AGP Executive Report

Primary Care Upgrade: Construction of the new Brown’s Town Health Centre in St. Ann is on track for completion by Feb. 2027, with patients expected to be accommodated by mid-2027, after the building is outfitted with equipment. Ageing & Social Protection Planning: Jamaica’s 2026 Survey of Living Conditions will guide government planning for an ageing population, including pension and social protection coverage—data suggest about two-thirds of elderly Jamaicans are not receiving a pension. Rural Water for Health: The CDB and the Jamaican government have formalised a US$36m, five-year Jamaica Rural Water Supply Programme to upgrade six water schemes, supporting households, schools, health facilities and farmers. Public Sector Health Workers: Public sector doctors are growing impatient with delays at the Industrial Disputes Tribunal over overtime pay and incentives for about 700 doctors. Scoliosis Access: UHWI and Back to Healing delivered two days of corrective scoliosis surgery at no cost, with donated implants removing a major financial barrier for patients. Heat Stress on Crops: RADA is urging farmers to manage extreme heat and drought stress using mulching, irrigation and watering during cooler hours as El Niño conditions are expected to persist into early 2027.

Scoliosis care breakthrough: UHWI and international nonprofit Back to Healing carried out two days of corrective scoliosis surgery at no cost, with donated implants removing a major financial barrier for patients. Hospital accountability: Opposition Leader Mark Golding renewed pressure over Cornwall Regional Hospital’s long-running rehabilitation delays, citing ballooning costs and unfinished work that keeps western Jamaica without a fully functioning referral hospital. Mental health & public safety in Kingston: New Kingston authorities, including Minister Delano Seiveright and Mayor Andrew Swaby, stepped up action after reports of harassment, disorder, and people affected by mental health and substance abuse in the business district. Heat stress guidance for farmers: RADA urged farmers to reduce crop stress amid extreme heat and drought, recommending mulching, shade, and watering at dawn and dusk. Community health recognition: Brenda Miller, a nursing educator and foster caregiver, was named Jamaica’s 2026 CIBC Caribbean Unsung Hero runner-up, highlighting long-term service to vulnerable people. Youth health & safety: Police reported a 16-year-old electrocuted while picking coconuts in Clarendon, with the case classified as death by misadventure pending an autopsy.

Public Health & Access: Jamaica Hospital Medical Center (Queens) piloted a new safety-net care model for high-risk Medicaid patients, using risk scoring to target people earlier, delivering longer 40-minute visits, and pairing clinicians with navigators and social workers to tackle barriers like transport and housing—reporting reduced emergency/hospital use and better chronic disease management. Healthcare Accountability: UHWI medical chief Dr Carl Bruce was acquitted of assault and malicious destruction of property in a neurosurgeon incident dating to 2007, after the court cited a long delay in reporting and lack of supporting records. Child Health & Safety: In Clarendon, 16-year-old Rishane Roberts was electrocuted while picking coconuts when an iron pipe he used became entangled with an overhead wire; police classify it as death by misadventure pending an autopsy. Health Security & Community Trust: MP Delano Seiveright urged INDECOM to conduct a thorough, impartial probe into the Sept. 16 fatal police shooting of Shane Castleton, calling for witnesses and video to come forward. Food Access for Seniors: India Home will open an automated Smart Food Pantry and Smart Bites NYC vending machine in Queens on Sept. 29 to improve seniors’ access to nutritious food with fewer distribution barriers.

Healthcare Inequality: Opposition health spokesperson Dr Alfred Dawes says Jamaica has “two Jamaicas” in healthcare, with the wealthy getting faster surgery while poorer patients face overcrowded emergency rooms and broken facilities. Public Health Preparedness: Jamaica received 110 recommendations from an International Health Regulations external evaluation to strengthen how the country prevents, detects, and responds to health threats over the next 3–6 years. Water & Health: A new 0.8-kilometre pipeline in St Ann improves water access for Discovery Point and Mount Boon communities, while drought in St Elizabeth is forcing schools to ration water and rely on trucking. Child Health & Safety: Jamaica’s Child Protection and Family Services Agency confirmed a 16-year-old ward was impregnated by another ward despite measures to keep them apart, raising concerns about communication and oversight. Mental Health Awareness: A young Jamaican woman is using social media to educate the public about bipolar disorder and Tourette syndrome after her diagnoses and hospital experiences. Blood Policy Update: Jehovah’s Witnesses eased their blood rules, allowing use of blood-derived products (but still banning whole-blood transfusions). Regional Health Risk: PAHO warns El Niño is strengthening and could raise health risks across the Americas, including food insecurity and vector- and water-borne diseases.

