AGP Executive Report

Telecom Resilience: Flow Jamaica has removed its legacy underground copper network to make room for more fibre routes underground, aiming to better protect connectivity from severe weather. Aquaculture Breakthrough: Jamaica’s first marine cage-culture harvest yielded more than 5,000 pounds of red drum after a seven-month project in St Thomas, opening a new avenue for local fish production. Health Research: The International Diabetes Federation has recognized type 5 diabetes, a condition first described in Jamaica in 1955 and thought to affect millions worldwide. Classroom Technology: Seaforth High is using virtual reality in ICT and business classes, helping students explore computer components and other concepts in an immersive setting. Climate-Smart Farming: A locally developed soil amendment is being prepared for Jamaican farmers; its distributor says it can help crops grow with up to 60 per cent less water.

Network Resilience: Flow Jamaica has removed its legacy underground copper network to make room for more fibre routes underground, aiming to protect connectivity from high winds and falling trees. Classroom Technology: Seaforth High in St Thomas is using virtual reality in ICT and business classes, giving students hands-on practice with equipment and helping boost engagement. Water-Saving Agriculture: A locally developed soil treatment, made with a Jamaican-sourced ingredient, is being prepared for farmers; its distributor says it can help crops grow with up to 60 per cent less water. Tourism and AI: At a regional tourism conference, an expert warned that Caribbean businesses are lagging as travellers use AI to plan trips: 24 per cent of US travellers now use it, while only 12 per cent of Caribbean businesses use AI effectively. Clean Energy: Jamaica plans to launch a 300-megawatt renewable-energy auction before year-end.

Virtual Reality in Schools: Seaforth High in St Thomas is using VR in ICT and business classes, with teachers reporting stronger student engagement and academic results. Drought-Resistant Farming: Jamaican-developed soil amendment Live Soil could help crops grow with up to 60% less water, its distributor says, as it prepares to bring the product to local farmers. AI and Tourism: Caribbean travellers are increasingly using AI to plan trips, but only 12% of regional businesses use it effectively, according to a tourism conference speaker—leaving many small firms harder for AI tools to find. Agricultural Research: A visit to CASE’s Wambugu apple research has sparked interest in growing the fruit in Belize, potentially reducing import dependence. Clean Energy: Jamaica plans to launch a 300-megawatt renewable-energy auction before year-end. Digital Learning: A storm-damaged library at Lacovia High is being rebuilt as a digital learning hub, with its opening set for October 16. Early Childhood Research: Research begun at UWI in the 1980s on nutrition and early stimulation has earned its researchers the 2026 Yidan Prize for Education Development.

AI and Tourism: Caribbean travellers are turning to AI to plan trips, but only 12% of regional businesses use it effectively, a tourism conference heard. Jamaica is among the region’s early adopters, yet businesses risk going unseen if AI tools cannot find them. SME Cybersecurity: Mastercard’s regional survey found 97% of small businesses accept digital payments, while fraud and cyberattacks remain a major barrier to growth; four in ten have delayed adopting digital tools over security concerns. Digital Skills: iamtheCODE plans to offer 600,000 Jamaicans free online training in AI, coding and digital literacy. School Technology: Lacovia High’s storm-damaged library is being transformed into a digital learning hub, scheduled to open October 16. Agricultural Research: Belize’s agriculture minister visited CASE to explore Wambugu apple research as a possible way to diversify production and reduce imports. Jamaica will also chair CARDI’s board, helping shape the region’s agricultural research agenda.

Cybersecurity: Mastercard’s regional survey found 51% of small businesses see fraud and cyberattacks as a major barrier to expanding digital payments, while cyber risks have delayed or halted new technology adoption for four in 10 firms. Digital Skills: A free iamtheCODE programme aims to give 600,000 Jamaicans online training in AI, coding and digital literacy, helping more people prepare for work in the digital economy. Agricultural Research: Jamaica will chair CARDI’s Board of Governors, with priorities including new planting materials and farming methods suited to a changing climate. Clean Energy: Jamaica plans to launch a 300-megawatt renewable-energy auction before year-end, a major step in expanding clean power. Tourism Technology: The Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation is preparing hospitality workers for AI, as the sector explores how the technology can improve services and business growth.

