AGP Executive Report

Older-Adult Wellness Push: The Ministry of Health and Wellness will launch the Park Walker Initiative for older adults on Friday (May 29) at Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, using Jamaica Moves to get seniors walking, stretching, dancing, and taking part in health screenings and wellness education—backed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the National Council for Senior Citizens, and the Western Regional Health Authority. Workforce Mobility Update: Jamaica says 15,169 workers were dispatched overseas in 2025, up by 944, and the Labour Ministry plans automated calling/texting for better communication plus upgrades to East Street processing and a new St. James outpost to cut travel time. Healthcare Recognition: Jamaica’s seniors and caregivers also get spotlighted—while in New York, “Healthcare Heroes” were honoured across hospitals and home care. Health Partnerships: Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton is advancing talks with the Philippines and India to plug specialist staffing gaps and strengthen healthcare delivery. Cancer Care Expansion: Jamaica will expand cancer treatment islandwide with IAEA support, including upgrades to LINAC services and more mammography access. Public Health Watch: Experts say Jamaica’s hantavirus risk remains very low, even as a cruise-ship outbreak raises global concern.

Ebola Emergency Escalates: WHO says the DRC outbreak is spreading with worrying “scale and speed,” reporting 136 suspected deaths and about 543 suspected cases, as aid teams rush supplies into hard-to-reach conflict areas. Hurricane Readiness: NOAA forecasts a below-normal Atlantic season (8–14 storms) but warns one major hurricane can still upend everything. Jamaica Immunisation Push: Jamaica’s MOH plans to introduce a hexavalent vaccine to strengthen routine immunisation, keeping the country polio-free while boosting protection for infants. Cancer Care Expansion: Jamaica will expand screening and treatment capacity with IAEA technical support, aiming to add mammogram services at more hospitals and through upgraded health centres. Workplace Health & Safety: Jamaica finalised draft Occupational Safety and Health legislation, with plans to table it soon and report thousands of inspections. BPO Oversight: Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr says a SAFE Task Force will bring oversight to BPO workplaces to improve worker wellbeing and standards. Disaster Housing Update: 924 containerised units are already stored for Hurricane Melissa relief, with more expected soon. Caymanas Park Sanitation: MOH ordered SVREL to fix drainage and stable sanitation and hold a follow-up sanitary-education meeting with grooms and trainers.

Cancer Care Push: Jamaica will expand public cancer screening and treatment islandwide with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) technical support, aiming to more than double capacity over two years and add mammogram services at additional hospitals, with a planned IAEA infrastructure review. Disaster Relief Housing: Government updates say 924 containerised housing units are already on island for Hurricane Melissa displaced families, with 500 more expected soon as ODPEM and the JDF oversee storage and rollout. Workplace Health & Rights: Labour plans a SAFE Task Force for BPO oversight and a new training push for domestic workers, including occupational safety and health awareness, plus health coverage support for farm workers going overseas. Road Safety Shock: Clarendon’s bus crash left dozens of students injured, and the Education Ministry says it’s monitoring recovery with hospital support and school follow-up. Public Health Watch: Hurricane season forecasts point to slightly fewer storms than average, but warn the risk of a major destructive hurricane remains. Local Crime & Violence: Police continue investigations after a St Mary contractor was found dead in a suspected suicide case tied to an alleged machete attack.

Ebola & World Cup Shock: DR Congo has cancelled its pre-World Cup camp and fan event in Kinshasa after Ebola travel restrictions tightened following a worsening outbreak, with FIFA saying it’s monitoring and the team shifting friendlies to Belgium and Spain. Labour Oversight Push: Opposition’s Wavell Hinds wants one Ministry of Labour and Workforce Development to end “silo” chaos, while Pearnel Charles Jr backs a SAFE Task Force for BPO workers and a landmark MoU with the Jamaica Household Workers Union for training and safety. Health Access for Workers: Farm workers heading to the U.S. under the Overseas Employment Programme can now opt into health insurance under the United Work and Travel Policy. Early Childhood & Rural Care: A 26-member committee will assess Jamaica’s early childhood system, and mobile therapy units under Access Jamaica will expand early stimulation for children with special needs in rural parishes. Road Safety & Trauma: Dozens of students were injured in a bus crash on the Bustamante Highway, and police are seeking a driver in a fatal St Mary hit-and-run.

