AGP Executive Report

Back-to-school support: After tragedy and demolitions in Cooper’s Pen, the Government says families will get help with uniforms, textbooks and school supplies so children can return to class from Sept. 7. School safety & repairs: Black River Primary in St Elizabeth is set for a full reopening on Sept. 14 after Hurricane Melissa damage, with grade one orientation pushed back due to ongoing roofing and painting. HIV rights & awareness: Jamaica AIDS Support for Life launched a Know Your Rights app to help people living with HIV understand discrimination, legal protection and support services. Child heart care: Supreme Ventures Foundation donated $2.1m to Chain of Hope Jamaica to cover costs of paediatric cardiac surgeries. Education scholarships: Malta’s Good You Give Scholarship will fund Jamaica’s top PEP student for five years, with Park Mountain’s Jasonnia Beadle as the inaugural recipient. Culture & dance: JCAL’s Making Moves Dance Festival returns Sept. 18–20, spotlighting choreographers across Queens and beyond. Diaspora connection: GraceKennedy opened applications for its 2027 Birthright Programme for second- and third-generation Jamaican students abroad.

Jamaican Literature & LGBTQ+ Voices: Marlon James’ new novel “The Disappearers” hits shelves Sept. 1, a queer crime story set in 1988 Kingston that draws on his own closeted youth and a rumor of violence against a queer safe space. Faith & Resilience: Pastor Wayne Clarke’s new book, “The Knicks 4:1: You Can Overcome Your ‘Giants,’” blends basketball lessons with biblical perseverance for people facing financial and life setbacks. Education & Access: Jamaica’s USF Connect-a-Child programme delivered tablets to 630 PEP students, aiming to widen digital learning opportunities. Community & Child Protection: Fi We Children Foundation is urging agencies to act fast after demolitions in Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny, warning some children may miss school until January. Sporting Diplomacy: JAAA signed a training camp agreement with Japan’s Tottori Prefecture for the 2027 World Athletics Championships, building on a partnership that dates back to 2007. Beauty Queen Service: Miss Universe Jamaica 2026 Celene Hall says her reign will expand her Hummingbird Effect Foundation’s education initiative, NEST.

Back-to-school health: Westmoreland Health officials are urging parents to watch for hand, foot and mouth disease symptoms and keep sick children home to stop spread. Education access: Knockalva Polytechnic College is offering a free Sixth-Form Pathways Programme combining CSEC subjects with practical skills and certification. Classroom crunch: Holland Primary in St Elizabeth says it has more students but fewer classrooms after Hurricane Melissa disruptions, leaving space tight. Roads vs learning: In St James and Hanover, principals say damaged routes are forcing tough decisions on school start times and delaying deliveries. Student support: Guardian Group’s annual scholarship awards put 46 PEP scholars on track for high school, including Wolmer’s High School for Girls. Sports & opportunity: JADCO’s “No Dope to Cope” roadshow handed out 500+ back-to-school items in St Thomas and Portland. Diaspora culture: GraceKennedy is inviting second- and third-generation Jamaicans for the 2027 Birthright Programme—an all-expenses-paid six-week internship and cultural immersion. Community arts: NEPA begins coral spawning observation dives as Jamaica pushes reef awareness and restoration.

Back-to-school support: JADCO rolled out its fifth “No Dope to Cope” roadshow in St. Thomas and Portland, handing out 500+ school items and pushing clean sport messages. Student safety: Jamaica Constabulary Force School Resource Officers are targeting gang feeder pockets in schools, working with guidance teams and parents to steer at-risk students toward support programmes. Immigration services: PICA expanded to 237 officers, with 29 new graduates urged to protect confidential information and serve with integrity. Culture & diaspora: GraceKennedy is inviting 2nd/3rd-generation Jamaicans abroad to apply for the 2027 Birthright Programme—an all-expenses-paid six-week internship plus cultural immersion. Arts & heritage: Jamaica and the OAS signed an agreement to strengthen cultural ties across the Americas through exhibitions, exchanges, training, and youth engagement. Environment: NEPA began coral spawning observation dives, warning reef health has slipped to “critical” and highlighting restoration efforts. Music spotlight: Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad (Sept 19) will honour Jamaican dancehall icon Patra with a Lifetime Achievement award. Community & wellbeing: A bullying prevention message from the JDF urges students to report concerns to trusted adults and School Resource Officers.

