AGP Executive Report

5G Rollout: Flow officially switched on Jamaica’s first 5G network, reaching about 70% of customers, with faster speeds and expanded coverage planned for more communities by month-end. Courts Digitisation: The Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) is set to replace paper-based court processes, with Jamaica aiming to modernise justice operations. SEZ Investor Tool: JSEZA launched a new online facilitation platform to streamline applications, submissions and tracking for Special Economic Zone investors. Security Zones Review: Government will evaluate the seven Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs) with IDB support to measure what works and guide a transition to “zones of peace and opportunity.” Cybersecurity Push: Opposition says a reported National Health Fund cyber incident proves Jamaica needs a dedicated cybersecurity law this year. Water Upgrades: NWC broke ground on major Santa Cruz By-pass mains replacement and commissioned a $123m Greater Mandeville pipeline project to cut losses and improve reliability. MSME Contracts: Roadshows will train micro, small and medium-sized businesses on how to access set-aside government contracts. AI & Society: A new report alleges a Pentagon-backed AI propaganda site is preparing tailored versions for countries including Jamaica.

5G Rollout: Flow officially switched on Jamaica’s first 5G mobile network, reaching about 70% of customers/population, with access depending on compatible phones/SIMs and coverage expanding beyond Kingston, Portmore, Spanish Town and the North Coast. Digital Access & Work: Parliament heard that Jamaica still lacks the tech and organisational readiness for large-scale remote work, with paper-based systems, uneven digital readiness and cybersecurity concerns holding it back. Cybersecurity Law Push: Opposition is calling for a dedicated cybersecurity act after a reported National Health Fund incident, arguing the government’s 2027 timeline is too slow. Water Upgrades: NWC commissioned a $123.8m Greater Mandeville pipeline project and broke ground on a $148m Santa Cruz by-pass mains replacement, both aimed at cutting losses and improving reliability. Local Tech for Industry: Caribbean Flavours and Fragrances is helping manufacturers cut sugar under the new tax regime using ingredient tech to keep taste. Ecosystem Training: CARPHA trained regional staff on safe transport of infectious substances via an IATA workshop. E-commerce Growth: 7Krave launched Krave Deals to bring faster, cheaper online shopping to Jamaica. Hurricane Watch: NOAA and CSU updated forecasts point to a below-average Atlantic season, but officials stress “it only takes one.”

Cybersecurity & Data Protection: Jamaica’s NHF breach claims are pushing calls for faster Cybersecurity Act action, with MPs warning the incident may involve sensitive beneficiary and medication data and urging stronger minimum standards across government. Digital Government: Opposition MP Natalie Neita Garvey is pitching a Smart Municipal Jamaica Initiative to move permits, licences, payments, and application tracking online via a unified national municipal digital platform. Justice Tech Upgrade: Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says Jamaica’s Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) will connect courts and replace paper-based case handling within a few years. Forensics for Public Safety: National Security Minister Horace Chang credits expanded forensic services for a 92% murder case clearance rate in 2025, highlighting DNA, ballistics, digital forensics, and crime scene reconstruction. Smart Homes: Lutec Electronics launches Sentinel Intelligent Door Locks in Jamaica with biometric and remote access aimed at boosting home security. Blue Economy & Ocean Science: “Our Ocean” conference spotlights how science tools like satellite mapping and fish tracking can drive practical ocean protection.