Health Security Push: Jamaica received 110 recommendations from an International Health Regulations external evaluation to strengthen public health preparedness, with priorities flagged for the next 3–6 years. Drought & School Strain: Prolonged drought in St. Elizabeth is forcing water rationing at schools and even trucking water, while families struggle to keep children in class as crops fail. Water Infrastructure Upgrade: A new 0.8-kilometre pipeline in St. Ann improves access to water for Discovery Point and Mount Boon communities. Public Health Risks From Climate: PAHO warns El Niño is intensifying across the Americas, raising risks like drought, food insecurity, dengue, and disruptions to health services. Vector-Borne Alert: In Guantánamo, Manuel Tames reported 23 fever cases and is targeting dengue risks linked to standing water and illegal dumping. Nutrition Policy & Jobs: Health Minister Tufton opened dialogue with Seprod after the sugar tax was cited in temporary layoffs of 141 workers. Blood Policy Update: Jehovah’s Witnesses eased their blood rules to allow blood-derived products, while keeping a ban on whole-blood transfusions. Community Health Promotion: Oberlin High School in St. Andrew received a hydration station to support healthier drinking habits and cut single-use plastic. Reparations Debate: Jamaica’s reparations petition and Caribbean legal push against Britain continue to drive regional discussion, including calls to move from advocacy to court action. Wellness Spotlight: IIH patient Alicia Robinson shared how surgery and awareness can protect vision during IIH Awareness Month.

Police & Public Health: Amani Malcolm, 26 (“Bling Dawg”), was shot dead during an alleged armed confrontation with police in Denham Town, Kingston; he was taken to Kingston Public Hospital and pronounced dead, with INDECOM notified. Child Protection & Maternal Health: CPFSA confirmed a 16-year-old ward became pregnant by another ward while in State care, saying control measures failed and the teens repeatedly denied the relationship; the case is raising alarms about communication and supervision. Health System Preparedness: Jamaica’s public health sector is being guided by 110 recommendations from an International Health Regulations (2005) Voluntary External Evaluation, aimed at strengthening prevention, detection and response to health threats over the next 3–6 years. Neurology & Vision: Alicia Robinson, diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), is raising awareness after multiple shunt surgeries to protect her sight. Water & School Continuity: Drought in St Elizabeth is forcing schools to ration water and rely on trucking, while families struggle to afford attendance. Nutrition Policy & Jobs: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton invited dialogue with Seprod after the sugar tax was linked to temporary layoffs of 141 workers. Community Care Access: UHWI and Back to Healing delivered no-cost corrective scoliosis surgery for two patients, with donated implants. Water Infrastructure: A new 0.8-km pipeline in St Ann (Discovery Point-to-Mount Boon) is improving water access for residents. Blood Policy: Jehovah’s Witnesses revised their blood policy to allow use of blood-derived products while keeping a ban on whole-blood transfusions. Reparations Push: Caribbean states are exploring legal action against Britain for slavery reparations, including possible court proceedings under UN racial discrimination treaties.