Education & Tech Mindset: A new school-year debate is pushing back on the “ban it” reflex, arguing Jamaica and the wider region should teach students to use phones and digital learning tools for critical thinking instead of treating them like distractions. School Readiness in the Heat: In St Elizabeth, Middle Quarters Primary and Infant says tents are unusable because of extreme heat, while Region 4 education leaders urge teachers to stay resilient after Hurricane Melissa damage. Back-to-School Support: KFC and Pizza Hut’s Summer Wrap’d gave 200+ children in State care a zoo day and treats, and Iberostar backed PEP scholarships and book vouchers for employees’ children. Road Safety Pressure: The demerit point system rollout is delayed again, with a road safety advocate warning that postponing enforcement could cost lives. Casino Guardrails: Jamaica’s casino regulator says strict checks—KYC, transaction monitoring, anti-money laundering controls, and responsible gaming—will be built into operations from day one. Leadership & Jobs: Sheree Martin is appointed first female CEO of NCBJ effective Sept 1, while Jamaica’s athletics partnership with Japan’s Tottori aims to strengthen training for Beijing 2027. Culture & Community: Capleton lit up Encore Live in St Ann, and dancehall is buzzing with Jay-A and Dexta Daps’ “Ambition.” Mental Health Reminder: World Suicide Prevention Day is flagged ahead of Sept 10, calling for earlier support and stronger awareness across schools, churches, and workplaces.

School Safety Focus: The JCF says it’s stepping up patrols and school resource officer support ahead of the September 7 start, urging parents to liaise early on bullying, threats and discipline issues. Back-to-School Parenting: The National Parenting Support Commission reminds parents that readiness is more than supplies—set routines, communicate with schools, and support learning through the year. Health Research Boost: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness awarded $48 million to five researchers under the Research for Wellness Fund to tackle practical public health problems. Early Childhood Screening: The JSRA is back in focus as ECC explains it’s not a pass/fail test, but a classroom-observation tool to guide monitoring and referrals for children aged 4–5. Culture & Books: Marlon James talks up his Booker-nominated queer epic The Disappearers, while September arts and book listings keep readers and theatre-goers busy. Tourism & Recovery: Jamaica’s GTRCMC is moving to help Nepal after catastrophic flooding, while UNDP reports Hurricane Melissa debris is being cleared and turned into community assets. Diaspora & Community: A Park Lane back-to-school drive in St Andrew North Central brings treats and support to families as the new term begins.

Tourism & Global Spotlight: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett named co-chair of World Economic Forum Tourism Day 2026, pushing a resilience-first agenda for travel. Education & Accountability: CXC exam absenteeism is raising alarms after 10,481 Jamaican students reportedly failed to show up, risking wasted public funds. Community Health: Hundreds got free dental care at Mandeville’s “1000 Smiles” back-to-school health fair, led by Great Shape! Inc with dental students and volunteers. Workplace Rights: Labour ministry officials say inclusion can’t stay on paper—respect and fairness must become everyday practice. Housing & Governance: PM Holness warns against new squatting at Coopers Pen, saying emergency powers may be used while still offering a fair path to legal property. Culture & Music: Blaqk Sheep and Black Coco link up for “Back It Up,” blending dancehall and Afrobeats; Grimy Don pours pain into “Greatness.” Diaspora & Faith: Jamaican-born Diotima founder Rachel Scott unveils a fall campaign inspired by Wilfredo Lam’s Afro-Cuban symbolism. Humanitarian Watch: UN says nearly 200,000 people have been forcibly returned to Haiti in eight months, amid worsening insecurity.

Tourism & Global Spotlight: Edmund Bartlett has been named co-chair of World Economic Forum Tourism Day 2026, putting Jamaica at the centre of talks on travel resilience, people-first priorities and real-time risk planning. Inclusion & Youth Voices: A 17-year-old wheelchair user’s new children’s book, I Am a Wheelchair User, is set for a Sept. 3 launch, aiming to remind young readers they aren’t alone. Housing & Rights: Prime Minister Holness visited Cooper’s Pen, stressing squatting is unacceptable but people in informal settlements must be helped to transition into legal property ownership through fair processes. STEM for the Next Generation: UTech’s STEM Summer Camp trained about 100 Kingston and St Andrew students in AI, robotics and engineering, with hands-on builds and a JDF Coast Guard field trip. Innovation to Impact: SRC and DBJ are partnering with OPM to push 2026 National Innovation Awards winners toward commercialization, financing and market testing. Education Accountability: Calls are growing after thousands of Jamaican students missed CXC exams, raising concerns about wasted public funds. Music & Culture: Demarco drops “Steppa,” while Capleton’s “Babylon So Evil” featuring Stephen and Damian Marley hits #1 on Florida reggae/dancehall radio. Community Support: Christel House International says it plans to expand its long-term fight against poverty, keeping students supported from preschool through graduation. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly is threatening the Eastern Caribbean with heavy rain and flash-flood risk.

