AGP Executive Report

School Nutrition Compliance: Cascade Primary and Infant School in Portland became the first in Jamaica to hit 100% compliance with the National School Nutrition Policy, with Minister Christopher Tufton highlighting balanced meals, cutting sugary drinks, and daily fruit plus active play. Violence & Child Safety: In St Elizabeth, a 19-year-old was arrested after allegedly fatally chopping his brother and wounding siblings and their mother during a domestic dispute. In St Andrew, the CPFSA mourned the death of 13-year-old Kemelia Paul, stabbed while intervening in a family dispute, urging safer home environments. Health System Upgrades: SERHA rolled out a modern VoIP telephone system across Kingston Public Hospital, Victoria Jubilee Hospital and offices to improve communication for patient care. Food Safety Push: St Catherine Health Department is intensifying food-safety checks with a targeted inspection drive in Hellshire, plus mosquito-breeding monitoring in schools and health centres. Community Support: COJO will award 15 scholarships to children in state care at a June 23 luncheon, with recipients heading to UWI, UTech and other colleges. Digital Access: USF launched free community Wi-Fi sites in Westmoreland via “Connec’ Di West” to help residents access services after Hurricane Melissa disruptions.

Child Safety & Welfare: The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) mourns the death of 13-year-old Kemelia Paul, stabbed while trying to intervene in a domestic dispute in St Andrew, urging families to build safer home environments where children aren’t forced to protect adults. Violence & Public Health: In St Catherine, police charged 51-year-old Paul Stephenson (“Pablo”) with murder after his fiancée, 29-year-old Tieah Singh, died following an alleged injection with a toxic substance and pepper spray during an argument. Health System Modernisation: SERHA rolled out a new VoIP telephone system across Kingston Public Hospital, Victoria Jubilee Hospital and its offices to improve communication in emergency and high-demand settings. Food Safety: St Catherine Health Department intensified food-safety inspections, including rapid checks in Hellshire, plus mosquito-breeding monitoring in schools and routine reviews at health centres and hospitals. Digital Access: USF launched 19 free community Wi‑Fi sites in Westmoreland under “Connec’ Di West,” with more planned across Westmoreland, St James and Hanover. Online Safety Policy: Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says Jamaica is finalising a study and survey to guide possible social media restrictions for children under 16. Wellness & Community: A regional youth advocacy push, “Make it Make Sense for Our Future,” is engaging children and caregivers across the Caribbean on healthier school food environments and the harms of unhealthy food marketing.

Banking & FX Buffer: Jamaica’s foreign reserves rose to US$6.48 billion at end-May, giving the Bank of Jamaica room to manage oil-price shocks, import demand and Jamaican dollar pressure. Connectivity & Access: Flow officially switched on Jamaica’s first 5G network after US$74m in upgrades and spectrum buys, with coverage at about 70% of customers; some users will need compatible phones/SIMs and may face a transition period. Public Health & Data Security: Opposition says a reported National Health Fund cyber incident shows Jamaica needs a dedicated cybersecurity law sooner than 2027, citing rising cyber threats against public institutions and personal data. Obesity Research: Cayman-born policy officer Noviann McLean-Gregory earned a PhD in cell biology focused on obesity and appetite regulation, returning to help shape clinical pathways and public health policy. Healthcare System Pressure: Relatives of a man who spent 22 hours on a chair in Cornwall Regional Hospital’s A&E are renewing calls for better patient conditions and post-mortem practices. Sugar Tax Support for Industry: Caribbean Flavours and Fragrances ran a seminar helping manufacturers cut sugar while protecting taste, aiming to reduce tax exposure under Jamaica’s sugar tax regime. Regional Lab Readiness: CARPHA trained 18 people across 15 member states on safely transporting infectious substances and diagnostic specimens to strengthen pandemic preparedness. Community Health & Caregiving: Health Minister proposes a census of caregivers so government can better support them.

