AGP Executive Report

Independence & faith: Minister Olivia Grange urged Jamaicans to anchor the 64th Independence celebrations in faith and resilience at a Thanksgiving church service in St. Andrew. Human trafficking push: Jamaica’s National Task Force chair Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe called for “collective vigilance” during TIP Week, warning about scam-linked trafficking that pulls victims into cyber-enabled crime. Local accountability: Opposition PNP demanded a public breakdown of monthly allocations for parochial road repairs, accusing the government of inflating figures and bundling restricted funds. Youth sport & culture: INSPORTS’ Youth Summer Golf Camp introduced young Jamaicans to golf at Caymanas Golf and Country Club, with Minister Grange highlighting pathways for the next generation. Community resilience: Black River Mayor Richard Solomon told St. Elizabeth residents that resilience—seen in farmers, entrepreneurs, churches and young people—will carry Jamaica forward after Hurricane Melissa. Diaspora & arts: Booker Prize longlist spotlighted Marlon James’ Jamaica-set “The Disappearers” and other Caribbean-linked fiction, keeping Jamaican literary voices in global conversation. Food & festival: Bigga Little Ochie Seafood Carnival in Manchester drew a record crowd with major acts like Busy Signal and Queen Ifrica. Public safety data: Fire Brigade figures show 11,048 genuine fire calls in 2025, with rising homelessness impacts and continued concern over malicious false alarms. Queens justice fight: A Southeast Queens family is demanding answers after alleging a Jamaica funeral home cremated a 93-year-old matriarch against her Guyana burial wishes. Animal attack: A pit bull attacked four family members in Queens while they unloaded groceries; police say the investigation is ongoing. Booker buzz: The 2026 Booker longlist was unveiled, with Jamaica appearing through James and other international authors.

Commonwealth Games buzz: Sarvesh Kushare made history with India’s first men’s high jump silver in Glasgow, while Jamaica’s Romaine Beckford took gold on countback. Diaspora & diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith appointed Roderick Oliver Mair as Jamaica’s next Consul-General in New York, citing his diaspora engagement in Miami. Public health push: Optimum Jamaica donated high-capacity printers to SERHA to ease admin bottlenecks and support patient care. Blood crisis: NBTS says blood stocks are at about half of what’s needed, forcing tough choices for patients. Nursing recognition: Andrews Memorial Hospital launched the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses to spotlight compassion and clinical excellence. Community resilience: Montego Bay will host the AmPC Executive Board meeting—an unprecedented Paralympic governance session in Jamaica. Road safety & costs: Jamaica collected $4.3B in traffic fines in 2025, even as crash deaths rose. Culture & faith: Emancipation and Independence messages from St James leaders called for unity, decisive leadership, and a “new kind of emancipation.” Immigration Q&A: Readers shared concerns about US “ageing out” and UK passport options after adoption.

Diaspora & Justice: A Jamaica, Queens family says a 93-year-old woman, Euvy Rodney, was cremated against her burial wishes in Guyana, sparking calls for an investigation and accountability at J. Foster Phillips Funeral Home. Tech & Education: UTech welcomed the first cohort of 100 students into its one-year Associate Degree in Artificial Intelligence, built with Amber Group and HEART/NSTA Trust at the National AI Lab in Papine. Culture & Film: London-based Jamaican filmmaker Ajuán Isaac-George’s Jamaica-set supernatural horror feature “Duppy” was selected for the 2026 Frontières Platform at Cannes, spotlighting folklore through themes of grief and childhood loneliness. Music & Law: Ska legend Derrick Morgan’s libel case with daughter Queen Ifrica is fast-tracked, with a Supreme Court pre-trial hearing set for December 11. National Celebrations: Jamaica’s Emancipation and Independence calendar is out, with the Festival Song crowned (“I Love Jamaica”), a July 31 Emancipation Jubilee vigil, and a six-night National Stadium cultural run starting Aug. 1. Hospitality & Lifestyle: Marriott signed deals for new all-inclusives in Montego Bay (opening expected 2028) and Zanzibar, as the brand pushes deeper into the Caribbean resort boom.

