AGP Executive Report

Education Recovery: Jamaica’s Ministry of Education is pushing summer numeracy and literacy for students who missed mastery in PEP, aiming for at least 80% readiness before high school in September. Assessment Reform: CXC’s shift from School-Based Assessment to paper 032 is framed as a leadership and supervision test for school heads, not just a classroom change. Road Safety Tech & Enforcement: The JN Foundation is urging faster enforcement of Jamaica’s new motorcycle helmet standard and stronger port inspections to block substandard helmets. Digital Skills for TVET: CARICOM’s Digitalisation of TVET Delivery project says regional capacity for digital training is now embedded in pilot countries. Fintech & Payments: MangoErrands launches a Jamaica payments platform that lets diaspora senders direct funds to specific local vendors via a secure digital wallet. Banking Modernisation: ICSL becomes an exclusive implementation partner for NETinfo’s digital banking platform across the Caribbean. AI for Investors: GK Capital rolls out “GK Investor Intelligence,” adding an AI assistant for Jamaican stocks and global bonds research. Public Services Online: Jamaica Post is being repositioned as a government service centre to help citizens access online services with on-site support. Infrastructure Disruption: A burst 36-inch trunk main on Jamaica Road in London triggered flooding and closures, with Thames Water working 24/7 to restore supply. Culture & Grants: Kingston Creative becomes the first Caribbean NGO to win a UNESCO-Aschberg grant for an 18-month artist resilience programme.

Jamaica Post Upgrade: Jamaica Post is being repositioned as a government service centre, with a pilot using about 400 postal points islandwide so citizens can access online government services with staff support, backed by IDB support and rebuilding of post offices damaged by Hurricane Beryl and Melissa. AI for Investors: GK Capital launched GK Investor Intelligence, an AI-powered research platform for Jamaican equities and global bonds, including an AI Investment Assistant for plain-language questions. Digital Banking Across the Region: Innovative Corporate Solutions Limited (ICSL) was named NETinfo’s exclusive implementation partner for digital banking across the Caribbean, combining Jamaica-based delivery with ongoing technical support. Education Tech & Integrity: CARICOM’s Digitalisation of TVET Delivery Project wrapped with regionally built online learning units and training for instructors across member states, while CXC is rolling out sensitisation on its School-Based Assessment reforms using Paper 032 for non-practical subjects. Transport Tech: Amber OnTime and Visual Vibe will deploy self-service taxi booking kiosks and in-vehicle digital media across Amber’s 200+ vehicle network. Regulated Cannabis: The Cannabis Licensing Authority opened new headquarters at 7 Haining Road to strengthen modern, transparent regulation and client-focused services. Market Signals: Remittance inflows into Jamaica are slowing, and consumer confidence fell 2.3% in Q2 2026 even as business confidence edged up 2.3%.

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The UN’s International Seabed Authority granted a five-year extension to Canadian firm The Metals Company, even as disputes over compliance and ISA rules continue—while Jamaica-based ocean voices push for a moratorium. Education & AI: CXC is rolling out sensitisation across the region on School-Based Assessment reforms, shifting many non-practical subjects to Paper 032 under exam conditions to protect integrity as generative AI rises. Digital Government Services: Jamaica Post is being repositioned as a government service centre, with a pilot using post offices as “one counter” access points for online services, plus upgrades for civil registration and national ID. Mobility Tech & Media: Amber OnTime and Visual Vibe are partnering to launch self-service taxi booking kiosks and in-vehicle digital media across Jamaica. Regional Tech Skills: CARICOM’s Digitalisation of TVET Delivery Project wrapped up, leaving online learning units and training to boost digital readiness across member states. Cybersecurity Signal: Fortinet reports Jamaica saw 5.4 million cyberattack attempts in 2026, underscoring the need for stronger defenses.

Caribbean Digital Banking Push: Jamaica’s ICSL has been named NETinfo’s exclusive implementation partner across the Caribbean, aiming to help banks and credit unions roll out faster, more secure digital banking features. Education Tech & Language Learning: UTech Jamaica won the bid to host the WorldCALL Conference in 2028, spotlighting computer-assisted language learning and bringing a global education crowd to Papine. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: French Polynesia says it wasn’t consulted over an American seabed mining proposal, as Jamaica hosts International Seabed Authority talks and local activists renew calls for a moratorium. Cyber & AI Concerns: A report warns that AI is reshaping how people search the web, while Jamaica-linked coverage highlights rising cyberattack attempts and the need for stronger digital defenses. Health Science: An umbrella review finds hibiscus tea is linked to dose-dependent blood pressure and metabolic improvements across randomized trials. STEM in the Classroom: Sports-themed lesson units are helping students engage more in math and science.

