AGP Executive Report

Back-to-School Support: Woodcats International handed out books, school supplies and book vouchers to more than 100 children at its Slipe Pen Road initiative, backing students from nearby communities ahead of the new school year. Education & Safety: Port Henderson Primary in St Catherine is pleading for government help over classroom space and security issues, including students being placed in staff and resource rooms and concerns about the perimeter fence. Public Access to Info: Jamaica’s Houses of Parliament launched a revamped website aimed at making legislative information easier to find for the public, media, educators and researchers. Community Health: Hundreds turned out at Ocho Rios Primary School for a Sandals Foundation back-to-school health fair offering medical checks, immunisations and expanded dental services. Road Safety: A man died after a three-vehicle crash on the North Coast Highway near Bogue Gate in Trelawny, pushing local road deaths higher for the year. Hunting Rules Tightened: NEPA, the JCF and the Firearm Licensing Authority warned bird hunters that breaches during the shortened season can bring heavy fines and jail time, with stricter rules in hurricane-affected parishes. Business & Investment: MFS Capital Partners completed its acquisition of Century Business Machines, while KPREIT put its 591 Spanish Town Road sale on hold after last year’s fire and pending insurance claims. Local Economy & Growth: Motorcycle maker Ghans Auto Parts opened a new Montego Bay headquarters as it pushes the Missile brand across the Caribbean and Latin America. Security & Crime: Police charged two men in St James with possession of criminal property after separate robbery-related incidents. Fire Incident: Firefighters are battling a blaze that engulfed the Superior Parts dealership on Hagley Park Road in St Andrew; no casualties have been confirmed.

Parliament Transparency: Jamaica’s Houses of Parliament has launched a new website to make it easier to find legislative information, with Speaker Juliet Holness saying the domain and link stayed the same but navigation and the amount of content improved. Public Safety: In Trelawny, a man died after a three-vehicle crash near Bogue Gate on the North Coast Highway, pushing local road deaths to 24 for the year. Crime Watch: Police are searching for a woman accused of pepper-spraying a 72-year-old man inside an Aldi supermarket in Jamaica, offering up to $3,500 for information. Education & Security: Port Henderson Primary in St Catherine is pleading for government help over classroom space and security issues, including the need to acquire adjoining land. Local Governance & Business: Kingston Properties’ KPREIT has put its planned sale of the 591 Spanish Town Road property on hold after last year’s fire, citing ongoing insurance claims and renovations. Road & Community Risks: Authorities are seeking a suspect after suspected arson attacks in Rock River, St Mary, that destroyed vehicles and damaged homes and a business. Environment: NEPA and partners are stepping up monitoring for bird-shooting season, warning of steep penalties for breaches. Digital Payments: Bank of Jamaica says Jam-Dex transactions have surged to $51.7 million in seven months to July as it works to expand wallet providers and where people can spend.

Road Safety: A man died after a three-vehicle crash on the North Coast Highway near Bogue Gate in Trelawny, pushing the parish’s road deaths to 24 for the year. Public Access: Jamaica’s Houses of Parliament has launched a new website aimed at making parliamentary and legislative information easier to find for the public, media, educators and researchers. Local Business & Property: Kingston Properties’ KPREIT has put its planned sale of the 591 Spanish Town Road property on hold after last year’s fire, citing ongoing insurance claims and renovations. Crime & Community Safety: Police are searching for a woman accused of pepper-spraying a 72-year-old man inside an Aldi supermarket in Jamaica. Governance & Policy: Authorities are stepping up monitoring for Jamaica’s bird-shooting season, warning of major fines for breaches. Economy & Finance: Bank of Jamaica says Jam-Dex transactions have surged to $51.7 million in seven months to July as it works to expand wallet providers and merchant acceptance. Women’s Protection: Work is complete on a third Government-run shelter for victims of domestic abuse, expected to provide up to 70 safe spaces after September 1.

Homicide & Safety Snapshot: A new look at global homicide rates highlights how strict gun controls, strong institutions, and social cohesion can keep murder rare—contrasting with places stuck in cycles of violence and weak governance. Real Estate & Business: KPREIT has put its planned sale of the 591 Spanish Town Road property on hold after last year’s fire, citing ongoing insurance claims while it renovates. Finance & Corporate Moves: MFS Capital Partners has completed its takeover of Century Business Machines, making CBM a wholly owned subsidiary; Scotia Group Jamaica shareholders will vote Oct. 7 on a $52.1-billion plan to take the firm private. Public Services: Oracabessa’s library closure is raising fears for students who rely on it for study, printing, and internet access. Crime & Enforcement: NEPA, JCF and the Firearm Licensing Authority are tightening bird-shooting rules for a shortened season, with penalties up to $3 million for breaches. Community & Safety: Work is finished on a third government-run domestic abuse shelter, adding up to 70 safe spaces for women and children after Sept. 1. Tech & Payments: Jam-Dex transactions have surged to $51.7 million in seven months to July as the Bank of Jamaica pushes wider merchant acceptance and more wallet providers.