All-Inclusive Boom: Marriott has signed two new all-inclusive deals with Catalonia Hotels & Resorts—bringing a Marriott Hotels All-Inclusive Resort to Montego Bay and an Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort to Zanzibar, signaling more brand-led tourism growth for Jamaica. Independence Culture: “I Love Jamaica” by dBurnz won the 2026 Jamaica Festival Song Competition, set to anchor the island’s 64th Independence celebrations. Music & Legacy: Ska/reggae icon Wilburn “Stranger” Cole is being honoured with a thanksgiving service this Wednesday, with plans for a Stranger Cole Museum. Community & Care: LASCO Financial Services donated $50,000 to the Greater Change Foundation to support Hurricane Melissa back-to-school efforts for thousands of children. Justice & Safety Debate: Advocacy groups are calling for Jamaica’s sex offenders registry to be made public after the rape and murder of 10-year-old Shani Coke in Trelawny. Politics & Trust: The PNP has broken its silence on leaked audio, saying its review found the talks weren’t in official party forums and that no party officers were involved. Health & Education: CXC is set to phase out traditional School-Based Assessments tied to AI concerns, replacing them with supervised exam work. Diaspora Spotlight: Kingston Creative became the first Caribbean NGO to win a UNESCO-Aschberg grant, launching an 18-month CARE programme to protect artists’ freedom and livelihoods across the region.

Jamaica Festival Song: “I Love Jamaica” by dBurnz won the 2026 Jamaica Festival Song Competition, taking the $3M grand prize and a $200k Best Performer sectional, setting the tone for the island’s 64th Independence celebrations. Community & youth: Save Our Boys and Girls Foundation staged its inaugural 5K Run/Walk and Family Fish Fry at Hope Gardens, with proceeds aimed at education scholarships and opportunities. Health & women’s leadership: A new book, Ill Erotics, argues Jamaica and the wider world are still sidelining Black women’s leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, even after 45 years of progress. Public safety & justice: PIOJ data says recidivism remains a concern, with dozens of prisoners readmitted multiple times, while advocacy groups renewed calls for a public sex offenders registry. Culture on the move: The documentary Play It Loud! How Toronto Got Soul—spotlighting Jamaican-Canadian music roots—heads to the Pan African Film Festival in Austin. Diaspora spotlight: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaicans abroad are a key, underused engine for tourism, climate resilience, and innovation. Nursing spotlight: Nurses Association of Jamaica and LASCO Chin Foundation celebrated top nurses and nursing students at the 80th anniversary awards. International headlines with Jamaican links: FBI Most Wanted suspect Elaine Angene Escoe was captured in Jamaica and returned to face a $32M COVID fraud case in South Florida. Fire risk: PIOJ reports bush fires drove most fire brigade incidents in 2025, with major property losses and rising call volumes.

Emancipendence & Independence Spirit: Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon urged Jamaicans to use the Emancipendence period to build resilience and national transformation, tying the message to Jamaica’s history of resistance and recovery. Hurricane Preparedness: NSWMA chief Audley Gordon is pushing a proactive approach to storm readiness—clearing hazards early and keeping drains and gullies free of bulky waste to prevent flooding. Child Protection & Accountability: The Fi We Children Foundation renewed calls for a public sex offenders registry after the rape and murder of 10-year-old Shani Coke in Trelawny, while the Children’s Advocate condemned vigilante justice and urged lawful prosecution. Education & Access: JAPSS head Anniona Jones warned parents to think carefully before requesting PEP transfers, cautioning against “intervention school” stigma and overcrowding driven by financial motives. Community Resilience Stories: A cancer survivor, Mario Spencer, shared his memoir journey from osteosarcoma to a “new beginning,” and St Ann marked centenarians through storytelling that preserves lived history. Culture & Entertainment: Dream Weekend is set for a Montego Bay debut, and the Jamaica Festival Song Competition live results show is slated for July 25 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre. Sports & Pride: Jamaica’s drone soccer team placed fifth at the FIDA Intercontinental Cup in South Korea.