Education & AI Integrity: CXC is moving to protect School-Based Assessment integrity as generative AI rises, with reforms to the SBA framework and a phase-out of traditional SBA for most CSEC/CAPE subjects. EdTech & Learning Tech: One on One Educational Services says it’s positioning for stronger earnings and is applying for a US patent for a new education technology platform aimed at more responsive learning and real-time skill-gap assessment. Cybersecurity: Fortinet reports Jamaica saw 5.4 million cyberattack attempts in 2026, underscoring the need for stronger defenses. Health Security (AMR): CARPHA completed a five-day technical visit to Turks and Caicos to strengthen antimicrobial resistance detection, lab systems, surveillance, and biosafety. Road Safety Research: New Lancet Public Health findings show road injuries and deaths are falling globally, but progress is uneven and low- and middle-income countries still carry most of the burden. Disaster Resilience: SEPROD Foundation and Germany’s embassy signed grants for Seaford Town’s resilience hub, including structural rehab and a solar energy system. Mobile Trust: Truecaller joined GSMA to help shape standards for safer, trusted mobile communications and call authentication. Digital Currency Watch: South Korea begins large-scale live testing of its digital won using permissioned blockchain with real government subsidy funds.

Road Safety Tech & Enforcement: Security Minister Dr Horace Chang says Jamaica must treat road deaths like violent crime, pushing the JCF to intensify road policing after a Trelawny crash killed seven. Disaster Resilience & Energy: SEPROD Foundation and Germany’s embassy sign grants for Seaford Town’s Community Resilience Hub, including solar power and structural rehabilitation after Hurricane Melissa. Education & Skills Pipeline: HEART College hospitality trainees join UNESCO Global Skills Academy scholarships in China, while UWI Mona and Western Jamaica outline a multi-year expansion that includes a School of Engineering and a new 50-bed hospital. Local AI Policy Push: JTA calls for a national AI policy after CXC reforms to School-Based Assessment, with concerns about generative AI impacts. Cybersecurity Snapshot: Fortinet reports Jamaica saw 5.4 million cyberattack attempts in 2026. Construction Innovation: Evolution ICF Group promotes insulated concrete form building in Jamaica, claiming faster builds and cooler interiors. Integrity Commission Update: IC can’t locate seven ex-public officials over statutory declaration filings; cases are marked dormant.

AI in Government: New York City’s latest report shows how agencies used AI and other algorithmic tools in 2025, including ChatGPT for drafting content and Gemini via the Department of Environmental Protection—another reminder that “transparency” lists can still be messy. Education & AI Policy: Jamaica Teachers’ Association is calling for a national AI policy in schools after CXC overhauled the School-Based Assessment framework, moving most subjects to exam-condition Paper 032 from 2027. Skills for Jamaica: HEART/NSTA Trust highlights four Jamaicans selected for UNESCO Global Skills Academy scholarships in China, including robotics and allied healthcare, as international confidence in local trainees grows. Cybersecurity: Fortinet reports Jamaica saw 5.4 million cyberattack attempts in 2026, pushing the case for stronger cyber readiness. Deep-Sea Mining: The US plans to auction water areas around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, drawing criticism and raising concerns for marine ecosystems—an issue Jamaica should watch as the region debates seabed rules. Local Tech/Construction: Evolution ICF Group says its insulated concrete form system can speed up home building and cool interiors, betting on practical results over marketing.

Global Skills & Training: HEART College of Hospitality Services has four trainees selected for UNESCO Global Skills Academy scholarships in China, including hospitality plus robotics and allied healthcare, with a 90-day programme running to late September. Education & AI Policy: The Jamaica Teachers’ Association is pushing for a national AI policy for schools after CXC’s overhaul of School-Based Assessment, moving most subjects to exam-condition Paper 032 from 2027. Tertiary Expansion: UWI Mona and Western Jamaica campuses are set for a 3–4 year capital modernisation push, including a new School of Engineering and a 50-bed hospital in western Jamaica. Infrastructure & Housing Tech: Evolution ICF Group says its insulated concrete form system can speed up builds and keep interiors cooler, after completing 45+ projects across 11 parishes. Utilities Customer Service: Jamaica’s utility customers still report delays and inconsistent answers, with the OUR’s 2025 mystery shopping survey urging unified customer experience standards. Deep-Sea Mining Warning: The US plans to auction water areas around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, drawing criticism as countries call for a moratorium. Cybersecurity: Fortinet reporting flags Jamaica facing millions of cyberattack attempts in 2026, underscoring the need for stronger defenses.