Jamaica Villa Death Claims Questioned: Police say they can’t confirm reports that Canadian rapper Yung Drilla was killed in a Jamaican villa, with no record of the alleged shooting, no verified location, and no motive found. Public Safety & Crime: In St James, two men were charged with possession of criminal property after separate robberies, including a knife attack in Montego Bay and a robbery linked to a vehicle later found with matching stolen items. Child Protection: Florida’s “Operation Statewide Shield” recovered 163 missing children, highlighting the scale of coordinated child-recovery efforts. Hurricane Preparedness: A new report from Hawaiʻi warns shelters may not be strong enough for likely demand in extreme storms, with officials refusing to say what upgrades were made. Local Services: The Oracabessa Branch Library is set to close after safety concerns and tenancy expiry, raising fears for students’ access to books, internet, and printing. Environment & Enforcement: Jamaica’s bird-shooting season is under tighter monitoring, with steep penalties for breaches, including hunting in restricted areas. Digital Payments: Jamaica’s Jam-Dex transactions surged to $51.7 million in seven months to July as the Bank of Jamaica pushes more wallet providers and spending locations. Women’s Support: Jamaica’s government says work is complete on a third domestic-abuse shelter, adding up to 70 safe spaces for women and children after Sept. 1.

Hurricane Preparedness: A new report on Hawaiʻi shelters says officials still won’t say whether most facilities can handle even weak hurricanes, with only two sites confirmed as Category 3-ready—raising fresh questions as storms intensify. Library Access: Oracabessa’s branch library is set to close after safety concerns and an expiring tenancy, leaving students and residents worried about where they’ll study, print, and get online access. Wildlife & Safety: Authorities are stepping up monitoring for Jamaica’s 2026 bird-shooting season, with major fines and jail time for breaches, including tighter rules in hurricane-hit parishes. Local Business Growth: A Montego Bay motorcycle maker opened new headquarters and is pushing its Missile brand across Latin America and the Caribbean. Crime Update: Two men in St James were charged after separate robberies, including one involving stolen items found in a vehicle after a collision. Community Services: The Government is completing a third state-run domestic abuse shelter, adding up to 70 safe spaces after Sept. 1. Digital Payments: Bank of Jamaica says Jam-Dex transactions jumped to $51.7 million in seven months to July as it works to expand wallet providers and spending locations.

Domestic Abuse Response: Jamaica’s Gender Ministry says work is done on a third Government-run shelter for women facing domestic abuse, adding up to 70 safe spaces and set to begin providing support after September 1. Public Works & Kingston Regeneration: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says UDC is finishing public consultation for National Heroes Park and Heroes Circle, with construction expected to follow as part of Kingston Central’s wider renewal. Disability Services: The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) is relocating its head office to Pawsey Road, with services continuing at the current Ripon Road site during the transition. Digital Payments Growth: Bank of Jamaica reports Jam-Dex transactions have surged to $51.7 million in seven months to July as it pushes more wallet providers and wider point-of-sale acceptance. Road Safety & Stray Animals: A Clarendon crash on Highway 2000 involving a cow has reignited calls to tackle stray animals on fast roads. Community Safety: St Mary police seek a man for questioning after suspected arson attacks in Rock River destroyed vehicles and buildings. Culture & Music: J Capri is set to be honoured at Excellence In Music 2026 in New Kingston on September 15, a decade after her death. Sports Youth: CFU Under-14 Challenge Series semi-finals are set for August 21 at Cap Cana, with Jamaica taking on Bermuda. Tourism Reopening: JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar in Montego Bay will reopen December 1 after a full renovation of its 295 suites.

Resort Reopening: JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar will reopen in Montego Bay on Dec. 1 after a full renovation of the 295-suite, adults-only property, adding refreshed rooms, restaurants, and new pool and beach experiences. Digital Payments: Jamaica’s Jam-Dex is gaining traction, with transaction values hitting $51.7 million in the seven months to July as the Bank of Jamaica pushes more wallet providers and wider point-of-sale acceptance. Public Works & Kingston: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Urban Development Corporation is finishing public consultation for National Heroes Park and Heroes Circle, paving the way for construction and a broader Kingston Central regeneration push. Community Safety: St Mary police are investigating suspected arson attacks in Rock River, Richmond, after fires destroyed two motor vehicles and a business, with more incidents reported early Saturday. Education & Access: Long Road Primary School in rural St Mary says it’s struggling to maintain its role as a hurricane shelter as repairs are needed and heavy rain has repeatedly cut off access for students. Culture & Sports: CFU Under-14 Challenge Series semi-finals are set for Aug. 21 at Cap Cana Sports City, with Jamaica taking on Bermuda.