Smart Municipal Jamaica: Shadow Minister Natalie Neita Garvey wants a “Smart Municipal Jamaica Initiative” and a National Municipal Digital Platform so citizens can apply online, track permits in real time, pay fees digitally, escalate delays, and monitor infrastructure projects. Justice Tech Upgrade: Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says Jamaica’s Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) will connect police, forensics, prosecutors, and courts to cut paper movement and speed justice. Cybersecurity Push: Christopher Brown is urging faster cybersecurity legislation after a reported National Health Fund (NHF) cyber incident, calling for a Cybersecurity Act this year. Digital Finance Rollout: Bank of Jamaica cleared Barita Merchant Bank to launch a digital-first platform with a digital wallet and Visa card, as Cornerstone Financial Holdings moves into customer-facing fintech. Land Titling Tech & Scale: Land Titling minister Robert Montague says Jamaica needs about 600,000 new titles to fix informal subdivisions and untitled parcels, warning it could take up to 20 years. Forensics Boost: National Security Minister Horace Chang credits expanded forensic capabilities for a 92% murder clearance rate in 2025. Energy & Grid Reliability: Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says JPS’s preliminary blackout report points to repeated system-failure patterns, despite “age of technology.” Maritime Spectrum: Spectrum Management Authority highlights how reliable radio spectrum underpins safety and communications aboard the USS Nimitz during its Jamaica visit. Hurricane Outlook: NOAA expects a below-average 2026 Atlantic season (55% chance), but warns one storm can still be catastrophic.

AI-Propaganda Watch: A newly uncovered Pentagon-linked Spanish-English site, “La Tilde,” is reportedly using AI-written posts to seed pro-U.S. military messaging and is preparing tailored versions for readers including Jamaica. Power & Grid Reliability: Jamaica’s Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says JPS’s preliminary blackout report points to the same kind of system failure seen before, and promises an independent consultant with the OUR to scrutinize the final findings. Digital Finance: The Bank of Jamaica has cleared Barita Merchant Bank to roll out a digital-first banking platform for Cornerstone, starting with a digital wallet and Visa card. Productivity & AI Skills: Labour Minister Pernel Charles Jr. says the Jamaica Productivity Centre will drive a national productivity index and push AI training to boost output while warning of job displacement risks. Healthcare Tech: Adroit Infosystems highlighted practical EHR and digital healthcare workflow adoption at a Trinidad symposium. Education Value Debate: Educators push back on a Capri report questioning Jamaica’s education spending “value for money.” Local Research Theft: Police are investigating a robbery at Bodles Research Station in St Catherine, with equipment valued over $800,000 stolen. Agriculture Grants: Jamaican farm workers in the U.S. awarded $30,000 grants to 20 agricultural students in St. Mary. Tech Policy: A U.S. judge struck down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee as an unauthorized tax.

Digital Finance: Bank of Jamaica has cleared Barita Merchant Bank to roll out a digital-first platform for Cornerstone Financial Holdings, starting with a digital wallet and Visa card, though launch timing and adoption targets weren’t shared. Trading Costs: Investors are being urged to look at self-directed trading platforms where commission can be as low as 0.5% on JSE channels, potentially saving thousands versus higher brokerage rates. Energy & Reliability: Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says JPS’s explanation for last week’s islandwide blackout is “same old same old,” and wants an independent consultant to scrutinise the final report—while the Opposition pushes for more solar and renewable resilience for NWC systems. Renewables Supply Chain: TW Solar says it cut solar equipment costs in Jamaica by up to 40% via its Deye distribution hub, aiming to make solar more accessible across the region. Environment: Scientists report mangrove forests are recovering globally since 2010, driven by stronger protections and natural regeneration—good news for storm protection and carbon storage. Local Tech/Health: UTech Jamaica highlights its midwifery degree pathway at the Caribbean School of Nursing and Midwifery, expanding direct-entry training for maternal and newborn care. Security/Crime: Police are investigating a robbery at Bodles Research Station in St Catherine, with equipment valued over $800,000 stolen.

Cannabis & Local Science: Humboldt Seed Company and the Marley family launched two new cannabis seed strains, Redemption and One Love, developed with a joint pheno hunt involving UWI Mona botanist Dr. Machel Emanuel. Food-Tech Pilot in Jamaica: NUGL and Cannibble Food-Tech kicked off a Jamaica market evaluation of functional beverage samples via Kaya Pizza and Square Grouper Bars, aiming to test consumer demand and future commercialization beyond cannabis. Digital Payments for Caribbean Creators: Sendana, a borderless US-dollar banking platform, is rolling out to help freelancers and entrepreneurs get paid internationally with fewer costly workarounds. Education Tech Access: Minister Horace Chang opened a computer lab at New Roads Primary School with Starlink connectivity supported by the Universal Service Fund. Renewables & Water Resilience: Jamaica’s water ministry pushed back on claims about solar shortfalls after a JPS grid shutdown, saying resilience upgrades are already underway. Anti-Counterfeit Training: Japan shared customs know-how with officers abroad, including participants from Jamaica, to better tackle fake goods in e-commerce. Women’s Cricket: WCPL fixtures are live for a re-engineered 2026 season in Barbados, with Jamaica Empress joining the four-team lineup.