Digital Skills: iamtheCODE will offer 600,000 Jamaicans free online training in AI, coding and digital literacy, supporting the country’s push to widen participation in the digital economy. Agricultural Research: Jamaica will chair CARDI’s board, helping steer regional work on climate-ready crops and farming methods; research into growing Wambugu apples in Portland is already drawing interest from Belize. AI in Tourism: The Jamaica Centre for Tourism Innovation is preparing hospitality workers for AI, while UNDP’s Jamaica representative says the technology’s potential to boost productivity remains underused. Clean Energy: Jamaica expects to launch a tender before year-end for up to 300MW of renewable power and 150MW of battery storage. Research in Schools: UTech is seeking to bring its research-based video game on recognising grooming and sexual abuse into schools, following a positive trial with Jamaican students.

Renewable Energy: Jamaica expects to issue its tender for up to 300MW of renewable power and 150MW of battery storage in the fourth quarter, later than planned. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green is calling for technology to boost productivity, including CASE’s 3D-printed aquaponics systems, which could be scaled across the region. Digital Resilience: CaribNOG’s meeting in Curaçao will focus on strengthening the internet infrastructure behind essential services; Jamaican officials are also taking part in regional cybercrime training as the country reports 5.4 million attempted cyberattacks in the first quarter. Science Careers: Minister Andrew Wheatley says Jamaica needs more research funding, facilities and career opportunities to keep trained scientists at home. Cleaner Industry: Caribbean Cement reports a 16% cut in water withdrawals, crediting efficiency gains from its plant-modernisation project.

Digital Security in the Caribbean: Belize and Colombia are teaming up with regional partners, including Jamaica, to train agencies to prevent, investigate, and respond to cybercrime across borders, with a focus on threats like ransomware and the role of AI and cryptocurrency. Disaster-Ready Infrastructure: Jamaica’s NaRRA says it will start operations Nov. 1 at the Digicel Building in Kingston under a five-year lease valued at about US$726,000 a year, while the PNP questions the cost and argues other government buildings could have been used. Education Tech for Safety: A UTech-led project is pushing a research-driven video game, “Gabby,” into Jamaica’s schools to help students recognize grooming and sexual abuse, built from survivor interviews and a survey of more than 7,000 children. AI in Tourism (No Fear Message): Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett tells students to embrace AI as a tool to improve their position in tourism, not something that should scare workers away. Digital Skills for Seniors: Jamaica’s NCSC/HEART/NSTA Trust programme graduated 91 seniors from an ICT digital literacy course, encouraging lifelong learning. Internet Resilience Meeting: CaribNOG 32 heads to Curaçao (Oct 7–9) to focus on strengthening Caribbean digital infrastructure, including submarine cables, data centres, and power systems. Science Talent Retention: Minister Andrew Wheatley says Jamaica must create opportunities and facilities to keep trained scientists from leaving the country. Local Tech Impact: Digicel Foundation reports expanding smart labs and its Safer Internet Together programme, reaching tens of thousands of students. Global Science Spotlight: Nobel Physics and Medicine news highlights major advances in neutrino research and optogenetics, underscoring how “big science” continues to shape future health and technology.

Nobel Science Spotlight: Belgian physicist Francis Halzen won the Physics Nobel for IceCube neutrino discoveries, while a US-German team (Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann, Georg Nagel) took the Medicine Nobel for optogenetics—light-controlled tools that map brain circuits and could advance treatments for disorders like Parkinson’s and epilepsy. AI & Tourism Skills: Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett told students to embrace AI as a career advantage, not a job threat, as Tourism Awareness Week pushes digital upskilling. Digital Resilience for the Region: CaribNOG 32 in Curaçao (Oct 7–9) will focus on Caribbean internet infrastructure and cybersecurity, with hands-on visits to data centres and cable landing sites. Water & Climate Tech: Jamaica’s OUR urged better long-term planning and coordination in the water sector amid drought, with desalination discussed as a possible option if energy costs fall. Education Support: The Jamaica Teaching Council called for more teacher training and stronger mentorship, warning that AI is outpacing in-service professional development. Agriculture Logistics: CEDA says high shipping costs and fragmented sanitary rules are blocking regional food trade—an export bottleneck for tech-enabled supply chains. Health Awareness: PAJ and the Heart Foundation launched a national childhood obesity action push, moving from awareness to coordinated prevention.

