AGP Executive Report

Gun Law Changes: The National Security Council is proposing a 20-year minimum sentence for illegal firearm possession, up from 15 years, and a new offence for adults who involve children in gun crimes. Jamaicans for Justice and the Fi We Children Foundation welcomed the proposals, while urging clarity on how exploited children will be treated. St Thomas Flooding: Relief teams are assisting 313 people after floods inundated 56 homes in Bath and nearby communities; residents say mud and water damaged belongings, documents and school supplies. Vehicle Plate Crackdown: Tax Administration Jamaica has been ordered to stop issuing current dealer and demonstration plates amid concerns they are being misused to evade taxes and facilitate crime. A traceable replacement system is being considered. Football: Jamaican star Khadija Shaw made the women’s Ballon d’Or top 10. Brazilian legend Ronaldinho is also set to visit Jamaica in December for a match with Jamaica Legends, including members of the 1998 Reggae Boyz squad.

Youth Football: Jamaica’s under-15s beat Cuba 1-0 at the FIFA U-15 World Cup, securing a second win in the tournament. Ocho Rios Killing: A 30-year-old New York security guard was shot dead at her father’s wake in St Ann; police recovered five shell casings. Tourism Recovery: Jamaica is targeting 400,000 Canadian winter seats. The tourism minister says more than 2.34 million stopover and cruise visitors arrived from January to August, with about 80 per cent of hotel rooms operating. Blue Mountain Coffee: Production fell to a 25-year low of 191,000 boxes last season, down from 500,000 before Hurricane Beryl. Industry leaders are seeking more government support for farmers. Gun Laws: The Government is proposing to raise the mandatory minimum sentence for illegal gun possession from 15 to 20 years, drawing concern from the Advocates’ Association over judicial discretion and constitutional rights. Melissa Recovery: Jamaica is seeking help for small businesses hit by the hurricane, while a review has flagged delays and gaps in relief spending and roof-repair records.

Beach Access: Australian lawyer and endurance swimmer Eva Buzo is making a 30-kilometre swim from Trelawny to St James to press for replacing Jamaica’s 1956 Beach Control Act and protecting public access to the coast. Violent Crime: Brittannia Reid, a 30-year-old New York security guard visiting for her father’s wake, was shot dead in Ocho Rios; police are investigating. A separate attack in Hanover left a man dead and his companion injured. Water Supply: Corporate Area restrictions remain despite recent rain, with Mona Reservoir at 36.2 per cent capacity and Hermitage Dam at 48.8 per cent. Deportations: The PIOJ reports 1,317 Jamaicans were involuntarily returned in 2025, including 967 from the United States; 60 were deported for murder, manslaughter or attempted murder. Security: The National Security Council is proposing a 20-year minimum sentence for illegal firearm possession and a new offence for adults who involve children in gun crimes. Hurricane Recovery: Jamaica is targeting 400,000 Canadian airline seats for the winter tourism season as it works to rebuild demand after Hurricane Melissa. Reggae: Pioneering singer and producer Derrick Harriott has died at 87. Youth Sports: Jamaica’s Under-15 team beat Sri Lanka 6-0, extending its World Cup run to three straight wins.

Flood Alert: A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect for flood-prone areas of St Mary, Portland, St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew, with heavy showers, possible landslides and worsening sea conditions expected. Music: Jamaican reggae pioneer Derrick Harriott has died at 87. The singer, producer and Crystal label founder helped shape the island’s rocksteady sound. Beenie Man has apologised to Trinidad and Tobago for misrepresenting carnival history. Hurricane Recovery: A CAPRI report says just J$26.2 million of J$1.4 billion in donations for Hurricane Melissa had been spent four months after the storm, while delays and poor records hampered relief and school recovery. Water Rates: Facing public opposition to its proposed 51 per cent tariff increase, the National Water Commission says it is pursuing reforms on debt, energy costs, water losses and land use to improve service and reduce financial risk.

Hurricane Recovery: The Government will add $2 billion to the ROOFS housing programme and aims to assist 90% of people affected by Hurricane Melissa by December. Prime Minister Andrew Holness also says changes are coming to cut red tape and speed up public services. Diaspora Support: Jamaicans overseas are being urged to invest in rebuilding, while remittances reached US$3.12 billion in 2025/26, including a US$93-million rise in the three months after the hurricane. Weather Alert: Flash-flood warnings are in force for eastern parishes as heavy rain brings flooding and landslides. Music: Jamaican reggae and rocksteady pioneer Derrick Harriott has died at 87. A singer, producer and founder of the Crystal label, he helped shape ska, rocksteady and reggae. Football: Mount Pleasant booked a second straight Concacaf Champions Cup appearance after beating Club Sando 3-1 on aggregate to reach the Caribbean Cup final. Justice: The Senate passed the Mediation Act, establishing a framework for mediators and offering families another way to resolve disputes, including conflicts over ancestral land.