Medicaid Fraud Crackdown: Ohio’s AG says a Defiance counselor, Robert Lomas, billed Medicaid for counseling sessions that investigators say never happened—alleged losses: $106,620—part of a wider statewide sweep targeting theft from vulnerable adults. Caribbean Health Watch: Ebola in DR Congo is driving fresh global concern, with WHO warning of the outbreak’s “scale and speed” and FIFA saying it’s monitoring the situation closely ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Jamaica Social Protection Fix: Jamaica’s PATH is being streamlined after reviews found delays in verification and orientation left eligible people in limbo; changes aim to make access less frustrating. Local Health Access: Sandals Foundation and the Ministry of Health delivered free dental care in St. Mary, reaching students and residents in Gayle with cleanings, sealants and oral health education. Workforce & Care: Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr signed an MoU with the Jamaica Household Workers Union, promising training, safety and a dedicated domestic workers’ training institution. Public Safety Spotlight: CCTV-linked outrage continues after a woman was fatally shot by police during a Granville protest, with Indecom investigating.

Early Childhood Access: Jamaica’s Early Stimulation Programme is getting a boost with two new mobile therapy units under “Access Jamaica,” aiming to reach rural children with developmental disabilities as referrals jump 33% since 2023. School Mental Health: The Ministry of Health and Wellness is pushing psychosocial support in schools through its Mobile Mental Health Service (“Wellness Express”), encouraging children to talk about emotional struggles in private. Domestic Workers Rights: Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr signed a “landmark” MoU with the Jamaica Household Workers Union, promising training, safety and health awareness, plus a dedicated domestic workers training institution. Public Health & Safety: WHO warns Ebola in DR Congo could be lengthy as the US eases entry rules for the DR Congo World Cup team despite restrictions. Community Health Support: Sandals Foundation and the Ministry backed free dental care for residents in St. Mary, while KSAMC continues downtown clean-ups to protect vendor and public health. Menopause Policy Push: Dr. Christopher Tufton calls for WHO action and Jamaica’s own menopause green paper to tackle stigma and improve care.

Police Oversight Crisis: Jamaica’s Indecom has launched an investigation after CCTV showed a police officer fatally shooting Latoya Bulgin (“Buju”) during a Granville protest tied to a prior police killing—Bulgin was shot while seated in a vehicle, and residents say no first aid was offered; the officer has been interdicted as Granville tensions flare with road blockages and fires. Public Health Watch: WHO warns an Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is spreading fast, with the US adding entry restrictions for travellers from Ebola-affected countries—raising knock-on concerns for regional travel and healthcare readiness. Climate & Health Pressure: A new WMO report flags rising seas, harsher storms, and extreme heat as mounting threats to food, water, and public health across Latin America and the Caribbean, including the Caribbean. Community Care & Prevention: Jamaica continues hantavirus surveillance at ports and urges sanitation and rodent control, while St Ann’s JCF ran a wellness fair offering checks for stress and substance use alongside physical health. Recovery in Focus: Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 Gabrielle Henry returned to public life at a charity gala six months after her stage fall and ICU recovery.

Granville Crisis: Tension in Granville, St James is still boiling after Latoya Bulgin (“Buju”) was fatally shot during a protest-linked police incident on Sunday; residents blocked roads and set fires as police maintained a presence, while Indecom appealed for witnesses and said the officer was interdicted and investigations are underway. Hantavirus Watch: Health authorities in St Catherine say surveillance remains robust, with heightened port checks and public reminders on sanitation and rodent control as Jamaica stays free of reported cases. Healthcare Recovery: Minister Christopher Tufton praised the healthcare response to Hurricane Melissa, citing rapid deployment of international and local staff and thousands treated in makeshift A&E tents and hospitals. Mental Well-Being Push: State Minister Krystal Lee urged parents to support children’s emotional health early and seek help when distress shows up. Tourism & Health Spillover: Jamaica’s visitor surge is driving new air routes and major hotel investment, while Sandals Foundation continues restoring outpatient services with modular units after Melissa. Education & Talent: UTech’s Areeba Zafar earned a prestigious AI internship spot in Japan, and Jamaica’s healthcare pipeline keeps growing with major graduation milestones abroad.