Deep-Sea Mining Push: The US plans to auction huge water areas around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, a move that breaks with the Jamaica-based International Seabed Authority and could intensify calls for a moratorium. Education Tech & AI Policy: Jamaica Teachers’ Association is urging a national AI policy for schools after CXC’s School-Based Assessment overhaul, warning the changes could ripple across teaching and assessment. UWI Expansion: UWI has outlined a 3–4 year capital expansion for Mona and Western campuses, including a new School of Engineering and a 50-bed hospital. Student Support: UWI expansion plans come with assurances of no cost hikes for students. Integrity Commission: The Integrity Commission says it can’t locate seven former public officials tied to statutory declaration charges, leaving cases dormant. Utilities Customer Service: OUR’s mystery shopping finds long waits and inconsistent help across JPS, NWC, Digicel and Flow, pushing for unified service standards. Road Safety & Traffic Tech: ITA reports fatal crashes remain a crisis; meanwhile, demerit points start Oct 1, and Mammee Bay toll congestion will be eased with extra lanes and stronger E-Pass use. Cybersecurity: Fortinet reports Jamaica saw 5.4 million cyberattack attempts in 2026.

HEART Global Skills Scholarships: HEART/NSTA Trust says four Jamaican trainees selected for the 2026 Global Skills Academy in China show “growing international confidence,” with fully funded 90-day training in hospitality, robotics and allied healthcare. AI in Education: The Jamaica Teachers’ Association is pushing for a national AI policy for schools after CXC’s School-Based Assessment overhaul, warning the shift to exam-condition alternatives won’t solve broader misuse risks. Cybersecurity: Fortinet reporting flags Jamaica hit by about 5.4 million cyberattack attempts in 2026, even as local firms show rising seriousness about security. Utility Customer Service: Jamaica’s OUR mystery shopping finds long waits and inconsistent answers across JPS, NWC, Digicel and Flow, urging unified customer experience standards and faster digital/social responses. Casino Readiness: Jamaica’s Casino Gaming Commission boosts investigative capacity with a three-day training workshop ahead of the casino sector opening. Deep-Sea Mining Debate: The US plans to auction water areas around American Samoa for deep-sea mining, drawing renewed calls for moratoriums amid concerns for fragile marine life. Transport Tech & Policy: Mammee Bay toll plaza expansion plans move ahead to cut congestion, while a demerit points zero-tolerance regime is set for Oct 1, 2026.

AI & Education Policy: The Jamaica Teachers’ Association is pushing for a national AI policy in schools after CXC overhauled its School-Based Assessment framework, warning the changes could ripple across Jamaica’s education system. Assessment Reform Clarification: CXC says the shift to supervised Paper 032 for many non-practical subjects is meant to protect integrity without adding undue pressure, while practical subjects keep SBA. Transport Tech & Compliance: Works Minister Robert Morgan announced immediate steps to cut congestion at the Mammee Bay toll plaza, including two extra toll lanes and stronger E-Pass promotion, while Transport Minister Daryl Vaz rolls out a zero-tolerance demerit points system from Oct. 1, 2026 tied to clearing a backlog of 1.1 million tickets. Digital Inclusion: The USF handed the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities 18 devices (tablets and laptops) to strengthen service delivery. Cyber & Industry Readiness: The Casino Gaming Commission is training investigators ahead of the casino rollout, building capacity for anti-money laundering and compliance work. Deep-Sea Mining Warning: A new push to auction water for deep-sea mining around American Samoa is drawing renewed concern, as scientists warn of major harm to fragile marine life.