Marine Fuel Deal: Sunoco LP, via Sunoco Marine Ltd, has teamed up with Verde Marine Energy to expand marine fuel supply into the ARA and UK bunker markets, building on prior collaboration in the US and leveraging Sunoco’s existing bunkering presence including Jamaica. Arson Probe in St Mary: Police are seeking a man for questioning after suspected arson attacks in Rock River, Richmond, St Mary, including fires that destroyed two vehicles and a business, plus a board house and damage to a nearby concrete structure. Digital Resilience for Storm Season: Businesses are being urged to strengthen IT resilience as part of hurricane preparedness, warning that restoring data and systems can be just as critical as repairing buildings. Jam-Dex Growth: Bank of Jamaica says Jam-Dex transaction values have surged to $51.7 million in seven months to July, as it works to expand wallet providers and point-of-sale acceptance. JCPD Head Office Move: The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities is relocating its Kingston 5 head office to 1C-1F Pawsey Road, with new operations set for Sept. 1 and interim service continuing at the old site through Sept. 30. Education & Community Needs: Long Road Primary in rural St Mary says it’s an official hurricane shelter but is struggling with repairs and access road damage that can leave students marooned. National Heroes Park Progress: Prime Minister Holness says UDC is finishing public consultation for National Heroes Park and Heroes Circle, moving toward construction for a new UDC headquarters and park upgrades. Underwater Discovery: UTC students and staff were featured on Discovery Channel’s “Expedition Unknown” after research at Port Royal, Jamaica, helped lead to remains of a previously unlocated British warship. Crime Prevention Push: A new sanctuary in Spanish Town, St Catherine, is being dedicated with calls for closer church-police partnership to reduce crime and support at-risk youth.

Road Safety: A night cricket outing nearly turned deadly after a Mitsubishi Pajero crashed into a cow on the May Pen–Williamsfield leg of Highway 2000, reviving fears about stray animals on dark, fast roads. Digital Payments: Jamaica’s central bank says Jam-Dex transaction values have surged to $51.7 million in seven months to July, as the BOJ pushes more wallet providers and wider merchant acceptance. Jamaica in the Spotlight: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga students and staff were featured on Discovery Channel’s “Expedition Unknown” after underwater archaeology work at Port Royal helped locate a long-missing British warship. Community & Culture: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says UDC consultation is nearing completion for National Heroes Park and Heroes Circle, paving the way for construction. Disability Services: The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities is relocating its head office to Pawsey Road, with a transition starting Sept. 1. Sports (Youth): The CFU Under-14 Challenge Series semi-finals are set for Aug. 21 at Cap Cana Sports City, including Jamaica vs Bermuda. Local Relief: World Central Kitchen-linked food support is being organised in the US by a Jamaican chef with experience from WCK’s Jamaica response. Business & Access: JCPD’s move highlights accessibility upgrades, while Jamaica’s correctional system debate continues over modernization needs.

NRCA Removal Fight in Trelawny: A 75-year-old wood sculptor, Walton Spence, says he will fight a 30-day removal notice from the Natural Resources Conservation Authority for shops at Jacob Taylor Beach (Silver Sands), where operators have long made a living. School Repairs and Safety Worries: Long Road Primary in St Mary—also an official hurricane shelter—faces major repair needs and fears another heavy rainfall could again trap students and staff when access roads fail. Kingston Development Update: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Urban Development Corporation has finished public consultation for National Heroes Park and Heroes Circle, moving toward construction for a new UDC headquarters and park upgrades. JCPD Head Office Relocation: The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities is relocating from 10 Ripon Road to 1C-1F Pawsey Road, with new operations set for Sept. 1 and interim service continuing at the current site through Sept. 30. Crime-Prevention Push with Church: In Spanish Town, KGIM’s new sanctuary opening was used to urge closer police-church collaboration under the “Cycle of Violence” programme. Sports Youth Spotlight: The CFU Under-14 Challenge Series semi-finals are set for Aug. 21 at Cap Cana Sports City, with Jamaica facing Bermuda.

Trelawny Land Dispute: A 75-year-old wood sculptor, Walton Spence, says he will fight a 30-day removal notice from the Natural Resources Conservation Authority over shops at Jacob Taylor Beach, known as Silver Sands, where operators say they’ve built livelihoods for decades. School Infrastructure Pressure: Long Road Primary in St Mary is struggling as it serves as an official hurricane shelter, but repairs are lagging and damaged access roads have previously left students and staff stranded during heavy rainfall. Kingston Development Watch: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Urban Development Corporation has finished public consultation for National Heroes Park and Heroes Circle, moving toward construction for a new UDC headquarters and a revamped park area. Disability Services Update: The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities is relocating its head office to 1C-1F Pawsey Road, Kingston 5, with interim service hours at the old location until late September. Sports (Youth Football): The CFU Under-14 Challenge Series semi-finals are set for August 21 at Cap Cana Sports City, including Jamaica vs Bermuda. Crime & Justice: A Jamaican woman in Florida, Amoye Jameison, was charged after an alleged bank-impersonation scam tricked a 74-year-old into withdrawing US$8,000, with the money recovered after police tracked the courier.