Women’s Cricket Boost: Jamaica Empress is set to join the re-engineered 2026 Women’s Caribbean Premier League, with fixtures now live and all matches in Barbados at Kensington Oval from Sept 5–17, featuring four franchises and a standalone “festival” format. Education Tech & Skills: Jamalco donates over $2m in tools and equipment to upgrade Porus High School’s woodwork and electrical labs, aiming to strengthen hands-on training and certification readiness. Water Resilience Debate: Opposition and Government trade accusations over NWC power dependence after a JPS grid shutdown, with calls for solar-backed energy resilience for water systems. Lab Access for Students: Minister Horace Chang opens a new computer lab at New Roads Primary School with desktop computers and Internet access via Starlink supported by the Universal Service Fund. Infrastructure Accountability: The National Works Agency advertises for a new CEO as criticism grows over road conditions and slow responses, while the NWA vacancy signals leadership change. Tech/Media Fundraising: ALIVE Podcast Network announces its first pay-per-view stream on June 21 to support The Mustard Seed in Kingston, using its app for $14.99 subscriptions.

Education & Tech Access: National Security Minister Horace Chang opened a new computer laboratory at New Roads Primary School in Westmoreland, complete with Internet access and Starlink support via the Universal Service Fund, calling it a “door to knowledge and opportunity.” Tourism Upgrades: Sandals says it’s investing US$200 million to redesign three Jamaica resorts—Royal Caribbean, South Coast and Montego Bay—with new suites, dining concepts and tech-forward amenities. Water Resilience Debate: Opposition water spokesperson Ian Hayles argues Jamaica’s NWC plants are still too dependent on the JPS grid after an islandwide outage left about 65,000 customers without water, pushing for solar and renewable backup. Infrastructure Leadership: The National Works Agency has advertised for a new CEO as Everton “EG” Hunter’s long tenure ends, amid public frustration over road and flood-control delivery. AI & Propaganda Watch: A report claims a SOCSOUTH-linked Spanish-English site uses AI-written content to seed pro-U.S. military messaging, including planned tailored versions for Jamaica and other countries. Digital Fundraising: ALIVE Podcast Network will stream its first pay-per-view on June 21, with proceeds supporting The Mustard Seed in Kingston and featuring Jamaica’s First Lady.

Power & Water Resilience: Jamaica’s islandwide blackout is being blamed on lightning damage and a cascading grid failure, leaving about 65,000 NWC customers without water as restoration continues—while the Opposition says it proves NWC must shift critical facilities to solar and renewables. Diaspora Tech & Services: Integrated Diaspora Services says demand from Jamaicans abroad is up sharply, citing a dedicated 777 JAMAICA number and a digital transaction portal, and it appoints Jamaican-American Peter Gracey to expand its agent network. Marine Cleanup: Kingston Harbour Cleanup Project progress was highlighted around World Environment Day, with booms collecting 5.5 million kilos of trash to protect the harbour. Data Protection Governance: Minister Andrew Wheatley says delays to Jamaica’s Data Protection Oversight Committee are tied to a bottleneck finding a retired High Court justice, and he flags legislative review. Digital Payments Rollout: Supreme Ventures Ltd is testing a digital wallet and Mastercard-certified debit card in the Bank of Jamaica sandbox, aiming for a public launch by end-July. STEM & TVET Digitisation: HEART/NSTA Trust digitised three level-two courses under a CARICOM TVET pilot, with more programmes planned by March 2027. Energy Policy & Nuclear Readiness: Dr Andrew Wheatley says Jamaica is building the knowledge base and institutional readiness for possible domestic nuclear use, without committing to building a plant now.