Cybersecurity & NHF: Jamaica’s National Health Fund says it’s investigating a reported hacker threat after claims of access to some client medication and beneficiary data, while the opposition is pushing for a dedicated cybersecurity law this year. Caregiving Support: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton proposes a national census of unpaid caregivers (about 150,000 not on payroll) to build a database and better support older adults under the CARE agenda. Food Safety in Hurricanes: Jamaicans are urged to follow WHO guidance on safe storage of leftovers and animal-origin foods during hurricane season, especially when cold storage may fail. Blood Donation Drive: SERHA calls for regular voluntary blood donors ahead of World Blood Donor Day, with upcoming drives at Spanish Town Hospital (June 20) and Victoria Jubilee Hospital (July 1). Hospital Conditions: Relatives of a man who died at Cornwall Regional Hospital’s A&E say he spent 22 hours on a chair and are calling for a post-mortem, highlighting ongoing bed-space strain. Regional Public Health Capacity: CARPHA trained 18 people across 15 member states on safely transporting infectious substances and diagnostic specimens to strengthen lab and pandemic preparedness. Sugar Reduction for Manufacturers: Caribbean Flavours and Fragrances supports local firms reformulating drinks to cut sugar under Jamaica’s sugar tax regime without losing taste. 5G Rollout: Flow officially launched Jamaica’s first 5G network, with coverage already reaching about 70% of customers in major areas, though some users may need compatible phones/SIMs.

Ebola Preparedness: Jamaica says it remains Ebola-free but has stepped up surveillance, port-of-entry screening, infection prevention and control, and trained about 1,100 front-line personnel as the WHO-monitored outbreak grows in parts of Africa. Cybersecurity & Health Data: The National Health Fund (NHF) reports ongoing investigation into a cyber incident, insisting benefits access is unaffected; Opposition is pushing for faster passage of a Cybersecurity Act after claims of possible exposure of sensitive client and medication data. Hurricane Melissa Recovery: Finance Minister Fayval Williams outlines how $67 billion was allocated across ministries after the October 2025 disaster, including major health funding for the Ministry of Health and Wellness and support for hospitals and water systems. Maternal & Child Care Boost: Rotary and partners donate about US$20,000 in newborn equipment to Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth to improve care for newborns after Hurricane Melissa. Cardiac Care Milestone: Chain of Hope marks 30 years in Jamaica with an anniversary mission at Bustamante Hospital for Children, planning open-heart surgeries for children with complex heart conditions. Wellness in Action: State Minister Krystal Lee invites Jamaicans to join the Jamaica Moves Fit Stops summer competition aimed at helping curb non-communicable diseases through fitness and community challenges. Community Health Fundraising: Guardian Group SHINE 5K Night Run/Walk raises over $30 million for Kingston Public Hospital, Falmouth Public General Hospital, and Project STAR. Food Safety at Altitude: A feature highlights how foodborne illness risks can rise in aviation settings, underscoring the need for strong controls during travel. Public Health Alerts: Cayman Islands lifts Saharan dust alert after air quality improves, advising vulnerable groups to limit outdoor exertion and seek care if respiratory symptoms persist.

Ebola Preparedness: Jamaica says it remains Ebola-free, but the Health Ministry has stepped up port-of-entry surveillance, border coordination, front-line training, and infection prevention checks after the DRC outbreak; nine travellers with recent travel links are under mandatory self-quarantine with no symptoms reported. NHF Cybersecurity: The National Health Fund says services are unaffected after a reported cyber incident; hackers claim access to sensitive beneficiary and medication data, and the matter has been referred to the Office of the Information Commissioner and MOCA while security controls are being reinforced. Caregiver Support: Health Minister Christopher Tufton proposes a national census of unpaid caregivers (about 150,000 not on payroll) to build a database and better support older adults under the CARE agenda. Community Health & Prevention: Tufton also announced “Jamaica Moves Fit Stops” for July 25, a scavenger-style fitness event aimed at tackling NCDs through preventive care and healthy living. Heart Care Milestone: Chain of Hope marks 30 years in Jamaica with a medical mission at Bustamante Hospital for Children, planning open-heart surgeries for 8–10 children. Nutrition After Hurricane Melissa: Golden Krust’s “Feeding Futures” initiative is funding canteen rebuilds and nutrition support for seven schools across western Jamaica. Local Health System Capacity: CDEMA highlights lessons from Hurricane Melissa, including the need for stronger emergency communications and resilient information systems, alongside regional medical support deployments. Digital Health in the Region: Adroit Infosystems spotlighted practical EHR and clinic workflow digitisation at a Caribbean family doctor symposium in Trinidad.