LIRR Strike: The Long Island Rail Road strike is now in its third day, with no negotiations scheduled and commuters facing a full weekday shutdown as federal mediators push the MTA and unions back to the table. Public Health Watch: In Jamaica, Westmoreland health authorities have heightened hantavirus surveillance at ports of entry despite no confirmed local cases, urging people to ignore fake health notices and stick to verified guidance. Care After Storms: Sandals Foundation is helping restore outpatient services after Hurricane Melissa by delivering modular units to Falmouth and Noel Holmes hospitals, aiming to cut waits and speed same-day care. Violence Update: Police are investigating a fatal bar shooting in Cassava Piece, while in St James, a woman shot during a Granville protest has died and a JCF member has been interdicted as INDECOM probes. Health Systems & Kids: Mandeville Regional Hospital received 20 paediatric beds from Jamalco and Century Aluminum to ease bed and space shortages.

Hantavirus Watch: Westmoreland health authorities have ramped up surveillance at ports of entry after regional concerns, while stressing Jamaica has no confirmed cases and urging residents to ignore fake “Ministry” notices and double down on mosquito and rodent control. Chronic Disease Push: The same parish is also urging residents to monitor key health markers—blood sugar, cholesterol, weight, and HIV/syphilis status—while using Hypertension Awareness Month messaging to control blood pressure through diet, medication adherence, and activity. Public Safety Shock: In St James, INDECOM is investigating a fatal police shooting of Latoya Bulgin during protests tied to the death of 17-year-old Tjey Edwards; in Trelawny, three men were shot in an alleged police confrontation, one fatally. Health Capacity Boost: Mandeville Regional Hospital received 20 paediatric beds worth $3.8m to ease bed and space shortages. Work-Life Spillover: Outside Jamaica, a Long Island Rail Road strike is disrupting travel as federal mediators step in—showing how health and wellbeing get hit when essential services stall.

Chronic Illness Push in Westmoreland: Health officials are urging residents to actively track key markers—blood sugar, cholesterol, weight, and HIV/syphilis status—while doubling down on daily habits to curb hypertension and other long-term conditions, with May flagged as Hypertension Awareness Month and World No Tobacco Day set for May 31. Hantavirus Watch: Westmoreland is also keeping heightened surveillance at ports of entry and monitoring possible contacts, even as Jamaica reports no confirmed cases, alongside calls to fight mosquito breeding and rodent risks. Violence and Public Safety: In Trelawny, three men were shot during an alleged police confrontation, and in Half-Way Tree police increased visibility after a bearer was killed in a cash-related attack. Healthcare Capacity Boost: Mandeville Regional Hospital received 20 paediatric beds valued at $3.8 million to ease shortages. Policy in Focus: Jamaica is in the final stages of drafting a menopause/andropause policy, aiming to guide care at family, community, and workplace levels.

Menopause/andropause policy: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says Jamaica is in the final stages of a dedicated menopause and andropause policy, citing about 240,000 women and 145,000 men affected, with many struggling to access care. Public health watch: Westmoreland health authorities are keeping heightened hantavirus surveillance at ports of entry, while stressing there are no confirmed cases in Jamaica and urging residents to fight mosquito breeding and avoid fake health posts. Road safety: A pedestrian death in Huddersfield, St Mary, pushed crash fatalities to 100 for the year, as police renew calls for drivers and pedestrians to stay alert. Health system governance: Tufton also hit back at former UHWI chairman Wayne Chai Chong over claims made at the Public Accounts Committee. Agriculture blueprint: The Ministry of Agriculture, with FAO support, completed a draft 10-year National Agricultural Development Plan for feedback. Education & innovation: UWI’s latest report highlights “doing more with less,” digital transformation, and global partnerships.