Power & Grid Reliability: Jamaica’s islandwide blackout is being blamed on lightning damage that triggered a cascading grid failure, with JPS given deadlines to submit reports and water restoration continuing for tens of thousands of customers. Energy Policy: Science Minister Dr Andrew Wheatley says Jamaica is advancing plans to use nuclear energy for domestic purposes as part of a push to diversify away from imported fossil fuels. Data Protection Governance: The Data Protection Oversight Committee’s work is delayed because finding a willing retired High Court judge has become a bottleneck, prompting calls for legislative review. Digital Skills for TVET: HEART/NSTA Trust digitised three level-two courses under a CARICOM TVET digitalisation pilot, with more programmes planned by 2027. Payments Innovation: Supreme Ventures Ltd is testing a digital wallet and Mastercard-certified debit card in the Bank of Jamaica sandbox, targeting a public rollout by end of July. Road Safety & Standards: Engineers are supporting proposed road construction standards aimed at improving repair durability and tackling the pothole crisis. Health Tech & Care: May Pen Hospital is restarting minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery using upgraded camera systems and instruments, while Relay For Life pushes for a new mammography machine. Environment: Mangrove forests are showing signs of recovery worldwide after decades of human destruction, driven by stronger protections and natural regeneration.

Grid Shock: Jamaica’s islandwide blackout last Friday is being blamed on lightning damage triggering a cascading JPS grid failure, with regulators demanding a preliminary report in 48 hours and a full report in 30 days; water supply was also hit, leaving about 65,000 customers without water as restoration continued. Energy Strategy: Science Minister Andrew Wheatley says Jamaica is advancing plans to build the knowledge base for possible nuclear energy use for domestic purposes, pointing to hurricane damage and oil-price shocks. Data Protection Rollout: Delays to Jamaica’s Data Protection Oversight Committee are tied to difficulty finding a willing retired High Court judge, while the Data Protection Act’s enforcement is still catching up. Skills & Training Tech: HEART/NSTA Trust digitised three CARICOM TVET courses on its Moodle platform, and Opposition MP Peter Bunting wants HEART reshaped to keep up with fast-changing, AI-driven workplaces. Health Innovation: May Pen Hospital is restarting minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery using new high-definition camera systems and training support. Infrastructure Delivery: PM Holness and Morgan highlight the Accelerated Bridge Project and faster approvals to cut the cost of delays, as Troy Bridge reopens after years. Food Systems Pressure: Caribbean hot sauce makers warn Scotch bonnet shortages are driving higher prices after extreme weather. STEM & Research: UWI’s Dr Lori-Ann Fisher contributed to a major Lancet series on the global kidney disease crisis.

Infrastructure Delivery Reform: PM Holness says Jamaica can’t afford slow approvals that inflate costs, pointing to the Troy Bridge reopening as a “cost of delay” example. Resilience Engineering: Western Jamaica’s Accelerated Bridge Project will rebuild 50+ bridges in 2.5 years after Tropical Storm damage, with engineers designed for repeated storms. Workforce Tech & Training: Opposition’s Peter Bunting wants HEART/NSTA-Trust reshaped for an AI-driven labour market, shifting from direct training delivery to employer-driven funding and accredited providers. Digital Government Support: USF hands Manchester Municipal Corporation $4.2m in computers to boost local service delivery. Education & STEM Pipeline: UTech president backs broader education reform, pushing STEM infusion from early childhood to improve high-school-to-university transitions. Cybersecurity: Report flags Silent Ransom Group’s fast-flux DNS infrastructure used for extortion and data theft. Public Health Research: UWI nephrologist Dr. Lori-Ann Fisher contributes to a major Lancet series warning chronic kidney disease is a fast-growing global crisis. Regional Cooperation: Jamaica and Ghana renew cooperation after 21 years, signing health and defence MoUs including digital health, telemedicine, and disaster response.

