets failing pipes. AI Governance: UNESCO backs a Caribbean AI Policy Roadmap, urging the region to shape AI rules instead of just adopting them. Energy & Industry: Michael Lee-Chin’s Portland Holdings signs an MOU to support Turkey’s nuclear push via small modular reactor partners. Funding for Digital Talent: Jamaicans have until July 17 to apply for USF ICT Education Grants.

AI Infrastructure Debate: A proposed AI data centre is back in the spotlight after new MoUs, but critics warn Jamaica risks repeating the “promised much, delivered little” pattern—especially without smaller, proven digital foundations. Water & Climate Tech: Water Minister Matthew Samuda says NaRRA will overhaul Kingston and St Andrew’s failing sewerage with US$200M, while the PIOJ is set to buy a supercomputer to model and officially “cost out” heat’s economic impact. Regional AI Governance: St Kitts and Nevis’ UNESCO commission backs the CARICOM Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap, pushing humane, ethical AI that supports teachers, students, and public services. Utility Customer Experience: Jamaica’s NWC tops the 2025 Mystery Shopping Study for customer experience, with gains in call centre and in-store service. Digital Payments: The ECB selects 36 firms for a digital euro pilot starting in 2027, with Jamaica noted among the few countries already running CBDC pilots. STEM Youth Spotlight: PBS Jamaica backs Jamaica’s Drone Soccer team for the Korea FIDA International Cup, framing drone sport as engineering and problem-solving training. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The UN seabed regulator defends its authority as The Metals Company seeks to halt an investigation into its conduct. Public Safety: Police Commissioner Kevin Blake flags domestic violence as a persistent threat despite falling murders, stressing early intervention via DVICs.

Caribbean AI Governance: St. Kitts and Nevis UNESCO Sec. Gen. Nerys Dockery praised CARICOM’s formal endorsement of a UNESCO Caribbean AI Policy Roadmap, stressing humane, ethical AI that empowers teachers, protects students, and avoids widening inequality. Education Transport Tech: Jamaica’s National Rural School Bus Programme is getting strong feedback a year after rollout, with schools citing safer, more reliable commutes and real cost relief for families. Water Infrastructure Upgrade: Minister Matthew Samuda says Hermitage Dam redesign is still on track, with construction expected to start in 18–24 months and upgrades aimed at expanding storage while keeping potable supply running. Healthcare Transformation: UHWI medical chief Dr Carl Bruce reports major growth, including 103,000+ procedures in 2025 and a projected 120,000 in 2026, as the hospital modernises care and expands services. Deep-Sea Mining Oversight: The UN seabed regulator defended its authority in Kingston as The Metals Company seeks to halt an investigation, arguing the deep ocean is “common heritage” and must be governed through UN processes. Digital Payments: The ECB selected 36 providers for a digital euro pilot starting in late 2027, with Revolut, Stripe and SumUp among the firms. Utility Regulation Leadership: Nigel Burgess was elected deputy chairman of OOCUR, boosting regional coordination on energy transition, affordability and resilience. Domestic Violence Focus: Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake says murders are down but domestic violence remains a major threat, highlighting the role of DV intervention centres. STEM in Action: PBS Jamaica backs Jamaica’s Drone Soccer team ahead of the FIDA International Cup in South Korea, framing drone sport as engineering and problem-solving for youth. Scam Alert (Medicinal Cannabis): Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority road tour warns cultivators to verify permit info directly and avoid WhatsApp and social media scams. Regional Tech & Trade Links: Jaxport launched a new Asia–LatAm–Med container service that includes a stop in Kingston, improving connectivity for Caribbean and Latin American markets.

Medicinal cannabis scam warning: Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority is taking its Special Cannabis Permit Road Tour to communities in St Elizabeth, with state minister Delano Seiveright urging growers and investors to verify permits directly with the regulator and avoid fake WhatsApp messages and “unrealistic promises.” Water resilience upgrade: The Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant (US$92m public-private partnership) is under construction in Content, St Catherine, set to add 15 million gallons of potable water daily to the NWC system for 150,000+ customers, targeting completion in May 2027. AI and jobs: PwC Jamaica highlights that AI is boosting demand for human skills—critical thinking, communication, leadership and judgement—while AI-related roles are growing far faster than the overall market. Deep-sea mining debate: Jamaica is represented at the International Seabed Authority meeting in Kingston as calls grow for a moratorium over environmental risks and concerns about how parallel permits may be handled. Domestic violence focus: Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake says murders may be down, but domestic violence remains a major threat, stressing early intervention and the role of Domestic Violence Intervention Centres. Local tech/industry growth: Caribbean Food Delights opened a US$17m expanded patties facility in New York with robotics and a third production line, lifting output by 15% to 40,000 patties per hour. Infrastructure push: St James is set to receive 10 bridges under Jamaica’s Accelerated Bridge Programme, part of a US$100m plan for 55 climate-resilient bridges nationwide.