Nobel Tech Spotlight: The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine went to Karl Deisseroth and German scientists Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for optogenetics—using light to control cells—work that could reshape treatments for brain and sensory disorders. Digital Resilience: CaribNOG 32 heads to Curaçao (Oct 7–9) to strengthen Caribbean internet infrastructure, cybersecurity, and the systems that keep services running. Water Under Pressure: Jamaica’s OUR is pushing for tighter coordination and long-term planning in the water sector as drought drives lockoffs, with calls for stronger governance and possible umbrella legislation. Climate-Proof Housing: Jamaica’s housing leadership is urging more climate-resilient homes after Hurricane Melissa, stressing safer design, land and financing access, and coordinated delivery. Health & Tech for Kids: The Paediatric Association and Heart Foundation launch “Weight a Bit…” to tackle rising childhood obesity, citing new national school survey figures. Media Measurement Gets AI: MRSL rolls out an AI-upgraded All Media Survey with a longer six-month look to track how Jamaicans move across platforms. Cyber & Learning: Jamaica’s digital skills push continues as schools and training programmes respond to the widening tech gap.

Nobel Tech Watch: The 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine went to Karl Deisseroth and German colleagues Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for optogenetics, a light-based method that helps scientists map brain circuits and could support future treatments for disorders like Parkinson’s and epilepsy. Health & Weight-Loss Research: As the Nobel week opens, appetite-hormone work tied to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro is flagged as a leading contender for the medicine prize. Digital Heritage Access: Nearly 4 million enslavement records from former British colonies—including Jamaica—have been digitized and are now freely searchable online via Ancestry. Media Measurement Upgrade: Jamaica’s All Media Survey is getting an AI-driven rebuild, expanding beyond a short snapshot to a longer six-month view to better track how people move across platforms. Education Tech in Schools: MapMakers, a GIS-based geography teaching pilot, is set to roll out in eight Jamaican high schools to modernise how students learn spatial data. Innovation Funding: DBJ launches a Research and Development Vouchers Programme, offering up to $2.35M per project to help local ideas reach prototypes, testing, and market readiness.

Digital Heritage Access: Nearly 4 million enslavement records from former British colonies have been digitized and made free to search on Ancestry, including Jamaica, opening up names and family links for descendants. AI + Media Measurement: Jamaica’s All Media Survey is getting an AI rebuild, expanding how long it tracks audiences and adding deeper segments for advertisers across TV, radio, print and online. Cybersecurity Law Push: Jamaica is moving toward a dedicated cybersecurity act to require secured data systems and penalties for breaches, with drafting steps aimed at speeding the timeline. Education Tech in Schools: MapMakers will pilot digital mapping and GIS tools in eight high schools to modernise geography teaching, while an ECC principal with a new PhD is focusing on tech-enhanced learning for teachers. Innovation Funding: The DBJ launched R&D Vouchers to help innovators validate prototypes, run lab tests and meet regulatory needs with up to $2.35m per project. Energy Transition Watch: A new regional analysis says Caribbean solar growth is outpacing official stats, but policy bottlenecks are slowing the shift away from imported fossil fuels. Public Digital Skills: 91 seniors completed an ICT digital literacy programme, learning smartphone and computer use and scam protection. Transport Policy Debate: JUTA is calling to ban Uber and push for a locally run ride-hailing platform under Jamaica’s transport rules. Agriculture Action After CWA: Minister Floyd Green urged turning Caribbean Week of Agriculture talks into execution, including a regional focus on premium crops and better implementation.