Urban Renewal: Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the UDC is finishing public consultation to move National Heroes Park and Heroes Circle into a new construction phase, including a modern park and the first purpose-built Parliament building, as Kingston’s central regeneration plan pushes ahead. Disability Services: The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) is relocating its head office from 10 Ripon Road to 1C-1F Pawsey Road, Kingston 5, with new operations set to begin Sept. 1 and interim service continuing at the old site until Sept. 30. Youth Football: The CFU Under-14 Challenge Series semi-finals are set for Aug. 21 at Cap Cana Sports City, with Jamaica facing Bermuda in the Tier I match. Sports & Culture: Jamaica’s presence in the Caribbean diaspora spotlight continues with WIADCA naming Buju Banton and KesTheBand’s Kees Dieffenthaller as honorary grand marshals for New York’s 59th Caribbean Carnival Parade on Labor Day. Community & Safety: Police are urging churches to help break Spanish Town’s “cycle of violence,” as a new sanctuary opening in St. Catherine comes with calls for closer church-police collaboration.

JCPD Relocation: The Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities is moving its head office from 10 Ripon Road to 1C-1F Pawsey Road, Kingston 5, with services continuing at the old site on Mondays to Wednesdays until Sept. 30 and the new location set to begin operations Sept. 1. Workplace Fight: A former Rubis Energy Jamaica driver, Aduke Walker, is challenging his reinstatement after he says he was pressured into signing a resignation following gas theft allegations. Community & Crime: In Spanish Town, KGIM’s new sanctuary dedication urged closer church-police partnership as the JCF pushes its “Cycle of Violence” programme. Sports & Support: Jamaica’s surfer Elishama Beckford says sponsorship and Olympic Solidarity help cover the steep costs of competing, equipment, and travel. Business & Wellness: Kingston’s DRIP Mobile IV Hydration is bringing IV treatments to clients for recovery and wellness, aiming to make care more convenient. Culture & Media: Dominican media personality Jael Joseph is launching a Caribbean-wide search for a new red-carpet media correspondent for the Caribbean Music Awards in Trinidad and Tobago. Tourism Infrastructure: Montego Bay Convention Centre says Dream Weekend success will help it pitch for more MICE and major entertainment events to reach its revenue target.

Tax Administration Modernisation: Finance Minister Fayval Williams officially opened the $760-million Christiana Tax Office in Manchester, adding easier access for residents and new motor vehicle services like driver’s licence processing and printing. Public Safety & Youth Support: In Spanish Town, KGIM’s new sanctuary was dedicated as police urged churches to help break the “cycle of violence” under the Community Safety programme. Crime Update: Five men, including two 17-year-olds, were charged after a revolver with three rounds was found during a police search on Constitution Hill, St Andrew. Sports & Talent: Montego Bay Convention Centre is pushing to leverage Dream Weekend 2026 to hit a $650-million revenue target and attract more MICE and entertainment events. Community & Health: DRIP Mobile IV Hydration launched in Kingston, bringing IV recovery and wellness services directly to clients. Culture & Storytelling: “What’s Your Story Jamaica” is bringing Kingston finalists to Fort Lauderdale for a true-life storytelling showcase in September. Local Development Watch: Kingston 8 residents are still pushing for answers over a proposed multi-family development at 2 Broadway Close, citing lack of information from KSAMC.

Public Safety & Community: Police are urging the church to help break Spanish Town’s “cycle of violence,” calling for faith leaders to partner with officers under the Community Safety and Security Branch’s programme. Corrections Reform: A new editorial debate is pushing Jamaicans to look beyond the price tag of a proposed St Catherine correctional facility and ask what it costs to keep using colonial-era infrastructure that can’t meet modern rehabilitation needs. Food & Health: A practical consumer guide warns that mould can spread beneath the surface of fruits and vegetables, making “just cut the bad part” decisions risky. Culture & Storytelling: “What’s Your Story Jamaica” is bringing Kingston true-life storytelling to Fort Lauderdale, with two local finalists set to perform live. Local Business & Tourism: DRIP Mobile IV Hydration launches Jamaica’s first mobile IV service, bringing recovery and wellness treatments to clients on the go. Sports & Inclusion: CHASE Fund commits J$945,725 to health screening for athletes at the Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in Montego Bay. Crime & Justice: Police charged five men, including two 17-year-olds, after a revolver and ammunition were seized during an incident on Constitution Hill, St Andrew.