Jamaica Festival Song Competition: The live results show for the 60th staging lands at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre tonight (July 25), starting 8:30 p.m., as the winning song is set to help set the tone for Independence celebrations. Culture & Arts: The NDTC closes its 2026 season with a big Montego Bay stop on August 16 at Iberostar Theatre, bringing its full Jamaican dance and culture programme to western Jamaica. Community & Youth: JYAN unveiled its #YouthAgainstViolence Peace of Art mural at Kingston High School, turning student creativity into a message of safer schools and community action. Health & Science: CARPHA launched an Antimicrobial Resistance Regional Reference Laboratory in Jamaica to strengthen Caribbean lab capacity and AMR surveillance. Environment & Business: Juici Patties keeps its Green Business Jamaica Award of Excellence streak, again earning Gold across all NEPA categories. Public Safety: PIOJ reports nearly $10b in property lost to fires in 2025, with bush fires driving most incidents. Immigration & Workers’ Rights: Jamaican Southwest flight attendant Lorenzo “Enzo” Thompson remains in ICE custody in the U.S. after detention at Nashville airport, with supporters citing a pending asylum case and work authorization.

Courtroom Update: Sentencing for painter David Smith, who pleaded guilty in the abduction and killing of Phillip Paulwell’s 10-month-old daughter Sarayah and her mother Toshyna Patterson, has been pushed to October 2 as the Crown filed new legal authority. Healthcare & Community: Nurses were celebrated at the NAJ’s 80th anniversary awards, with Jervine Richards named Nurse of the Year for patient care and community leadership. Women’s Empowerment: SDC opened doors for Montego Bay women at the Women’s Empowerment and Opportunity Fair, offering job readiness, legal advice, and self-care support. Public Health: CARPHA officially launched its Antimicrobial Resistance Regional Reference Laboratory in Jamaica to strengthen Caribbean surveillance and diagnostics. Environment & Culture: Experts warn the pet parrot tradition is driving Caribbean parrots toward extinction, with illegal trade and habitat loss cited as key threats. Immigration & Work Rights: Jamaican flight attendant Lorenzo “Enzo” Thompson was detained by ICE in Nashville over a visa overstay claim, while his union and supporters argue due process and an active asylum path. Business & Sustainability: Juici Patties won Green Business Jamaica Gold again for the fifth straight year, keeping its top environmental record.

Public Health: CARPHA officially opened its Antimicrobial Resistance Regional Reference Laboratory in Jamaica, boosting Caribbean surveillance and diagnostic capacity to tackle a threat projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Culture & Inclusion: Dorceta Taylor is behind the world’s first environmental justice encyclopedia, pushing back on a movement that too often erased Black and Indigenous voices. Safety & Crime: St. Mary reported a 61% reduction in murders and strong clearance rates, while youth advocates are demanding deeper action after the rape and murder of 10-year-old Shani Coke in Trelawny. Education & Youth: Brightstar’s Coding & Robotics Rock! Camp wrapped across the region, and St. Mary’s principals received $450,000 in hurricane recovery grants; Lucea’s Seventh-day Adventist church also combined back-to-school treats with a health fair. Tourism Workforce: JHTA formed a Human Capital and Workforce Development Committee to build a future-ready tourism talent pipeline. Arts & Recognition: Kingston Creative became the first Caribbean NGO to win UNESCO-Aschberg funding for artist resilience. Diaspora & Rights: Jamaican flight attendant Lorenzo “Enzo” Thompson was detained by ICE in Nashville over an alleged visa overstay, with union and friends citing a pending asylum case.

Immigration & Work Rights: Jamaican flight attendant Lorenzo Thompson was detained by U.S. ICE in Nashville while working for Southwest, with ICE saying he overstayed a visa since 2021—while supporters claim he has a pending asylum case and valid work authorisation. Community Safety: Jamaica’s child-protection debate is reignited after the killing of 10-year-old Shani Coke in Trelawny; the PNP Women’s Movement and children’s advocates are calling for stronger psycho-social support, faster action, and an end to “jungle justice.” Education Reform Watch: The Education Transformation Oversight Committee reports 43% progress on implementing the JETC’s 365 recommendations, with governance, teaching/learning and TVET driving the push. Public Health: A Manchester medical officer urges parents to ensure children are fully immunised to prevent outbreaks like measles. Culture & Film: The short film “Cocoa Tea” was selected for two regional festivals, spotlighting Vincentian storytelling and local creative jobs. Sports & Youth: CARICOM confirms Guyana will host the 2027 CARIFTA Games, with Jamaica topping the 2026 medal table in Grenada. Lifestyle & Events: Registration opens for Jamaica’s inaugural Urban Forest Run (Aug. 23), linking fitness with forest restoration after Hurricane Melissa.