Back-to-school pressure: Jamaica is seeing fresh strain as schools and families scramble—Portland schools race to finish Hurricane Melissa/Beryl repairs, while parents face a uniform rush and fewer tailors taking individual orders. CXC accountability: More than 10,000 students missed CXC exams, raising fears of wasted public money and weak accountability. Education access: The Ministry urged schools not to lock out students over uniform and grooming breaches—admit first, discipline within school. Teacher recruitment debate: A US teacher exchange agency says it’s not “stealing” Jamaican educators, even as Jamaica grapples with resignations and shortages. Community resilience: Stories from hurricane-hit communities show families rebuilding in cramped conditions and students facing dangerous crossings when rivers rise. Culture & music: Dameon Gayle is making a documentary on music contracts and royalties, while Kabaka Pyramid released Rebel Music—The Lyrics Tape for its 15th anniversary. Drought call: Churches urged prayer and action as water restrictions bite across multiple parishes.

Back-to-School Support: St Andrew South West MP Dr Angela Brown Burke is pushing for a 50% jump in Constituency Development Fund (CDF) money, saying current allocations can’t keep up with rising school costs. Health & Education Investment: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton presented 141 scholarships for health studies and announced a $50m research grant to strengthen Jamaica’s healthcare talent pipeline. Local Infrastructure for Tourism: A $42.7m road upgrade in St Mary (Robin’s Bay to Strawberry Fields) is set to open up community tourism and improve access for visitors. Churches & Drought Response: The Jamaica Umbrella Groups of Churches urged prayer, water conservation, and practical help for vulnerable communities as drought bites. Sports & Youth Culture: The Jamaica Draughts Association’s Link-Up Festival in Trelawny spotlighted mentorship and pathways from local play to international draughts. Media & Community Loss: Veteran broadcaster Dervan Malcolm has died, with tributes highlighting his calm, trusted voice and public service through Power 106. Transport Policy: Jamaica’s demerit point system rollout is delayed to Oct 1, 2026, giving time for a full revision and an education programme.

Sports & Tourism: Jamaica Cup tennis is back for Nov. 11–16 at Half Moon, Montego Bay, pairing pro players with collegiate talent and community events. Gender & Sport: Asafa Powell backs gender equity at the Pan Am Sports Women in Sport Forum, pushing for women’s leadership and safer sport. Health & Research: Government announces a $50m healthcare research push, with scholarships supporting projects on cancer, sickle cell, and environmental health. Roads for Tourism & Livelihoods: A $42.7m St Mary road upgrade links Robin’s Bay to Strawberry Fields to expand community tourism. Education Rights: Fi We Children Foundation warns it may challenge schools that lock out students over grooming rules, while the ministry urges discipline inside classrooms. Community Resilience: Jamaica Library Service crowns reading champions after Hurricane Melissa disruptions, with Portland and Trelawny among top winners. Media & Culture: Tributes continue after veteran broadcaster Dervan Malcolm’s death. Environment: NEPA and partners launch “Restore for Sure” to protect Jamaica’s endangered plants and restore key ecosystems. Diaspora & Global Watch: UN says nearly 200,000 people were forcibly returned to Haiti in eight months amid worsening insecurity.

Jamaica Library Service: The 2026 National Reading Competition crowned five champions at The Jamaica Pegasus, with Haley Clarke (Trelawny) taking overall honours; 7,700 readers competed despite Hurricane Melissa’s disruption, and JLS says it’s now operating 85 libraries islandwide. Education & youth support: Burger King Jamaica handed out $14M+ in scholarships to 34 students under “Blazing a Trail to Success,” while UTech’s Teach The Youth Summer Programme continues building community change through meals, culture day activities, and sports. Culture & community voices: Veteran broadcaster Dervan Malcolm has died; PAJ praised his decades of public education and Diaspora-focused work on Power 106’s “Both Sides of the Story.” Sports & lifestyle: Flow’s CPL “Every Six Gives Back” campaign turns tournament moments into back-to-school and community support across multiple markets, and the Jamaica Cup tennis event is back in Montego Bay for Nov. 11–16 at Half Moon. Environment: NEPA and IUCN are preparing “Restore for Sure” to protect Jamaica’s endangered plants and restore key ecosystems, targeting 53 threatened species.

Community & Culture: Ho Central MP Richmond Kofi Kpotosu and Ho MCE Stephen Adom met chiefs and queen mothers, praising their role in peace and promising joint work on education, health, roads, sanitation and youth/women’s empowerment. Back-to-School Support: JN Money helped a laid-off mother in Montego Bay with school costs, while Supreme Ventures Foundation’s dental clinic served 120 children in state care with backpacks and healthier smiles. Education Access: Region 7 says all 109 schools reopen Sept. 7 after Hurricane Melissa repairs, with temporary classrooms for the most affected sites. School Discipline: Youth and Human Rights opposition spokesperson Isat Buchanan wants children caught with firearms referred to the Child Diversion Programme instead of court. Dancehall & Nightlife: Vybz Kartel’s “The Return of The Building” hits the National Arena Aug. 29, aiming to bring back the classic club energy. Media Loss: Broadcaster Dervan Malcolm, longtime Power 106 voice, has died. Tourism & Lifestyle: Grand Lido Negril reopens as a smaller, adults-only Marriott Autograph all-inclusive with a clothing-free beach area. Business & Local Buy: JMEA says the Buy Jamaican campaign is off to a slow start, citing weak funding and planning a stronger social media push.