Regional Energy Regulation: Bermuda’s Nigel Burgess was elected deputy chairman of the Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators, as the region tackles energy transition, affordability, and resilience. US Caribbean Investment Push: The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation plans to expand its Caribbean pipeline, with officials visiting Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Antigua & Barbuda to explore financing for energy and transport infrastructure. Ocean & Climate Cooperation: Jamaica signed four international environmental agreements at Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, including ocean acidification and mangrove-focused partnerships. Public Access to Information: Barbados’ media community heard calls for freedom of information research across the region, with Jamaica already cited among countries that have passed such laws. Tech & Jobs: PwC says AI is boosting demand for human skills in Jamaica’s services sector, not just technical roles. National ID Uptake: Jamaica’s NIDS card is now accepted by banks as government photo ID, with due diligence still depending on account risk. Education Support: A special education diagnostic centre is set to open in Portland in September, reducing the need to travel to Kingston. Drone Soccer Funding: Jamaica’s drone soccer team received $1.35m to compete in South Korea. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: Delegates meet in Kingston for the International Seabed Authority as calls grow for a moratorium over environmental risks. Water Resilience Project: Construction is underway on the Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant, aimed at boosting potable supply for hundreds of thousands. AI in the Workplace: IBEX says AI is meant to enhance productivity in global services, echoing the “human skills” message.

Education & Health Pipeline: St James MP Edmund Bartlett says the planned Barrett Hall township could get Jamaica’s first STEAM school, while in Portland a new special education diagnostic centre is set to open in September. Student STEM-to-Medicine: Roshann Watson, from St James, is set to start MBBS at UWI Mona in September after excelling in Basic Medical Science. National ID for Banking: Jamaica’s NIDS card is now accepted by all member banks, with “low-risk” accounts needing simplified due diligence. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Delegations meet in Kingston at the International Seabed Authority as countries and groups push to keep a deep-sea mining moratorium. Water Resilience: The Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant (US$92m) is advancing to add 15 million gallons of potable water daily, targeting May 2027 completion. AI & Work Skills: PwC says AI is boosting demand for human skills like critical thinking and communication, not just technical ability. Drone Soccer Funding: Jamaica’s drone football team gets $1.35m for South Korea competition, highlighting sport-tech STEM pathways. Energy Affordability Debate: A fresh push argues Jamaica’s electricity discussion must focus on measuring affordability, not just choosing solar vs nuclear.

Cuba’s Tourism Crunch: Cuba’s tourism model is hitting hard limits, with hotel occupancy near 13% early 2026 and arrivals down sharply as fuel and electricity shortages disrupt travel. Water Resilience Upgrade: Jamaica’s Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant (US$92m) is set to add 15 million gallons of potable water daily for 150,000+ customers, targeting completion in May 2027. Dry-Season Fixes: NIC is rehabilitating canals and replacing pipelines to cut leaks and protect irrigation access during drought conditions. Bridges for Climate Safety: St James is slated to receive 10 bridges under the Accelerated Bridge Programme, aiming for climate-resilient crossings nationwide. Drone Soccer Funding: The sport ministry approved J$1.35m for Jamaica’s drone soccer team to compete in South Korea, pushing STEM skills through a fast-growing discipline. NIDS in Banking: Banks are now accepting the NIDS card as government photo ID, with simplified due diligence for lower-risk accounts. AI and Work Skills: PwC says AI is boosting demand for human skills like critical thinking and judgement, not just technical ability. Special Education Access: A new diagnostic centre in Portland is expected to open in September, reducing the need for families to travel to Kingston. Anti-Fraud Collaboration: MOCA calls for tighter cooperation across financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement to treat fraud intelligence as a shared national asset.

AI & Work Skills: PwC says AI is boosting demand for uniquely human skills in Jamaica’s global services—critical thinking, communication, leadership and judgement—while AI-related jobs grow far faster than the overall market. Education & Inclusion: A special education diagnostic centre is set to open in Portland in September, cutting the need for families in eastern parishes to travel to Kingston for assessments. Public ID & Banking: Jamaica’s NIDS card is now accepted across the banking sector, with simplified due diligence for low-risk accounts—though requirements can vary by transaction. Energy Policy Debate: Jamaica’s SMR proposal is being pushed for tougher public scrutiny, with calls for a real comparative feasibility study before any commitment. Grid Affordability: A national electricity affordability target is flagged as missing from Jamaica’s energy planning, as the country debates solar, nuclear, LNG and batteries. Sports Tech: Jamaica’s drone soccer team gets $1.35m to compete in South Korea, highlighting STEM skills through the fast-growing sport. Agritech & Plant Health: A new Seed and Nursery Certification Unit at Bodles aims to protect plant health and improve food security by certifying disease-free planting material. Fraud & Finance: MOCA urges stronger anti-fraud collaboration across institutions, regulators and law enforcement, calling fraud intelligence a shared national asset.