Ebola Preparedness: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says nine travellers with recent travel histories linked to Ebola-affected countries are under mandatory self-quarantine as a precaution; none show symptoms and Jamaica remains disease-free. Child Safety & Digital Health: Tufton also revealed a near-complete study on social media’s impact on Jamaicans, with a national survey planned to inform possible restrictions on social media access for children under 16. Data Privacy in Healthcare: Tufton confirmed hackers have contacted the National Health Fund (NHF) claiming access to clients’ medical information; the NHF has reported the threat to the Office of the Information Commissioner and involved MOCA, while security is being reinforced. Primary Care Recovery: The Catherine Hall Health Centre in St James has reopened after rehabilitation following Hurricane Melissa damage, restoring primary healthcare services for thousands. Community Health Tech: Adroit Infosystems highlighted digital healthcare workflows and EHR adoption at the CCFP Trinidad World Family Doctor Day Symposium, focusing on patient access, billing and care continuity. Diabetes Prevention Expansion (Regional): Northwell Health in New York was named a CDC Umbrella Hub Organization for the National Diabetes Prevention Program, aiming to expand lifestyle-based diabetes prevention services. Food & Health Policy: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launched a regional campaign to challenge junk food marketing in schools, targeting healthier environments for children.

Denaturalisation Push: The US Justice Department is seeking to strip citizenship from 17 naturalized people tied to serious crimes, including fraud and sexual offences—among them Caribbean nationals from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti. Primary Care Recovery: Jamaica’s Western Regional Health Authority has reopened the Catherine Hall Health Centre in St James after Hurricane Melissa damage, restoring key primary services for thousands. School Nutrition Advocacy: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launched “Make it Make Sense” to curb junk food and beverage marketing in schools across 11 territories, urging removal of ultra-processed food promotions. Community Health & Peace: Violence Prevention Alliance and partners held a Grants Pen Peace Park family day with sports, arts, and a health station to support wellness and peacebuilding. Dairy Supply Pressure: A major dairy producer says Jamaica needs faster action on importing higher-quality cattle genetics to reduce reliance on milk powder. Water & Public Health Risk: Opposition and government trade accusations over NWC power resilience after an islandwide blackout, with critics warning of public health impacts. Local Health Outreach: Friends of Porus and Give Back Jamaica delivered literacy support and medical supplies to rural healthcare facilities. CARICOM Fitness Event: CARICOM Road Run/Walk is set for July 5 in Saint Lucia, with categories for elite and community participants, aligned with NCD prevention goals.

Community Health Upgrade: Bamboo Community Health Centre in St. Ann reopened after a $68.1M upgrade, with expanded services including antenatal and postnatal clinics, oral health assessments, nutrition services, child health care and home visits. Maternal Health Pathways: UTech, Jamaica’s Caribbean School of Nursing highlights its Bachelor of Science in Midwifery, positioning midwives as key frontline providers for maternal and newborn outcomes. Health & Wellness Business: NUGL and Cannibble Food-Tech have started a Jamaica market evaluation of functional beverage samples via Kaya Pizza and Square Grouper Bars, aiming to test consumer demand and wellness-focused product fit. NCD Prevention Through Movement: CARICOM athletes will gather in St Lucia for the 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk on July 5, tied to regional commitments to reduce non-communicable diseases. Food Safety & Nutrition Policy: Caribbean non-communicable disease focal points, nutritionists and legal drafters strategised on sodium reduction and policies on industrially produced trans fats. Public Health Infrastructure Pressure: After an islandwide blackout, debate continues over how power resilience affects hospitals and essential services, with calls for stronger renewable and generator support for critical systems.

Primary Care Upgrade: Bamboo Community Health Centre in St. Ann has reopened after a $68.1M upgrade funded by the National Health Fund and the North East Regional Health Authority, adding services like oral health assessments, antenatal and postnatal clinics, nutrition services, child health clinics, curative care and home visits, with a standby generator planned. Water & Public Health Resilience: Minister of Water Matthew Samuda hit back at Opposition claims that NWC is too dependent on JPS, saying resilience work is already underway after a JPS grid shutdown left thousands without water and renewed calls for solar-powered backup. Community Health & Wellness: Rotary Club donated $3M paediatric equipment to Black River Hospital, while a Men of Color Health Summit by Kaiser Permanente and others continued pushing preventive care and health access. Food & Nutrition Focus: Caribbean noncommunicable disease experts and nutritionists strategised on sodium reduction and policies to curb industrially produced trans fats, as Jamaica and the region face ongoing diet-related health burdens. Health in the News Cycle: Heart disease remains among Jamaica’s biggest killers, cardiologists are urging screening and symptom awareness, and coverage also highlighted recurrent vaginal infections and advances in minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery at May Pen Hospital. Safety & Health Impacts: Residents protested after a fatal police shooting in Jones Town, underscoring how violence and trauma ripple into community wellbeing.