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow) Buzz: The opening ceremony is underway, with fans already asking what the Games are and why they matter—an old imperial idea trying to stay relevant in a new era. Emancipation & Independence (St. James): St. James residents are being invited to join parish events, starting with a church service July 25, then an Emancipation Vigil July 31, plus a Montego Bay gospel concert and culminating civic and Independence celebrations at Sam Sharpe Square. Citizenship Moment: PICA welcomed 30 new Jamaican citizens at a special oath ceremony in Kingston, with Deputy Prime Minister Horace Chang urging them to embrace both rights and responsibilities. Lifestyle + Health: Registration is open for the Forestry Department’s Urban Forest Run (Aug 23), supporting forest restoration after Hurricane Melissa. Inclusive Education: The Ministry says a PIOJ report will strengthen emergency response for students with special educational needs and disabilities. Rastafari Learning: Roots artiste Autarchii launched the free OVERSTAND app on July 23 to educate people on Rastafari faith. Culture + Food: Hackney Wick’s UK Jerk Fest (July 25–26) brings Jamaican jerk vendors to compete for the best jerk title. Safety + Crime: Police are investigating a suspected murder and attempted suicide in St. James after a woman died from chop wounds and a man was taken to hospital. Education Integrity + AI: Principals warn Jamaica’s schools must teach responsible AI use without undermining creativity and critical thinking.

Gender Violence & Public Safety: Police in St James are investigating a suspected murder and attempted suicide after a woman died from chop wounds and a man was hospitalised after reportedly ingesting a poisonous substance following a domestic altercation in Norwood, Greens. Child Protection Crisis: Jamaica is reeling after the rape and murder of 10-year-old Shanai “Kaidra” Coke in Troy, Trelawny; CPFSA says the killing is a painful reminder that children are still being failed, while residents accuse authorities of not acting on prior complaints. Education Readiness: The Ministry of Education says Region One schools are being urged to stop blocking weaker students from external exams, and it’s pushing summer numeracy and literacy support so more PEP students enter high school ready. Justice & Community Disputes: Justice Minister Delroy Chuck says Jamaica’s new Mediation Act and national ADR policy will modernise how community disputes are handled, with the bill expected to be fully in action before year-end. Road Safety Enforcement: The JN Foundation is calling for faster enforcement of Jamaica’s motorcycle helmet standard and tougher port inspections to keep substandard helmets out. Culture & Lifestyle: Kingston Creative becomes the first Caribbean NGO to win a UNESCO-Aschberg grant for its CARE programme supporting artists’ rights and resilience; and Emancipation Jubilee Vigil plans a bigger 2026 staging at Seville Heritage Park with Marcia Griffiths and other top acts. Music & Events: Festival Song finalist Bovia aims for a fresh start with “Jamaica pon di App,” while Appleton Estate rolls out its first Games Night at Hope Gardens.

Special Education in Focus: Educators share 13 practical strategies for supporting students with IEPs—positive behavior support, specific praise, and classroom routines that help all learners feel successful. Education Accountability: Jamaica’s Education ministry Region One head Ottis Brown alleges accounting breaches in primary schools, with Integrity Commission probes underway. Child Safety Tragedy: CPFSA mourns the brutal killing of 10-year-old Shani Coke in Trelawny; residents reportedly attacked an alleged suspect after her body was found. Media & Training: Journalists and academics call for tighter partnerships between universities, employers and Corporate Jamaica as AI reshapes communications training and newsroom work. Tourism & Youth: Naggo Head Primary School wins TPDCo’s Tourism Quiz Competition, while LASCO Financial Services backs Greater Change Foundation’s back-to-school push after Hurricane Melissa. Empowerment for Women: SDC’s Women’s Empowerment and Opportunity Fair will support 100+ young women in Montego Bay with training, counselling and job connections. Connectivity Boost: LIAT launches a new Guadeloupe–Montego Bay route, strengthening Eastern Caribbean travel links. Land Security: Jamaica’s systematic land registration programme aims to reduce disputes and improve tenure for landowners. Culture & Dancehall: Vybz Kartel and Mavado reunite on Sumfest’s stage, signaling unity after years of rivalry.