CARICOM Diplomacy: CARICOM heads of government met in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia (5–8 July) under PM Philip J. Pierre’s chairmanship, with Jamaica’s PM Andrew Holness among attendees, keeping regional policy coordination in focus. Digital Travel Tech: Ghana launched a fully digital e-visa system, aiming to cut processing delays and reduce fraud risks while boosting African mobility and trade. Public Service Skills: Jamaica’s Finance Minister Fayval Williams says the government will keep investing in public officers’ professional development as part of public service modernisation. Border Rules Tech: The UK updated visitor entry-clearance guidance, confirming which countries need visas for short stays under six months. Drone Soccer Funding: Jamaica’s drone football team received $1.35m from the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport for a South Korea competition (July 11–18). Agriculture Tech & Food Security: Jamaica Post will host a UPU e-commerce readiness workshop (July 21–23), while the Plant Quarantine branch set up a Seed and Nursery Certification Unit at Bodles Research Station to improve disease-free planting material. Health Research: A Jamaica study highlights that painful periods are linked to depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among women with sickle cell disease, calling for urgent, targeted care.

Drone-Soccer Boost: Jamaica’s Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport commits J$1.35m to send the national drone football team to South Korea (July 11–18), pushing a STEM-linked sport pathway after earlier Caribbean wins. Digital Travel Tech: Ghana launches a national e-visa platform aimed at cutting processing times and fraud using encryption and biometric checks—an Africa-wide mobility and trade upgrade. Postal E-Commerce Readiness: Jamaica Post hosts a UPU ORE Plus workshop (July 21–23) to strengthen postal operators for the digital economy. Agriculture & Plant Health: A new Seed and Nursery Certification Unit opens at Bodles Research Station to certify planting material and curb disease spread. AI & Safety for GBV: The JamSafe app is being developed with features like emergency alerts and AI-assisted safety screening to improve survivor support. Workforce Skills: Jamaica’s HEART student Courtenay Ferguson heads to WorldSkills Shanghai in ICT network infrastructure. Fraud Fight: MOCA calls for stronger, practical anti-fraud collaboration across regulators, banks, and law enforcement. Health Research: Study links painful periods with higher depression/anxiety and suicidal thoughts among women with sickle cell disease.

Anti-Fraud Push: MOCA’s Desmond Edwards says fraud intelligence must become a shared national asset, calling for tighter, practical links between banks, regulators, and law enforcement. Drought Tech in Action: NIC plans about 700m of canal rehab and 1,400m of pipeline replacement to cut leaks and improve irrigation access during dry conditions. AI and Jobs: A JIS think tank hears that AI should boost productivity and “sharpen” human work in global services, not replace people. GBV Safety App: The JamSafe app is being built with one-tap emergency alerts, AI-assisted safety screening, secure messaging, and live location sharing to strengthen prevention and response. Health Research: A UWI study links painful periods with higher depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among women living with sickle cell disease. Deep-Sea Mining Warning: The IUCN Red List flags 62% of hydrothermal-vent molluscs at risk from mining impacts. Global Services Strain: GSAJ leaders report the sector’s workforce fell by about a third since 2023-24, with Hurricane Melissa and costs cited. Education Access: A special education diagnostic centre in Portland is set to open in September to reduce travel to Kingston for assessments.