Water & Public Health: Opposition says Friday’s islandwide blackout left about 65,000 NWC customers without water, showing the sector’s “dangerously dependent” reliance on the JPS grid; calls are growing for solar/renewables and backup for critical water treatment to prevent health risks during disasters. NCD Prevention: PAHO/WHO convened nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters across eight Caribbean countries in Barbados to push sodium reduction targets and eliminate industrially produced trans fats, warning most sodium comes from processed foods. Maternal Health Support: Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation received a $4.5M boost from the Run for Mom 5K to strengthen services for adolescent mothers, supporting education and care for children living with HIV and severe disabilities. Paediatric Care Boost: Rotary Club of St. Andrew North donated $3M in paediatric equipment to Black River Hospital, including an infant incubator and phototherapy lamp. Food Safety: St. Thomas veterinary public health officials urged consumers to buy meat only from approved, inspected sources with government stamps. Local Health & Safety: Heart disease remains a major killer, while reports also highlight injuries and deaths from accidents and violence across parishes.

Adolescent Mothers Get Boost: The Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation received a $4.5M donation from the Run for Mom 5K proceeds, backed by the Heart and Vascular Centre and partners, to strengthen support for pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers—helping them stay in education while caring for their children. Paediatric Care Upgrade: Rotary Club of St. Andrew North donated $3M in paediatric equipment to Black River Hospital, including an infant incubator, phototherapy lamp and infusion pumps, to improve outcomes for young patients. Heart Health Warning: Interventional cardiologist Dr Victor Elliott says heart disease remains a major killer in Jamaica, urging routine check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, healthier diets and exercise to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Women’s Health Focus: A gynaecology piece highlights recurrent vaginal infections and the need to restore healthy vaginal flora balance, with attention to probiotics as part of modern care. Food Safety Reminder: A veterinary public health inspector urged consumers to buy meat and animal by-products only from reputable, government-inspected sources with the required stamp. Water & Public Health Risk: After an islandwide blackout, NWC restored major water systems but tens of thousands still faced outages; opposition leaders are pushing for solar-powered resilience to protect water services during disasters.

Heart Health Watch: Interventional cardiologist Dr Victor Elliott warns that heart disease and stroke remain major killers in Jamaica, urging annual check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol control, and healthier diets and exercise. Cardiac Recovery Spotlight: Deputy Prime Minister Dr Horace Chang reflects on bypass surgery after routine exams found three blocked arteries—no symptoms at first—highlighting how early detection can save lives. Women’s Health: A gynaecology piece tackles recurrent vaginal infections, stressing the need to rebalance vaginal flora and rethink “one-size-fits-all” treatment for persistent cases. Hospital Innovation: May Pen Hospital is advancing minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery, supported by training and equipment upgrades to expand safer, less invasive care. Cancer Support Push: Jamaica Cancer Society’s Relay For Life drive aims to fund a new mammography machine, underlining the role of early screening and stronger support services. Community Wellness: DBJ hosts a staff wellness fair with health checks and a cook-off to encourage better food choices. Public Health in Action: Jamaica Motorcyclists Association and JCF stage a Bikers’ Blood Drive at the National Chest Hospital, aiming to top last year’s blood collection. Energy & Health Risk: After an islandwide blackout, the OUR requests a report from JPS on the cause and corrective steps, while opposition calls for transparency—important for healthcare continuity.