Flood Alerts: Heavy rain has triggered flash-flood warnings and watches across several parishes, with flooding and landslides reported in St Thomas. Bath residents were evacuated, and some Portmore schools sent pupils home early. Public Spending: The Government has halted non-essential overseas travel for public-sector officials until March 31, 2027, citing efficiency and recovery needs. The Opposition is demanding details of expected savings and NaRRA spending. Cybersecurity: JETS says a cyberattack may have exposed some customer names and historical card numbers, but MultiLink and ACH payment networks remain operational; the breach has renewed calls for stronger safeguards. Food Supply: Agriculture Minister Floyd Green says Jamaica should have enough food for Christmas despite weather damage, with support planned to boost vegetable production. Football: Mount Pleasant beat Club Sando to reach the Concacaf Caribbean Cup final for a second straight year and secure a place in the 2027 Champions Cup. Remittances: Jamaicans abroad sent home US$3.12 billion in 2025/26, officials report.

Flooding: A flash flood watch remains in effect through Sunday for eight parishes as heavy rain disrupts schools and events. Residents in Bath, St Thomas, have evacuated as the Plantain Garden River overflowed. Public Spending: The Government has suspended official overseas travel across the public sector until March 31, citing Hurricane Melissa recovery costs. The Opposition questions whether the ban will meaningfully control spending. Cybersecurity: JETS says hackers accessed a limited administrative system and may have exposed customer names and historical debit card numbers. MultiLink and ACH networks, PINs and card security codes were not affected; Jamaicans are urged to check account activity. Diaspora Support: Jamaicans abroad sent US$3.12 billion home in the 2025/26 fiscal year, with remittances rising by US$93 million in the three months after Hurricane Melissa. Water Rates: The proposed 51 per cent NWC tariff increase faces strong opposition, while an economist says higher rates are needed to fund ageing infrastructure. Football: Mount Pleasant beat Club Sando 2-0 to reach a second straight Caribbean Cup final and secure a place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.

Water Rates: The proposed 51% NWC tariff increase is facing broad opposition, with the PSOJ, small-business groups and the Opposition urging the regulator to reject or phase in the hike. NWC says it needs about $30 billion a year to improve service and infrastructure. Economy: The IMF now forecasts Jamaica’s 2027 growth at 2.4%, down from 3.1%, and expects zero growth this year. Housing: Prime Minister Andrew Holness is asking owners of unused land in developed areas to consider selling to the Government for social housing, as a shortage of suitable sites limits construction for vulnerable families. Education: The oversight committee says 47% of education transformation recommendations have been implemented; the Ministry is also piloting paid roles for independent school board directors. Weekend Alert: The Met Service and ODPEM warn of unstable weather through Sunday. Sport: Jamaica’s Tegan Vincent-Cooke made history at the World Para Dressage Championships, breaking new ground for the country.

Water Rates: The National Water Commission is defending its proposed 51% tariff increase, but customers, businesses and tourism groups are urging the regulator to reject it, citing unreliable service and leaking pipes. Policing: Prime Minister Andrew Holness has backed the JCF amid scrutiny over a deadly Sligoville incident; separate police misconduct probes have led to charges of unlawful wounding and assault. Weather: ODPEM warns of showers and thunderstorms across Jamaica through Sunday, with eastern and central parishes especially at risk. Netball: The Sunshine Girls are seeking home support and sponsors for their December 5–6 showdown with England in Kingston, part of the Horizon Netball Series. Education: A government oversight committee says 47% of 365 education-reform recommendations have been implemented. Para Dressage: Tegan Vincent-Cooke made history as the first Jamaican to compete in the sport at the FEI World Championships and has been nominated for an international award.

Water Tariff Fight: The NWC’s proposed 51% rate increase is drawing resistance from the Opposition, business groups and tourism operators, who say the utility should address leaks and management concerns first. The NWC says it needs about J$30 billion a year to upgrade its infrastructure. Kingston Outage: A crash damaged JPS equipment, cutting power to parts of Molynes Road and nearby communities as crews work on repairs. Gully Relocation: The Government plans to reclaim Kingston gullies and enforce 20-foot buffer zones, while identifying relocation options for affected residents. Economic Outlook: The IMF has lowered its forecast for Jamaica’s 2027 growth to 2.4%. Tourism Recovery: Hotel operators are exploring pooled insurance arrangements amid frustration over delayed Hurricane Melissa claim settlements. Equestrian Milestone: Tegan Vincent-Cooke made history as the first Jamaican para-dressage rider to compete at a World Championships.

Kingston Enforcement: KSAMC has begun clearing illegal vendors from around Kingston Parish Church and Upper King Street, saying the move aims to ease congestion and improve sanitation. Public Safety: The Sligoville attack that killed two police officers and left a child critically injured has renewed calls for action against gun violence. Water Bills: NWC is seeking a 51 per cent rate increase and says it needs about $30 billion annually to upgrade services; small-business leaders say leaking pipes should be fixed before customers face higher bills. Economy: The IMF cut Jamaica’s 2027 growth forecast to 2.4 per cent and now expects zero growth in 2026. Flood Recovery: A new government drone imagery platform will help agencies share data for disaster response, while a drainage study is expected to guide solutions to flooding in St James. Relocation: Government says more than 100 lots are being prepared in Trelawny for Cooper’s Pen residents.