Health Workforce & Migration: Ghana’s NMTC and ENT Nursing School in Kumasi welcomed 145 post-basic specialised nursing students backed by “Mahama Care,” with plans to sign MoUs with the US and UK to deploy Ghanaian nurses abroad, building on Jamaica-linked agreements. Biodiversity & Mining: The IUCN Red List warns deep-sea mining threatens 62% of endemic hydrothermal vent molluscs (125 of 201), with mining sediment plumes risking whole ecosystems and potential tech-linked species. Climate Resilience: UN Climate Change highlights Jamaica’s 2050 Long-Term Emission Reduction and Climate-Resilient Strategy, noting adaptation costs are comparable to losses from Hurricane Melissa—making resilience investment a cheaper path than rebuilding. Global Services Jobs: Jamaica’s global services sector has shed about a third of its workforce since 2023-24, and newly elected GSAJ president Yoni Epstein calls for a stronger government-led push to market BPO as AI reshapes demand. Tech & Innovation in Education: Northern Caribbean University won an international AI platform pitch competition with “WellNest,” aimed at helping clinicians write clinical notes. Public Safety Tech: JCF urges more businesses and institutions to connect surveillance systems to the JamaicaEye network to boost investigations and deter crime. Sports Development: Smash Jamaica 2026 launches with a new racket-sports bag line from Bresheh and aims to give 40+ junior players international experience.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The IUCN Red List warns 62% of vent-dwelling molluscs are at risk from deep-sea mining, pushing calls for a moratorium as mineral extraction smothers fragile ecosystems. Climate Resilience Spotlight: UN Climate Change highlights Jamaica’s 2050 climate-resilient strategy as a model, stressing resilience investment can cost less than rebuilding after shocks like Hurricane Melissa. Hurricane Season Update: CSU forecasts a well-below-normal 2026 Atlantic season, with fewer named storms expected as El Niño conditions strengthen. Local Tech & AI in Health: Northern Caribbean University students win an international pitch with WellNest, an AI tool to help clinicians write notes. Public-Sector Debate: Teams will argue productivity growth vs new higher-value industries, and a push for legal public access to foreshore and sea. Education Access: A special education diagnostic centre in Portland is set to open in September to cut travel for assessments. Crypto Regulation: Jamaica’s FSC opens consultations to license and supervise virtual asset service providers, targeting a framework for AML/CFT and business conduct. Security Tech Push: JCF urges more organisations to connect surveillance systems to JamaicaEye to strengthen investigations.

AI in healthcare education: Northern Caribbean University students Adrian Tennant and Gary Bryan won the International Business Plan and Pitch competition 2026 with WellNest, an AI platform to help clinicians write clinical notes. Public safety tech: JamaicaEye is getting a push from the JCF to link more cameras to the network, boosting crime prevention and investigations. Climate resilience & nature-based protection: Minister Matthew Samuda stressed that wetlands are key to storm surge reduction, flooding control, fisheries, biodiversity and carbon storage—citing lessons from Hurricane Melissa. Water infrastructure: NWC warned of traffic changes along the Elegant Corridor in Rose Hall as phase one of the Western Water Resilience Improvement Project begins. Regulation for digital assets: Jamaica’s Financial Services Commission opened consultations on rules to license and supervise virtual asset service providers. Energy transition: Prime Minister Philip Davis commissioned completed rooftop solar installations at the University of The Bahamas. Local skills pipeline: Rhoda Moy Crawford urged youth to use free iamtheCODE tech training to improve employability.

AI in Healthcare: Northern Caribbean University (NCU) computer science students Adrian Tennant and Gary Bryan won the International Business Plan and Pitch competition 2026 with WellNest, an AI platform to help doctors write clinical notes, taking home US$20,000 after beating 40+ teams worldwide. Public Safety Tech: The Jamaica Constabulary Force is urging businesses to connect their surveillance systems to the JamaicaEye public camera network, citing recent investigations where footage helped identify suspects and strengthen cases. Hurricane Outlook: Colorado State University’s updated 2026 Atlantic forecast calls for below-average activity, estimating nine named storms (four hurricanes, one major) versus earlier higher projections. Cyber/Regulation: Jamaica’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) has opened consultations on rules to license and supervise virtual asset service providers, targeting a sector tied to an estimated US$2.07B in 2024 crypto transactions. Energy & Industry: Minister Floyd Green says JISCO’s Alpart refinery modernisation is in two phases, with phase one (US$490M) aiming for a June 2027 restart. Education & Innovation: UWI will host its first International Undergraduate Student Leadership Conference and Entrepreneurship Exhibition (Sept 23–25, hybrid), while iamtheCODE Caribbean graduates the first cohort of free tech trainees.

Disaster Response & Resilience: Jamaica is sending humanitarian help to Venezuela after the earthquake, with Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith citing long-standing regional solidarity. Climate & Water Infrastructure: The NWC warned of traffic changes on the Elegant Corridor in Rose Hall as phase one of the Western Water Resilience Improvement Project begins, with lane closures expected to shift. Community Recovery After Hurricane Melissa: Reverend Dr. Henley Morgan says the focus must move from relief to rebuilding—“hand up, not handouts”—while St Elizabeth Homecoming Foundation leaders question NaRRA’s lead role. Quality Infrastructure & Trade: JANAAC and BSJ highlighted how accreditation boosts innovation and trust, while the Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection branch secured ISO/IEC 17020:2012 accreditation to strengthen export safety. Digital Skills: Education State Minister Rhoda Moy Crawford urged youth to use free iamtheCODE tech training to improve employability. AI & Gender Safety: UNESCO convened Jamaica stakeholders around AI-enabled gender-based violence, launching “Blocking is NOT Enough.” Energy & Industry: Alpart refinery could reopen by June 2027 after a US$490m modernization plan. Education & Leadership: UWI will host its first international undergraduate leadership and entrepreneurship conference in September.