Back-to-School Support: Woodcats International handed out books, school supplies and book vouchers to more than 100 children in Kingston, keeping families covered ahead of the new term. Health & Learning Access: Sandals Foundation’s Ocho Rios Primary School health fair drew hundreds for free medical and dental services, including expanded 1000 Smiles care. Early Childhood Focus: The Early Childhood Commission is pushing the culturally adapted ASQ J screening tool (not a test) to help parents and educators spot developmental progress early, while also prioritising the Zero to Three strategy and Brain Builder Centres. Education for Boys: The Education Ministry says targeted interventions are coming to address boys’ underperformance, with educators set to help shape practical solutions. Community Peacekeeping: Ellerslie Gardens residents in Spanish Town were commended for maintaining peace as police strengthened citizen relationships through home visits and community engagement. Sports & Infrastructure: Newcombe Valley’s Amos Lane Farm Road in St Elizabeth officially opened, rehabilitated at $50 million to improve access for farmers and livestock producers. Culture & Entertainment: BZR Weekend is expected to draw 50,000+ patrons in October, with Cardi B headlining at the National Stadium—boosting hotels, vendors and small businesses. CXC Update: CXC launched CTEC after a successful modular maths pilot, aiming to tackle subject underperformance with step-by-step mastery. Dancehall Nightlife: Vybz Kartel’s rum-partnered “The Return of The Building” event is set for the National Arena on Aug 29, promising a recreated club experience. Diaspora & Scholarships: UK scholarship recipients were announced for Jamaican youth, adding to the growing pipeline of study opportunities abroad. Immigration Court Win (US): A federal court struck down a US immigrant visa ban affecting 75 countries, including Jamaica, restoring case-by-case processing. Social Cases Strain Hospitals: Cornwall Regional Hospital and the wider region report 91 social cases in care, including children abandoned for over a year, adding pressure to already stretched facilities.

Caribbean Business & Trade: Puerto Rico’s CUD incoming president Alan Taveras Sepúlveda says a new digital push, Caribe Unido, will help local SMEs plug into wider Caribbean markets. Back-to-School & Learning: Jamaica’s Education Ministry moves to strengthen TVET in high schools and reform school board appointments with objective standards. Water Woes: Schools and early-childhood institutions may get water support via trucks and tanks as drought pressure grows. Health & Community: Juliet Holness’ Mavis Bank back-to-school medical and dental fair offered checkups, prescriptions, and free treatment for families. Sports & Culture: Flow Foundation’s “Every Six Is a Give Back” is set to deliver $750,000 in book vouchers after CPL sixes at Sabina Park. Music & Entertainment: Cardi B headlines BZR WKND 2026 at the National Stadium on Oct. 18, while Capleton brings “Culture Rising” to Plantation Cove this weekend. Diaspora & Pride: Everton Blair, son of Jamaican immigrants, wins a Georgia run-off for the US House; and Pride begins with Worcester’s LGBTQ history spotlight. Policy & Travel: The US suspends new visa processing worldwide, adding uncertainty for travellers. Environment & Rights: JaBBEM calls for repeal of Jamaica’s Beach Control Act, arguing colonial-style restrictions still block access. Education Scholarships: Burger King’s National Scholarship Programme awards $14M+ to top students.

Education Reform Watch: Jamaica’s Education Ministry says TVET will be pushed deeper into high schools, with plans for legislative changes to expand HEART/NSTA Trust involvement and help students graduate with recognised skills, not just academics. School Governance: Proposed reforms aim to make school board appointments more objective, using fit-and-proper criteria for chairpersons and standardising board composition. Back-to-School Support: Flow Foundation will donate $750,000 in book vouchers to three schools after its “Every Six Is a Give Back” CPL push. Community & Connectivity: Flow technicians are restoring services after vandalism damaged fibre lines in Stony Hill and Red Hills. Water Security: Water Minister Matthew Samuda says drought response includes water trucks for schools and support for early-childhood institutions and farmers so “no school must be closed.” Media & AI Literacy: Broadcasting Commission head Cordel Green urges Caribbean broadcasters to prioritise trust and authenticity as AI deepfakes rise. Culture Spotlight: Yellowman headlines a Paris reggae/dancehall concert, with Sika Rlion on the bill. Regional Pride: Seven Jamaicans win fully funded UK scholarships for 2026 master’s programmes. Public Safety Planning: HSRA and partners are developing a national radiological incident response plan with specialised training.