GIS in Schools: Prime Minister Andrew Holness launched the MapMakers pilot with Esri and National Geographic, rolling out GIS-based geography lessons in eight high schools. Digital Literacy for Seniors: HEART/NSTA Trust, USF and NCSC delivered the ICT Proficiency programme, graduating 91 seniors in St. Andrew. Cybersecurity Lawmaking: Jamaica is moving toward a dedicated Cybersecurity Act to require secure systems and set penalties, alongside the already-updated Cybercrimes Act. Clean Energy Policy Push: An Ember report says Caribbean solar growth is outpacing official stats, but policy and regulation are slowing the wider transition—Jamaica is flagged as highly exposed to imported fuel. Innovation Funding: DBJ launched the R&D Vouchers Programme, offering up to $2.35M per project to validate and test local ideas. Tourism + AI Skills: Tourism officials reaffirm AI integration plans, while Edmund Bartlett urged students to become creators and entrepreneurs, not just tourism workers. Agriculture Tech & Biosecurity: Veterinary Services stepped up bird flu surveillance as migratory season nears. Women-Led Green Tech: CDB’s SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility will support women-led clean energy innovators across the region.

Cybersecurity & Governance: Jamaica is moving to modernise its national cybersecurity framework with a proposed Cybersecurity Act, aiming to secure systems before breaches and set penalties, while keeping the Cybercrimes Act in place. Digital Skills & Education Tech: The MapMakers pilot will bring digital mapping and spatial analysis into eight Jamaican high schools via GIS tools, while the JIS is pushing real-time monitoring to fight misinformation and disinformation online. Tourism Innovation: The Ministry of Tourism reaffirmed its plan to integrate AI and digital tech into tourism, and Edmund Bartlett urged students to become creators and entrepreneurs, not just job seekers. Innovation Funding: DBJ launched a Research and Development Vouchers Programme, offering non-reimbursable support up to $2.35m per project to help innovators validate and test prototypes. Public Access & Inclusion: 91 seniors completed an ICT digital literacy programme, and Jamaica is also stepping up bird flu surveillance with lab testing and animal identification focus. Environment & Heritage Recovery: A contract was signed for emergency restoration work at the Blue and John Crow Mountains World Heritage Site after Hurricane Melissa.

Tourism + AI Push: Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism reaffirmed its plan to integrate AI and digital tools into tourism, aiming for smarter visitor services, marketing, training and crisis management. Education + GIS: Prime Minister Andrew Holness launched the MapMakers pilot to modernise geography teaching in eight high schools using GIS tools. Innovation Funding: The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) rolled out R&D Vouchers, offering up to $2.35M per project to help innovators validate prototypes and reach market. Cybersecurity Lawmaking: Jamaica is moving toward a Cybersecurity Act to require secured data systems and penalties for breaches, while keeping the Cybercrimes Act in place. Digital Skills for Seniors: 91 seniors completed the HEART/NSTA Trust ICT Proficiency programme, boosting smartphone and computer confidence. Clean Energy for Women: The Caribbean Development Bank launched a US$500,000 facility to support women-led clean energy businesses across the region. Public Health + Work Disruption: JMDA says only emergency services will run for doctors for 24 hours amid an overtime compensation dispute. Aviation Safety: A construction worker died during steel erection work at Sangster International Airport; work was suspended and police are investigating.

Cybersecurity Law Push: Jamaica is moving to develop a national cybersecurity act, with a draft timeline aimed at speeding up the legislative process and setting penalties for insecure data systems. AI in Tourism: The Ministry of Tourism reaffirmed plans to integrate AI and digital tools to improve decision-making, workforce skills, and destination management. GIS for Schools: Prime Minister Holness launched MapMakers, a pilot using Esri and National Geographic Society tools to modernise geography teaching in eight high schools, linking data and resilience lessons from storms. Digital Literacy for Seniors: 91 seniors completed the HEART/NSTA Trust ICT proficiency programme, part of efforts to close the digital divide and protect older people from scams. Bird Flu Watch: Veterinary Services stepped up surveillance for highly pathogenic avian influenza ahead of migratory bird season, including routine checks and lab testing. Clean Energy Support for Women: CDB launched a US$500,000 initiative to back women-led businesses building clean energy solutions across the region. WorldSkills Win: Brandon Brown returned after winning gold in optoelectronic technology at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Tourism Ranking Boost: Jamaica climbed four places in the WEF Travel & Tourism Development Index, citing improved resilience and digital readiness.