Water Security: A new 0.8-kilometre Discovery Point-to-Mount Boon pipeline was commissioned in St Ann, part of the Rosemount water scheme upgrades worth over $200 million, with the latest phase valued at more than $50 million to improve daily potable supply. Public Health Preparedness: Jamaica’s International Health Regulations (2005) Voluntary External Evaluation (VEE) has produced 110 recommendations to strengthen how the country prevents, detects, assesses, notifies and responds to public health threats over the next 3–6 years. Nutrition & Jobs: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton invited dialogue with Seprod CEO Richard Pandohie after the sugar tax was linked to temporary layoffs of 141 workers, while the union says the company could have handled the impact differently. Patient Safety & Blood Policy: Jehovah’s Witnesses revised their blood policy to allow use of blood-derived products (plasma, platelets, and red/white blood cells) while keeping a ban on whole-blood transfusions. Drought & School Attendance: Prolonged drought in St Elizabeth is disrupting farming and affecting some children’s ability to attend school for the full week. Community Health Care Access: UHWI and Back to Healing delivered corrective scoliosis surgery for two patients at no cost, with donated implants helping remove major treatment costs. Marine Safety: NEPA warned residents to avoid Salt Marsh in Trelawny after sharks were seen feeding on a whale carcass, urging people to keep children and pets away and not disturb the animals.

Public Health Preparedness: Jamaica has launched a voluntary external evaluation of its public health preparedness and response under the International Health Regulations (2005), aiming to spot gaps and strengthen systems for threats. Water & Drought Impact: Clarendon councillors say drought conditions are still hurting schools and households even as the $91.6-million Bunkers Hill water project is commissioned, while St. Elizabeth families report crops failing and children missing full school weeks. Childhood Nutrition: Seprod’s Nutri+ Milk is donating 600 units of milk monthly to Naggo Head Infant School in Portmore through the 2026/27 school year to support learning. Scoliosis Care Access: UHWI and the non-profit Back to Healing delivered corrective scoliosis surgery for two patients at no cost, with donated implants and clinical training. Community Health & Safety: A Manchester man is suspected to have drowned while trying to rescue a stepdaughter in the St Toolies River, prompting calls for visitors to heed local safety guidance. Addiction & Prevention: Teen Challenge Jamaica says normalised marijuana and alcohol are putting youth at risk and highlights its year-long residential, faith-based rehabilitation programme. Workplace Safety: A trade union leader criticises delays in retabling Jamaica’s Occupational Health and Safety Bill, citing worker harm on worksites.

Childhood Obesity Push: The Paediatric Association of Jamaica and the Heart Foundation are rolling out “Weight A Bit: Turning the Tide on Childhood Obesity in Jamaica,” launched Sept. 30, after a school survey found overweight rose to 31.7% and obesity to 15% among ages 13–17 (up from 2017). Health Security Check: Jamaica is undergoing a Voluntary External Evaluation under the International Health Regulations, including a review of the National Expanded Programme on Immunisation, to strengthen how the country prevents, detects, and responds to public health threats. Safer Roads for Youth: JCF and partners say risky motorcycle riding and low helmet use are cultural issues, with 18–29-year-olds flagged as especially vulnerable. Workplace Safety Call: A trade union leader is urging the Government to finally retable and pass the long-delayed Occupational Health and Safety Bill after serious worksite injuries. Nutrition Support at School: Seprod’s Nutri+ Milk will donate 600 units of milk monthly to Naggo Head Infant School in Portmore through the 2026/27 school year to ease costs and support learning. Tourism Pension Benefits: Minister Edmund Bartlett says the first cohort of tourism workers will start receiving benefits under the Tourism Workers Pension Scheme within three years, with a target of $100 billion in the fund over 10 years.

Childhood Obesity Push: The Paediatric Association of Jamaica and the Heart Foundation are launching “Weight A Bit: Turning the Tide on Childhood Obesity in Jamaica,” set for Sept. 30, after a school survey showed overweight rising to 31.7% and obesity to 15% among ages 13–17. Patient Safety Focus: Jamaica marks World Patient Safety Day (Sept. 17) with the theme “The Lived Experience: Safely Navigating the Non-Communicable Disease Care Landscape,” urging safer care for people living with NCDs. Community Health Access: United Friends of Highgate (St. Mary) hosts a free health and social services fair on Sept. 19 at the Highgate Health Centre, offering dental, gynaecological care, HIV testing, and blood pressure/blood sugar checks. Nutrition Support in Schools: Seprod’s Nutri+ Milk will donate 600 milk units monthly to Naggo Head Infant School in Portmore through the 2026/27 school year to ease costs and support learning. Workplace Safety Law: A senior trade unionist says the long-delayed Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) Bill is “bordering on being scandalous,” arguing workers are left unprotected. Addiction Recovery: Teen Challenge Jamaica reports an 87% regional success rate and continues its one-year, faith-based residential programme for adults battling drug and alcohol addiction. Local Health Recognition: CIBC Caribbean named nursing educator Brenda Miller and Annie Dawson Home founder Ivaline Nickie as 2026 Unsung Heroes for community support and nation-building. Medically Tailored Meals (Global): A Massachusetts study links medically tailored meal deliveries to fewer emergency visits and hospitalisations for Medicaid patients, adding momentum to nutrition-as-care models.

