AGP Executive Report

Maritime Safety Probe: Guyana President Irfaan Ali has named a five-member Commission of Inquiry into the MV Barima ferry disaster, with Justice Godfrey Phillip Smith (Belize) as chair and commissioners including Jamaica’s Captain Hamada Fouda and maritime-law expert Nyree Dawn Alfonso (Trinidad & Tobago), tasked to examine causes, loading, boarding, onboard conditions, and the search-and-rescue response. Fintech Expansion: Supreme Ventures pushes fintech growth via Evolve Money Transfer’s “Zoops, De Money Come!” campaign, highlighting fast diaspora remittances to Jamaica through Ria-linked collections at Supreme Ventures locations. AI in Education: CXC is set to phase out traditional School-Based Assessments in most subjects, replacing them with supervised Paper 032, as debate heats up over how Caribbean schools should handle generative AI. Health Security Tech: CARPHA launches an antimicrobial resistance regional reference laboratory in Jamaica, strengthening the Caribbean health security lab network. Local Tech & Access: Gamma Rho Sigma alumni chapter donates laptops to Places of Safety in St Andrew and Trelawny as part of Hurricane Melissa relief. Policy Transparency: A Jamaica-focused opinion calls for a lobbyist register to make government influence more transparent.

MV Barima Inquiry: Guyana President Irfaan Ali has named a five-member Commission of Inquiry into the ferry capsizing and sinking, including maritime experts from Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Jamaica and Poland, tasked with uncovering causes, loading and boarding procedures, onboard conditions, and the search-and-rescue response. Public Health Tech: CARPHA officially launched an Antimicrobial Resistance Regional Reference Laboratory in Jamaica to strengthen Caribbean lab referral capacity, surveillance and diagnostics as AMR threatens millions globally. AI & Education Debate: A new “AI-led” school model is expanding into Boston and Jamaica Plain, using AI-powered coursework with guides replacing licensed teachers—raising big questions for education policy. Jamaica Tech Exports: The UK’s Making Trade Happen programme is backing export-ready Caribbean tech and BPO firms, with Jamaica’s Shift Left cited among beneficiaries; applications run until Aug 2. Disaster Recovery Planning: Jamaica’s Health Hurricane Response Programme is advancing technical assessments of Hurricane Melissa-damaged facilities via engineering firms, with parish consultations expected after estimates and drawings. Cybercrime Enforcement: A visitor to the Cayman Islands was jailed for importing ATM scam devices after travel via Jamaica, highlighting regional border checks. STEM Youth: Brightstar’s Coding & Robotics Rock! Camp ran across multiple islands with AI model building and robotics for students. Environment & Data: Dunn’s River Falls now offers free Wi-Fi tied to visitor surveys, feeding Tourism Enhancement Fund research on preferences and spending.

Tech Beach Retreat: Tech Beach Retreat (TBR) launched TBRX, its 10th-anniversary edition set for Dec 2–5, 2026 in Montego Bay, aiming to push the Caribbean forward in AI, entrepreneurship, investment and digital transformation. Drone Sports: Jamaica’s drone soccer team grabbed fifth place at the 2026 FIDA Intercontinental Cup in South Korea, showing resilience after travel delays and tough matchups. Road Safety Tech: A new push for telematics is highlighted after a deadly North Coast Highway crash, with calls to shift from reactive enforcement to prevention using real-time vehicle data. Public Health Lab: CARPHA officially launched an Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Regional Reference Laboratory in Jamaica to strengthen surveillance, diagnostics and lab referral capacity across the Caribbean. UK Trade Support for Jamaican Tech: The UK’s Making Trade Happen programme opens to help export-ready Jamaican tech and BPO firms compete globally, building on earlier UK-backed deals worth over US$8M. Education & AI: A local debate on PEP transfers warns parents to prioritize student development over school prestige, while an AI-led schooling model is also making waves abroad. Environment & Science: Coverage spotlights Jamaica’s mangrove protection work and raises questions about deep-sea mining before the region commits to new extraction rules.

Public Health Tech: CARPHA has officially launched an Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Regional Reference Laboratory in Jamaica, upgrading the Caribbean lab referral network to boost surveillance and diagnostic capacity across 26 member states. Regional Tech & Trade: The UK has opened applications for its Making Trade Happen programme, backing export-ready Caribbean tech and BPO firms to win global contracts—citing Jamaican software success like Shift Left. Infrastructure & Engineering: Kingston Harbour Walk Project segment two moves forward with a signed agreement for feasibility and detailed design work, aiming to connect downtown Kingston to Port Royal via a 25-km promenade. Policy Transparency: A Jamaica-focused call is growing for a lobbyist register so citizens can see who is trying to influence government decisions, using Canada’s models as a reference point. AI in Education: Alpha School plans to open AI-led campuses in Boston, Lexington, and Jamaica Plain, replacing licensed teachers with AI-powered coursework and “guides.” Health System Recovery: Technical assessments for Hurricane Melissa-damaged facilities are underway in western Jamaica to decide what gets rebuilt, abandoned, or redesigned. Environment & Data: TEF and partners rolled out free Wi‑Fi at Dunn’s River Falls and Park to collect visitor survey responses that will shape tourism planning.