Regional Tax Tech: CARICOM tax administrators and revenue experts meet in Georgetown, Guyana (27–31 July) to map a “smart, data-driven and AI-enabled” future for tax administration. Traffic Systems Upgrade: Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says Jamaica’s demerit points zero-tolerance regime starts Oct 1, 2026, tied to clearing 1.1M outstanding tickets, while Works Minister Morgan announces immediate fixes at Mammee Bay toll plaza (extra lanes) and longer-term expansion plans. Disability Inclusion via ICT: The USF hands JCPD 18 devices (12 tablets, 6 laptops) to boost service delivery, as the Labour Ministry pushes connectivity and representation for persons with disabilities. Cybersecurity Watch: Fortinet reports Jamaica saw 5.4M cyberattack attempts in H1 2026, with AI and automation increasingly used by attackers. Education + AI Assessment: CXC reforms school-based assessments amid generative AI concerns, phasing out traditional SBAs for most non-practical subjects and moving to supervised exam conditions with topics shared in advance. Energy Reliability: JPS submits its technical report on the June 5 islandwide outage to OUR and the Energy Ministry; experts will review root cause and resilience. Deep-Sea Mining Alarm: New reports warn deep-sea mining could threaten vent ecosystems, while the US plans to auction water around American Samoa for mining. Workforce + AI in Services: Jamaica’s outsourcing sector jobs reportedly fell to ~40,000; leaders say recovery hinges on marketing and upskilling, not AI blame.

UN Diplomacy: India formally launched its 2028–29 UNSC bid with a SHANTI agenda covering Global South voice, peacekeeping upgrades, multilateral reform, and AI risk governance. Education & AI: CXC is reforming School-Based Assessments, phasing out traditional SBA for most non-practical CSEC/CAPE subjects and moving to Paper 032 under exam conditions, with topics shared about a month ahead. Workforce Skills: Jamaica’s education ministry says TVET needs a fast upgrade—more world-class labs for technical high schools—so students can thrive as AI reshapes jobs. Cybersecurity: Fortinet reports Jamaica saw 5.4 million cyberattack attempts in the first half of 2026, with AI and automation boosting attacker capability. Power Reliability: JPS says its June 5 islandwide blackout was triggered by a rare lightning strike-induced fault at Hunts Bay substation, with cascading generator trips; corrective measures are underway. Business Automation: Valenta warns firms to fix processes before automating with AI. Waste-to-Value: SRC urges businesses to treat waste as a revenue stream via valorisation studies, including biogas and fertiliser from organic waste.

Cybersecurity: Fortinet says Jamaica saw 46.7 million attempted cyberattacks in 2025 and 5.4 million in the first half of 2026, with AI and automation helping criminals scan and scale attacks. Power Reliability: JPS has submitted its June 5 islandwide outage report to the OUR and Ministry of Energy, pointing to a rare lightning-strike-induced fault at the Hunts Bay substation that triggered cascading generator trips; JPS says service fully returned by June 6 and corrective measures are underway. Education Funding: Public schools get an extra $757.5m for 2026/27, with grants split across administration, repairs, learning materials, and STEAM/TVET support. Tourism Connectivity: Jamaica and Panama renew their multi-destination tourism push, aiming for a common visa framework and better airlift to make regional hopping easier. Agriculture & Exports: Ackee demand is outpacing supply, and the agriculture minister is urging farmers to expand production, citing strong export and tourism-linked earnings. Health & Climate Tech: Westmoreland reports a steady drop in Aedes mosquito breeding, while the Ministry of Health is finalising costs to renovate hurricane-damaged health centres.

Ocean Cleanup Inspiration: Dutch teen Boyan Slat’s plastic-stopping idea has grown into The Ocean Cleanup, which has removed millions of kilograms of plastic from oceans and rivers. Sports Science for Women: FIFA launched a science-backed pregnancy and postpartum guide for elite footballers, aiming to end the old “benching” culture and reduce injury risk. Public Health & Safety: Westmoreland reports a steady drop in Aedes mosquito breeding, but officials warn against complacency and push “search and destroy” prevention. Utility Experience: Jamaica’s OUR 2025 Mystery Shopping study names NWC the top customer experience utility provider, with gains in call centre and in-store service. Transport Tech Leadership: Lieutenant Colonel Sheldon Bryan appointed Director General of Jamaica’s Island Traffic Authority, tasked with modernising systems and getting the Black River exam depot running fast. Education Funding: Public schools get an extra $757.5m for 2026/27, with set shares for repairs, learning materials, TVET/STEAM, and student welfare. Climate Data Push: Water Minister Matthew Samuda says Jamaica is moving toward a supercomputer to model and “cost out” heat’s economic impact. Local Tech Talent: USF ICT Education Grant applications are open until July 17 for emerging digital leaders and professional development. Regional Logistics Plan: OECS backs a concept for an air cargo hub at Saint Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport to speed Caribbean deliveries. Nuclear Energy Link: Portland Holdings signs an MOU with Turkish nuclear tech firm Nuclean to explore training, supply-chain and SMR opportunities.

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.