Labour Crisis: Long Island Rail Road service went silent at 12:01 a.m. Saturday as unions walked out over a 2% pay gap, stranding nearly 300,000 daily riders and threatening major economic losses—an immediate reminder that healthcare access can get hit when transport breaks. Public Health Tech: Saint Lucia completed a rapid PCR testing system rollout with CARPHA, aiming to detect multiple infectious diseases in under two hours to speed outbreak response. Jamaica Safety & Care: In St Mary, a man wanted in the death of an American woman surrendered after family intervention and is now in custody; separately, Jamaica’s road fatality count reached 100 after a pedestrian death. Health System Tension: Health Minister Tufton accused former UHWI chairman Wayne Chai Chong of misrepresenting facts at Parliament’s PAC, keeping the spotlight on governance and accountability. Local Health Support: Jamaica’s period-poverty push continues with a $50m pilot programme in schools, while UTech moves toward solar to cut electricity costs for campus operations.

Public Health Tech: Saint Lucia has completed CARPHA’s rapid Molbio PCR rollout, delivering multi-disease results in under two hours—an outbreak-response boost for the wider region. Health Governance Clash: Jamaica’s Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton fired back at former UHWI chairman Wayne Chai Chong at the PAC, disputing his account of board decisions and overreach. Road Safety Pressure: A St. Mary pedestrian death pushed Jamaica’s road fatalities to 100 for the year, as the NRSC urges stronger enforcement and personal responsibility. Violence & Safety: A 68-year-old bearer was shot during an attempted robbery in Half-Way Tree, while police also reported a Queens woman’s “Call the cops” message before her death in Jamaica. Period Poverty Push: Tufton announced a $50M pilot for menstrual health equity in eight schools for about 2,000 girls, with water/sanitation upgrades, HPV vaccination, and hygiene education. Local Oversight: Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby warned the new NaRRA Act could weaken KSAMC’s regulatory control over planning, building, and public health.

Period Poverty Push: Jamaica will roll out a J$50 million pilot to tackle period poverty in schools, targeting 8 schools and about 2,000 girls, with support ranging from WASH upgrades and hygiene education to HPV vaccination and STI/HIV prevention. Healthcare Service Upgrade: The Health Ministry has launched a Citizens’ Charter and a “Wait Experience” programme to standardise patient-centred service across more than 300 health centres and 24 public hospitals. Public Health Warnings: The Ministry is also moving on a social media policy for children and adolescents, citing links to anxiety and depression. Funding & Care Capacity: Bank of Jamaica reports remittances rose to US$542m in the first two months of 2026, while Sagicor Group Jamaica posted Q1 net profit of $2.01b amid Hurricane Melissa-related provisions. Community Support: Issa Trust Foundation rebuilt homes and donated about J$17m in medical equipment to Savanna-la-Mar Hospital. Mental Health in Focus: CISOCA’s workshop urged students to learn coping skills amid anxiety, trauma and depression.

Social Media & Youth Mental Health: Jamaica’s Health Ministry is drafting a policy framework to rein in social media harms for children and adolescents, citing links to anxiety, depression and other distress. Men’s Wellness Push: A new conference on June 13 will tackle men’s mental health, emotional wellbeing, leadership and fatherhood—aiming to get men talking without shame. Period Poverty Gets a Pilot: Government will launch a National Menstrual Health Equity pilot in eight schools for about 2,000 girls, with J$50 million earmarked and support from partners including UNICEF, plus WASH upgrades and HPV vaccination. Diabetes Awareness: UK-based advocate Tony Kelly is urging Jamaicans to treat diabetes as a serious disease, pointing to warning signs like tiredness, frequent urination, thirst and weight loss. Healthcare Service Experience: The Ministry has launched a Citizens’ Charter and “Wait Experience” programme to standardise patient-centred service across hospitals and health centres. Border Security Spotlight: Customs officers were praised as frontline protectors after seizures data showed their major role in firearms interceptions. Mental Health Courts (US context): A US report notes mental health courts help some graduates, but many people still miss out.