AI & Information Warfare: A new report says the Pentagon is behind an AI-powered propaganda network (“La Tilde”) pushing Pentagon-approved messaging to Latin America. Tourism & Regional Tech/Trade: Jamaica’s Edmund Bartlett backed the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Supply Side Initiative, aiming to measure tourism by local production and value retention, with IDB support for demand-driven goods and services mapping. Work & Productivity Policy: Parliament’s Economy and Production Committee will review flexible work hours and work-from-home policies amid fuel-price pressure. Education & STEM Pipeline: UTech president Kevin Brown supports education reforms starting from early childhood, pushing stronger STEM focus and faster university adaptation to labour-market needs. Digital Government: USF donated about $4.2m in computers to Manchester Municipal Corporation to modernise service delivery. Health Research: UWI’s Dr Lori-Ann Fisher contributed to a major Lancet series highlighting the global kidney disease crisis. Cybersecurity: Researchers detail how Silent Ransom Group uses fast-flux infrastructure, with FBI warnings of ongoing attacks on law firms and businesses. Bilateral Cooperation: Jamaica and Ghana renewed cooperation via a revived joint commission, signing health and defence MoUs including digital health and disaster response. Business/Markets: Derrimon Trading expects to release overdue 2025 audited accounts by June 30 after ERP-related issues delayed reporting and suspended its JSE shares.

AI Policy Push: Jamaica’s National AI Task Force is set to deliver a National AI Draft Policy by November 2026, with a focus on AI literacy, oversight, and accountability as government use outpaces understanding. Data Protection Enforcement: The Office of the Information Commissioner is moving toward full enforcement readiness under the Data Protection Act, shifting from awareness to compliance power. Digital Education: The UWI’s Dr Lori-Ann Fisher features in The Lancet on chronic kidney disease research, while the Jamaica Teaching Council advances the Digital Jamaica Programme with EU support to build teacher and learner capacity. Blue Economy & Ocean Governance: Jamaica urges more financing and tech transfer for SIDS ocean governance at the Island States Ocean Summit, as regional fisheries ministers adopt aquaculture and blue economy priorities. Marine Ecosystem Risk: A new Earth Insight report warns offshore oil and gas expansion in Jamaica’s Walton-Morant block could threaten coral reefs, seagrass, and key fishing grounds. Disaster Resilience: NaRRA’s new CEO, Ambassador Antony Anderson, outlines readiness for complex infrastructure delivery, alongside a JSIF $27B recovery plan and a multi-agency push to assess hurricane-damaged water systems in St Ann. Local Tech & Industry: JBDC moves toward a cosmetics manufacturing incubator with lab and production equipment, and Mastercard signals agentic AI plans for safer, rules-based payments. BPO Reality Check: Jamaica’s BPO leaders reject claims that AI is the sector’s main existential threat, pointing instead to competitiveness and readiness gaps.

Cybersecurity & Data Protection: Jamaica moves to fully activate the Data Protection Act’s enforcement by strengthening the Office of the Information Commissioner, while the Government also pushes a National Cybersecurity Coordination and Assurance Council to create a 24/7 cyber-incident reporting “front door” and close legislative gaps. AI Governance: The National AI Task Force will deliver a National AI Draft Policy by November 2026, covering ethics, legal frameworks, and public-sector AI literacy as AI use outpaces oversight. Digital Education: The Jamaica Teaching Council is helping implement the EU-backed Digital Jamaica Programme, focusing on teacher and student skills for a digital society. Disaster Resilience & Infrastructure: JSIF will invest $27B over five years under the National Recovery and Resilience Project, including school rehabilitations, resilience hubs, and community farm feeder roads; NaRRA’s new CEO says systems will be built to manage recovery projects at scale. Water Systems Recovery: A multi-agency team will assess Hurricane Melissa damage to St Ann’s water systems, coordinating municipal, NWC, and RWSL evaluations. Marine & Energy Risk: A report warns offshore oil exploration in the Walton-Morant block could threaten Jamaica’s coral reefs, seagrass beds, and key fishing grounds. Regional Tech & Policy Links: Jamaica and Ghana revive cooperation after two decades, with health, defence, trade, air services, culture, and education on the agenda.