Education & Youth: CXC’s School-Based Assessment overhaul is rolling out with sensitisation sessions across the region, but Jamaica’s principals warn students may need time to adapt and pass rates could dip before things stabilise. School Leadership & Recovery: Nine principals from Hurricane Melissa-hit communities received $50,000 personal grants via CIBC Caribbean and NCEL, spotlighting resilience in getting schools back on track. Community & Skills: SBAJ’s national MSME conference pushed “less talk, more action,” including progress on operationalising a 20% procurement set-aside for small businesses. Culture & Music: Stacious made a powerful emotional return to Sumfest, joining Mavado during a unity moment that fans won’t forget. Sports & Lifestyle: Campion College Dance Society’s 16th season, “SURGE: The Power to Rise,” blended high-level choreography with a matinee for children from homes and State care. Health & Giving: Jamaica Cancer Society is urging the diaspora to help raise J$50 million for a new digital mammography machine to boost early breast cancer detection. Travel & Tourism: Five Marriott all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica are reopening—three in Negril from Aug. 25 and two in Montego Bay from Sept. 15. LGBTQ+ Rights: Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games exhibition “Zero Flags Commonwealth” calls out member countries, including Jamaica, that still criminalise same-sex intimacy. Public Safety: Residents in St James say the John’s Hall road is worsening, with makeshift warnings and fears of collapse as they await NWA repairs. Migration Reality Check: PIOJ reports 1,317 Jamaicans were deported in 2025, up sharply from 2024, largely driven by intensified U.S. enforcement.

Cricket & National Pride: West Indies legend Sir Garfield Sobers has died at 89, remembered as cricket’s ultimate all-rounder and a Barbados hero. Education Through Play: Teachers say sports-themed lessons boost focus and persistence, with classrooms using soccer and athletics to teach math and science. Caribbean Culture on the Move: Baltimore Washington One Caribbean Carnival marks 44 years with soca, calypso and reggae, celebrating African and Indigenous roots through masquerade and J’ouvert. Arts & Community: MOJA Arts Fest returns Sept. 24–Oct. 1 in Charleston, spotlighting Barbados, Gullah Geechee, Jamaica and Sierra Leone, with a big finale in Hampton Park. Faith & Cannabis Policy: Jamaica is reviewing a framework for religious use of cannabis, with Rastafari ganja rights in the spotlight. Youth, Safety & Media: France bans social media for children under 15, adding pressure on how governments protect young people online. Health Drink Spotlight: Hibiscus tea is linked to improved blood pressure in a new review of clinical trials. Jamaica in Global Education: UTech Jamaica wins the bid to host the WorldCALL conference in 2028. Sports Star Loss: LaToya Malcolm, former Miss Universe Jamaica finalist, dies at 35.

Jamaica’s Rastafari cannabis review: Government has started a fresh look at the sacramental cannabis framework to better protect Rastafarian rights while keeping religious use clearly separate from the regulated commercial industry. Pageantry & entertainment loss: LaToya Malcolm, former Miss Universe Jamaica 2024 finalist and Miss Jamaica Bikini International winner, has died at 35; tributes poured in from the entertainment world. Health & families: PIOJ reports Jamaica’s maternal mortality ratio at 150.3 per 100,000 live births in 2024, noting Hurricane Melissa disruptions and restoration efforts. Justice & rehabilitation: The DCS opened a Portmore probation office with its first play therapy room in St Catherine, aiming to support children and families touched by the penal system. Education integrity: CXC is adjusting School-Based Assessment rules to protect assessment integrity as AI use rises. Sports spotlight: Jamaica’s U20 sprint stars Gary Card and Shanoya Douglas are named for the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon. Culture & community: Friends of Porus Association (FOP) gears up for its 2026 homecoming in Manchester (July 23-25) with education, parenting, health and community events. Diaspora travel: Southwest adds direct Nashville–Aruba flights in 2027, with new Saturday links from Nashville to Montego Bay and other Caribbean destinations.