Childhood Obesity Push: The Paediatric Association of Jamaica and the Heart Foundation are launching “Weight A Bit: Turning the Tide on Childhood Obesity in Jamaica” on Sept. 30, citing a school survey showing overweight rising to 31.7% and obesity to 15% among ages 13–17 (up from 23.7% and 9.2% in 2017). Patient Safety Focus: Jamaica marks World Patient Safety Day (Sept. 17) with a theme on safe care for people living with non-communicable diseases, highlighting the risks patients face when navigating multi-provider care. Rural Water Upgrade: Government signs a US$36m CDB loan for the Jamaica Rural Water Supply Programme to expand potable water access for 40,000+ residents across five parishes. Community Health Access: United Friends of Highgate (St. Mary) hosts a free health and social services fair Sept. 19 at the Highgate Health Centre, including screenings, HIV testing, and dental and gynaecological care. Pandemic Preparedness: PAHO will join UN efforts to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response ahead of a Sept. 25 UN high-level meeting. Road Safety Warning: JCF flags a need to change motorcycle riding culture, especially among 18–29-year-olds, stressing helmet and protective-gear use. Local Violence & Care: Police report a fatal shooting in Bog Walk, while Jamaica’s education ministry reviews a stabbing of a Jamaica College student after a weapons crackdown in Half-Way Tree.

Public Health Security: CARPHA wrapped up its 11th Annual Caribbean Public Health Laboratory Network workshop in Barbados, bringing together 26 lab directors (including Jamaica) to strengthen disease detection, surveillance, diagnostic coordination, and faster public health response across the region. Suicide Prevention Urgency: Jamaica’s suicide figures rose to 44 cases up to Sept. 7 (up 15.8% from 2025), with men most affected—prompting calls for Jamaicans to take warning signs seriously and act early. Child Safety & Protection: A Jamaica College student was stabbed in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, and underwent emergency surgery; police are searching for suspects as the Education Ministry reviews the incident. School Wellness: Devon Primary and Infant School in Manchester opened a new $2-million CHASE Fund playground, designed to meet ECC requirements and give children a safer space for learning and play. Regional Health Capacity: CARPHA also highlighted how stronger lab networks help with outbreak confirmation and antimicrobial resistance monitoring—key for protecting communities. Care Access in Migration: The US-Jamaica operating procedures for third-country nationals are finalised, with IOM set to provide basic services including health care and counselling during transition.

Violence & Safety: A Jamaica College student was stabbed in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, and underwent emergency surgery; police are searching for suspects after reports of a group attack. Suicide Response Training: Consultant psychiatrist Dr Wendel Abel says Jamaica needs better trauma-informed training for first responders and emergency-room staff to reduce re-traumatisation of people presenting with suicidal behaviour. Public Health Labs: CARPHA convened a workshop to strengthen Caribbean laboratory preparedness and speed detection and response to health threats, with directors from across the region including Jamaica. Prostate Cancer Awareness: Kensington Oval will “turn blue” during the CPL Eliminator to raise funds for the Sir Clive Lloyd Health Care Foundation and support prostate cancer awareness. Maternal & Infant Care Market: RA Williams Distributors is expanding into specialised consumer health and wellness, including maternal and infant care through a new distribution agreement. Business Support for Health Entrepreneurs: JEF and YEA launched a Business Development Centre in Kingston to help MSMEs with training, mentorship, clinics, and referrals for financing and market access. Tourism & Wellness Demand: A report highlights growing interest in psychedelic wellness tourism, including legal retreats that combine guided experiences with after-care. Research & Innovation Direction: Jamaica’s Scientific Research Council says it is reviewing its strategic direction for the next three to five years, focusing on areas like biotechnology, food security, and environmental technologies.