Public Health Tech: CARPHA has officially launched an Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Regional Reference Laboratory in Jamaica, upgrading its lab referral network to boost surveillance and diagnostic capacity across 26 Caribbean states. Digital Skills & Jobs: The UK has rolled out its Making Trade Happen programme to help Jamaican tech and BPO firms become export-ready, with applications open until Aug. 2, after earlier UK-backed support helped local companies win millions in international contracts. Disaster-Ready Healthcare: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health says technical assessments of Hurricane Melissa-damaged facilities are underway, with engineering firms already deployed and parish consultations expected after the assessments. Green Business: Juici Patties wins the Green Business Jamaica Award of Excellence for a fifth straight year, taking Gold in all NEPA Green Business Jamaica categories. Health & Safety Infrastructure: MPs are pressing for clarity on timelines and staffing under the $6.04-billion Health Hurricane Response Programme, including upgrades to meet PAHO Smart Health Facility standards. Tourism Data Tools: Free Wi-Fi at Dunn’s River Falls is being used to collect visitor survey responses that will guide tourism planning and product development. Conservation: Experts warn the Caribbean parrot pet trade is pushing native species toward extinction, calling for stronger action against illegal capture and habitat loss. Urban Planning: Kingston Harbour Walk Project segment two has signed for feasibility and detailed design work, aiming to create a continuous 25-km promenade from downtown Kingston to Port Royal.

Public Health Tech: CARPHA officially launched its Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Regional Reference Laboratory in Jamaica, upgrading the Caribbean referral network to speed up surveillance and specialized diagnostics across 26 member states. Disaster Resilience: Jamaica’s Health Hurricane Response Programme is moving ahead in western Jamaica, with engineering firms already deployed to assess Hurricane Melissa damage and decide what gets rebuilt, redesigned, or abandoned. Urban Tech & Climate Adaptation: The Kingston Harbour Walk Project advanced with a signed contract for segment two feasibility studies and detailed designs, aiming to connect downtown Kingston to Port Royal via a continuous 25-kilometre promenade. Digital Services & Business: Caribbean Assurance Brokers (CAB) is building a digital insurance portal to let customers compare quotes, buy policies, and submit claims online. Education & AI Readiness: ETOC reports 43% progress on implementing Jamaica’s Education Transformation Commission recommendations, with teaching and learning expected to adapt as AI reshapes classrooms. Tourism Research: Dunn’s River Falls is rolling out free Wi-Fi that doubles as a visitor survey tool to guide tourism planning. IP & Local Industry: Minister Aubyn Hill says he’ll meet castor oil and honey producers to explore geographical indications for product branding and value. Regional Economic Insight: A new Resilience Index Caribbean (RICa) ranks Jamaica and Barbados among the region’s most resilient economies, arguing resilience goes beyond income.

Education Tech & Policy: Jamaica’s Education Transformation Oversight Committee says it’s at 43% progress implementing the JETC’s 365 recommendations, with 207 initiatives underway and a target of 53% by March 2027 as AI is expected to reshape teaching and learning. Urban Resilience & Engineering: The Urban Development Corporation signed a consultancy contract to start feasibility studies and detailed designs for Segment 2 of the Kingston Harbour Walk—about 10 km from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade to Harbour View—funded with support from the Caribbean Development Bank. Housing Sustainability: JPNDC’s Mildred Hailey Apartments Building 2 earned Phius Passive House Design Certification, a milestone for energy-efficient, climate-resilient affordable housing. Road Safety Tech: The JN Foundation is pushing for faster enforcement of Jamaica’s new motorcycle helmet standard and stronger port inspections to block substandard helmets. Digital Skills in TVET: CARICOM reports its Digitalisation of TVET Delivery work is boosting regional capacity, with pilot countries integrating solutions into local platforms. Regional Tech Events: CANTO’s annual telecom and tech conference is set for Aug 9–12 in Punta Cana, under “Elevate the Caribbean.”

Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Greenpeace says the International Seabed Authority extended The Metals Company’s exploration contract despite support for unlawful deep-sea mining, renewing calls for an immediate moratorium. Education & AI: Jamaica’s principals warn students can’t be allowed to use AI in ways that replace critical thinking, as schools grapple with responsible AI use and assessment shifts. Inclusive Learning Push: The Ministry of Education welcomed a PIOJ report on emergency response for students with special needs, aiming to strengthen inclusive education during crises. School Readiness Drive: The education ministry is running an intensive summer numeracy and literacy programme to get PEP students high-school-ready. Regional Skills Digitisation: CARICOM’s Digitalisation of TVET Delivery Project reports real progress, with pilot countries integrating digital solutions into their own platforms. Fintech for Jamaica: MangoErrands launched a mobile payments platform letting diaspora senders direct funds to specific Jamaican vendors via a digital wallet. Jamaica Post Upgrade: Jamaica Post is being repositioned as a government service centre to help citizens access online services with in-person support. Road Safety Enforcement: JN Foundation urges tougher enforcement of Jamaica’s new motorcycle helmet standard and stronger port inspections to stop substandard helmets entering the country. AI Investing Tool: GK Capital launched an AI-powered research platform for Jamaican investors with live market data and an AI investment assistant. Arts & Culture Funding: Kingston Creative became the first Caribbean NGO to win a UNESCO-Aschberg grant for a regional artist resilience programme.

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.