Climate and the Economy: Caribbean central bank governor Larry Howai says climate change is a financial stability risk, citing Hurricane Melissa’s estimated US$8.8 billion damage in Jamaica—about 41% of the country’s 2024 GDP—and the storm’s impact on food prices. Water Bills: The Small Business Association of Jamaica calls the NWC’s proposed 51% tariff increase “unconscionable,” warning it would add pressure on households and businesses still coping with drought and hurricane impacts. The OUR says it will decide within 10 days whether to accept the application for review. Cybersecurity: Jamaica will test its national response to a major cyberattack on October 28 and 29, in the country’s first full-scale exercise involving government, security agencies and businesses. Hospital Reform: Former acting Health Ministry permanent secretary Errol Greene has been appointed to lead implementation of UHWI’s rehabilitation project and recommendations aimed at improving the hospital’s governance and services.

Water Costs: The National Water Commission has applied for a 51 per cent tariff increase that could affect about 500,000 customers. The OUR will review the request, with public consultation expected before a decision. Inflation: The Bank of Jamaica plans to withdraw another $22 billion from circulation through certificates of deposit as it works to contain inflation. Sligoville Shootout: The Children’s Advocate is calling for a thorough investigation after a 10-year-old girl was seriously wounded during a gun battle between police and gunmen. Justice: Keith Clarke’s family has reached a settlement with the Government over his 2010 killing by soldiers; the compensation amount was not disclosed. Health and Safety: Campion College student Alliana Freeman has launched a free CPR and first-aid initiative inspired by a man’s fatal choking incident at a bun-eating contest. Regional Education: Jamaica is hosting early-childhood development leaders from 10 Eastern Caribbean countries for a two-day exchange on improving services and standards. Reparations: The Privy Council has set a preliminary hearing for the week of March 8, 2027, on Jamaica’s petition concerning the legality of slavery and whether Britain owes reparations.

Crime: Police seized more than $1 billion worth of cocaine in 48 hours, including 1,450kg at Kingston’s port and a separate airport shipment. In Sligoville, two officers were killed in a shootout; a child wounded in the incident remains critical. National Honours: 140 Jamaicans were recognized on Heroes’ Day, including six appointed to the Order of Jamaica. Health: The NHF has doubled subsidies for eligible people with disabilities, covering up to 95 per cent of approved medication and care costs. Regional Investment: The US says it will invest more than US$340 million across the Caribbean in areas including digital infrastructure, healthcare and security, following talks with regional governments, including Jamaica. Workforce: A PwC Jamaica expert says businesses are lagging in using AI to boost productivity and need to invest in both technology and worker training. Football: Concacaf postponed Portmore United’s Caribbean Cup semifinal against Haiti’s Violette AC after the Dominican Republic barred Haitian teams from playing there.

Security: Two police officers were killed and a 10-year-old girl wounded in a gun battle in Sligoville, St Catherine. The Police High Command is reviewing a video of the incident, while the child’s rights groups have called for accountability and stronger protection for children. Drug Bust: Police seized more than J$1 billion worth of cocaine in 48 hours, including about 1,450 kilogrammes at Kingston’s port, and arrested a British national at Sangster International Airport. National Honours: Jamaica recognised 149 people at the annual awards ceremony, including dancehall star Mr Vegas and veteran percussionist Bongo Herman. Clarendon couple Scean and Danielle Barnswell received honours for rescuing a six-year-old girl. Public Safety: Trelawny police have launched a beat patrol unit in Falmouth to tackle crime and improve security in the town. Recovery and Heritage: Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged Jamaicans to take responsibility for the country’s future, highlighting Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts and the need to build stronger communities.

Technology and Investment: AIBotics has acquired NovaCore Labs’ Jamaican operating assets, including service robots, drones and mapping equipment, as it looks to expand across Jamaica and the Caribbean. National Honours: Six Jamaicans will receive the Order of Jamaica at today’s ceremony, where 140 people are being recognised for service to the country. Crime and Security: Police are hunting alleged gang enforcer Kenroy “Papa” Willis after a deadly Sligoville operation left two officers and three civilians dead; a 10-year-old girl remains critically injured. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has vowed intensified action against criminal networks. Separately, chef Dennis Roy Jones, 34, was shot dead in Portmore. Tourism: CMEx will honour Tourism Ministry Permanent Secretary Jennifer Griffith for her leadership and contribution to the sector. UK Christmas airfares to Kingston and Montego Bay are also down 21% and 18%, respectively, compared with last year. Public Health: WaterStep plans to install 320 bleach-making units in Jamaican health facilities to support sanitation and infection control. Public Access: A surfer has warned that beach upgrades must not come at the cost of free public access, amid concerns about development at South Haven beach in St Thomas.