Psychedelic Wellness Tourism: A new Globetrender report says “transformation” retreats—often with psilocybin experiences, structured preparation, and after-care—are drawing a new wave of affluent travellers, including “intentional seekers” typically aged 40–55. Suicide Trends: Jamaica recorded a 15.8% rise in reported suicide cases through Sept. 7, with men hardest hit (39 of 44 cases) and St James leading by parish. Community Health Access: A Kingston National Heroes Park health fair delivered free dental, optical, and medical services to children and adults, supported by doctors, nurses, UWI dental students, and local partners. Radiological Preparedness: Jamaica is advancing its national radiological emergency response framework via a five-day IAEA training involving 40+ participants from key agencies, including MOHW, JCF, and ODPEM. Healthcare Workforce & Policy: Health Minister Tufton says technology can help Jamaica manage healthcare worker mobility and strengthen disease response, while PAHO and UWI’s health policy programme continues building regional leadership. Drought & Water for Care: Manchester Fire Brigade says it must halt critical water deliveries to priority institutions as drought worsens and storage costs rise. Maternal & Infant Care Distribution: RA Williams expands beyond pharma distribution into functional consumer health, including maternal and infant care through Cradle of Life Limited. Dental Care Abroad: Oregon Tech dental hygiene students provided care to 657 patients during a Jamaica externship, including x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and extractions.

Radiation Preparedness: Jamaica is advancing its national radiological emergency response framework with a five-day IAEA training for 40+ participants from about 15 agencies, clarifying roles for nuclear or radiological incidents. Health Workforce Mobility: Health Minister Christopher Tufton says technology can help Jamaica manage healthcare worker movement and support cross-border services as the country partners with countries including the Philippines, Nigeria, Ghana and India. Regional Health Leadership: PAHO and UWI wrapped a third cohort of a joint Health Policy and Health Systems postgraduate programme, training 11 professionals across eight Caribbean countries, targeting workforce shortages and non-communicable diseases. Public Health Data: STATIN interviewers begin 2026 Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions (JSLC) on Sept. 16, targeting 3,900 dwellings to inform policy on social and economic well-being. Community Safety & Wellbeing: JCF is strengthening ties in Ellerslie Gardens, Spanish Town through a community initiative focused on breaking cycles of violence and supporting young people with conflict resolution. Access to Care (Dental): Oregon Tech dental hygiene students delivered free care to 657 patients in Jamaica, including hundreds of cleanings, fluoride treatments and fillings. Access to Care (Health Tech): Apple expands iCloud+ in 100+ countries by bundling Apple TV and Apple Arcade (and a limited music option) at no extra charge—relevant for digital health and wellness engagement. Violence in St Mary: Police are investigating the fatal shooting of “Mammy” Marlene McCalla in Dover, St Mary, after she was attacked by a man posing as a customer.

Prostate Cancer Awareness: Howard Lawrence credits annual screening for catching stage two prostate cancer early, sharing how PSA trends, MRI findings and biopsy led to treatment and a smoother recovery plan. Cancer Access & Citizenship: A South Florida cancer patient says she can’t get treatment because she can’t prove U.S. citizenship after losing naturalization documents, highlighting how paperwork can delay care. Health System Capacity: Jamaica’s UHWI is facing overcrowding at A&E as population growth strains services, while a separate report says five abandoned children were kept at Spanish Town Hospital for months before court-ordered transfers. Sports Medicine & Doping Compliance: A Jamaican athletics medical veteran warns of rising whereabouts and filing failures among athletes, citing growing flags even before sanctions. Maternal Health Education: UHWI is promoting Lamaze and childbirth education classes to reduce fear and improve postpartum readiness for expectant mothers. Youth & Wellness Support: Supreme Ventures Foundation commits $100 million to fully fund 25 young people ageing out of State care through university, with counselling and support beyond tuition.