Women’s Health: A new ob/gyn explainer urges women with recurrent vaginal discharge to look beyond repeated antibiotics and antifungals, focusing instead on restoring healthy vaginal bacterial balance (pH and flora) and using probiotics more thoughtfully. Surgical Care: Spanish Town Hospital’s urology unit marks five years and nearly 1,500 procedures, including prostate cancer surgeries and expanded minimally invasive kidney stone treatment after acquiring a laser machine. Women’s Health (Hospital Capacity): May Pen Hospital is restarting and growing minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery, supported by training and upgraded equipment. Community Wellness: DBJ’s wellness fair blends health checks, fitness and a staff cook-off to promote better eating habits. Food Safety: Jamaica marks World Food Safety Day with reminders that safe handwashing, storage and thorough cooking help prevent illness. Health Workforce & Partnerships: Jamaica and Ghana renew cooperation with a health agreement aimed at recruiting Ghanaian healthcare workers and expanding hospital management, specialised care, telemedicine and emergency preparedness. Disaster Readiness: St. Elizabeth rolls out a recovery readiness roadmap with UNDRR support after Hurricane Melissa. Public Health Through Action: A Bikers’ Blood Drive targets 100 units at the National Chest Hospital. Health & Wellness Infrastructure: Montego Bay’s “The Hive” $700M sports complex is designed to serve athletes and the wider community. Food & Nutrition Pressure: Scotch bonnet shortages are driving up hot sauce and jerk-seasoning costs, with farmers and producers citing hurricane damage and pests.

Food Safety Push: Jamaica is urging people to take responsibility for safe food ahead of World Food Safety Day (June 7), with the Ministry highlighting simple steps like handwashing, safe storage and thorough cooking—especially for animal-source foods. Community Health & Giving: The Guardian Group SHINE 5K Night Run/Walk 2026 raised over $30 million for Kingston Public Hospital, Falmouth Public General Hospital and Project STAR, with 100% of proceeds earmarked for equipment and support programmes. Specialist Care Milestone: Spanish Town Hospital’s urology unit marked five years and nearly 1,500 surgeries, including prostate cancer procedures and expanded minimally invasive kidney stone surgery after acquiring a laser machine. Blood Donation Drive: The Jamaica Motorcyclists Association and JCF will host a Bikers’ Blood Drive at the National Chest Hospital on Saturday, aiming to collect 100 units. Regional Health Research: A UWI researcher contributed to a major Lancet series warning chronic kidney disease is one of the world’s fastest-growing health crises. Healthy Food Policy (Caribbean): Regional leaders and health experts called for faster, evidence-based healthy food policies to tackle the Caribbean’s non-communicable disease crisis. Disaster Readiness: St. Elizabeth is strengthening recovery readiness after Hurricane Melissa through a UNDRR-supported workshop and roadmap for future resilience planning. Nutrition & Supply Pressure: Jamaican Scotch bonnet pepper shortages are driving up prices, squeezing jerk and hot sauce supplies.

Specialised Urology Care: Spanish Town Hospital’s urology unit marked five years since launch (May 3, 2021), completing nearly 1,500 surgeries and expanding prostate cancer and minimally invasive kidney stone treatment. Neonatal Support: Preemie Foundation of Jamaica donated a $1.7M incubator to the Mandeville Regional Hospital NICU, boosting care for premature and critically ill newborns. Food Safety & Public Health: Jamaica is urging residents to take responsibility for food safety ahead of World Food Safety Day (June 7), with emphasis on safe handling, cooking, and animal-source foods. Healthy Food Policy Push: Caribbean leaders and public health experts called for urgent action on healthy food policy to tackle the region’s non-communicable disease crisis. NCD Research Spotlight: UWI researcher Dr. Lori-Ann Fisher contributed to a major Lancet series highlighting the global kidney disease burden and the need for prevention and early detection. Disaster Readiness: St. Elizabeth stepped up recovery readiness planning with a UNDRR-supported workshop, while Jamaica’s PM urged faster Hurricane Melissa claim settlements to speed recovery. Bilateral Health Cooperation: Jamaica and Ghana renewed cooperation after 21 years, signing health agreements that include recruitment of Ghanaian healthcare workers and support for telemedicine and emergency preparedness. Community Safety & Health Links: JCF held Mt. Sinai walk-throughs in St. Thomas with agencies including CPFSA, SDC, NCDA, and restorative justice partners. Environmental Health Alert: Scientists warned Saharan dust can affect Jamaica’s air quality, urging vulnerable people to limit exposure.