AGP Executive Report

Dancehall Court Drama: Munga Honorable’s murder trial kicked off in Kingston after delays, with the first witness claiming she saw him and co-accused Sheridan Gordon fire bullets in the 2017 killing of Cleveland Smith. Women’s Cricket Spotlight: Jamaica Empress has been confirmed as the fourth team in the expanded 2026 Women’s Caribbean Premier League, with all eight matches in Barbados (Sept 5–17) at Kensington Oval. Music Chart Win: Dexta Daps’ new single “Shine” climbed to #6 on the USA iTunes Reggae chart, following earlier UK silver certification for “Shabba Madda Pot.” Sports & Entertainment Mix: A World Cup guide for beginners and fans is circulating ahead of the June 11 start, with matchday food and brand tie-ins rolling out across host cities. Local Media Loss: Radio personality Daniel “DT” Thompson was laid to rest after his April 30 death, with hundreds attending a farewell service at Shortwood Teachers College. Arts in Kingston: The National Gallery of Jamaica and Scotiabank Jamaica open “Of Wood and Water: The Scotiabank Collection” on June 14 with free admission.

World Cup Focus: South Africa’s Hugo Broos says he’s “not bothered” after leaked clips from Bafana Bafana’s behind-closed-doors 1-1 friendly vs Jamaica, insisting Mexico doesn’t need that info as the opener vs Mexico City looms. Jamaica Sports & Football: Jamaica’s Dwayne Atkinson grabbed the late equaliser in the warm-up, while Broos admitted the performance wasn’t up to scratch. Tourism & Lifestyle: Sandals Resorts is pouring US$200 million into redesigning three Jamaica properties—Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals South Coast and Sandals Montego Bay—adding new dining concepts, upgraded suites and fresh resort experiences. Music & Culture: Sean Paul’s Timeless Tour keeps rolling after strong European demand, and dancehall fans get a June 20 throwback with Gin N Juice at Cherry Garden Great House. Community & Entertainment Tech: ALIVE Podcast Network will stream its first pay-per-view on June 21 to raise funds for Kingston’s Mustard Seed, featuring Jamaica’s First Lady and other changemakers.

Jahfrican EP Drop: Reggae producer Adrian Locke returns with the soulful, Afro-fusion EP Coming Back Home, including standout track “California.” Adolescent Mothers Support: Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation gets a $4.5M boost from Run for Mom 5K proceeds to expand help for teen mothers. Beauty Pageant: Hannah Collings-Myers was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica Kingston & St Andrew, with Tiyana Mowatt first runner-up. World Cup Underdog Story: Curacao makes history as the smallest nation to reach the World Cup, viral for arriving in a windowless school bus ahead of their Germany opener. Football Talk: Hugo Broos says Bafana Bafana must improve after a 1-1 warm-up draw with Jamaica, while Reggae Girlz coach Hubert Busby Jr is pleased with a 1-0 win over Panama but wants more ahead of the next match. Sports Spotlight: Four Jamaicans headline Diamond League action in Stockholm, and Sabrina Dockery shines at Lone Star Grand Prix with a PB 10.92 in the 100m. Community Chess: St Andrew West Central Chess Fun Day 2026 spotlights young Jamaican talent with coaching and blitz matches. Power Outage Fallout: JPS and Minister Daryl Vaz address last Friday’s islandwide blackout, calling conspiracy claims “fake news” and pointing to lightning-linked grid damage.

World Cup Watch: Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos was left disappointed after a 1-1 warm-up draw with Jamaica, saying the performance wasn’t what he expected and that his side must fix mentality and improve fast ahead of Mexico. Reggae Girlz Update: Hubert Busby Jr celebrated Jamaica’s 1-0 friendly win over Panama, but stressed there’s still work to do as the team manages match sharpness and fitness. Jamaican Sports Spotlight: Four Jamaicans shone at the Lone Star Grand Prix in Texas, including Sabrina Dockery’s personal best 10.92 in the women’s 100m and wins across hurdles, 800m and high jump. Cricket Returns: International cricket is back at Sabina Park, but attendance has been surprisingly low and rain washed out a second ODI. Entertainment & Culture: Lenny Henry says racism and the rise of the far-right are “still at large” in his return to stand-up. Caribbean Media: CTO honored Caribbean media winners in New York and launched CTO TV to boost tourism storytelling. Local Football Business: Mayberry Investments signed on as title partner for the World Cup Village at Caymanas Park’s JustBet WATCH IT BIG. Power Outage Fallout: Jamaica’s islandwide blackout sparked public backlash and official explanations from JPS and Minister Daryl Vaz.

Cricket & Community: Persistent rain at Sabina Park forced the abandonment of West Indies vs Sri Lanka’s second ODI, leaving WI’s series hopes fading after Sri Lanka’s 1-0 lead from the opener; the third ODI is set for Monday. Dancehall & Music: Currentzicks drops “Hill And Gully,” a mento-tinged dancehall remix inspired by the classic TV Jamaica “Hill And Gully Ride” programme. Reggae Sumfest: Magnum Tonic Wine is named title sponsor for Reggae Sumfest 2026, with the festival’s “A Taste of Reggae Sumfest” set to culminate in Vybz Kartel and Mavado headlining. Jamaica Power Update: Jamaica’s OUR says it’s engaging JPS to determine the cause of Friday’s islandwide blackout and review the response, with restoration reported and a preliminary report due Monday. Football (Diaspora/Prep): Jamaica’s U20s face Haiti in a friendly in Lauderhill as World Cup excitement builds, with live entertainment planned. Sports Entertainment: Vybz Kartel returns with “God & Time,” a 14-track album marking his post-release resurgence.

Dancehall & Live Music: Guinness Pull Up returns June 20 at Stadium East Car Park with Kraff Gad and Rajah Wild leading the entertainment lineup, promising a full sound-system night built around that rewind-worthy Jamaican crowd energy. New Single Spotlight: Canada-based Knotty Royal drops “Doctor Bird,” inspired by a 2010 Jamaica story and recorded on the Hill and Gully Riddim, aiming to spotlight Jamaica’s culture and positive influence. Reggae in the Diaspora: Stacey Mirander stole the show at Spragga Benz’s “Journey to Kingston” birthday concert in Miramar, Florida, delivering a standout a cappella moment that had the room buzzing. Power & Public Life: Jamaica faced an island-wide blackout Friday night after a system failure; by Saturday morning, JPS reported power restored to 500,000+ customers, with Energy Minister Daryl Vaz calling an emergency meeting and demanding a full investigation. Jamaica in Tourism Headlines: Jamaica won two CTO Caribbean Week awards in New York, including Best Social Media Campaign for the 2025 Reggae Marathon and recognition for a National Geographic feature. Cricket Entertainment: Sabina Park’s Party Mound is back as “Mound Mania,” bringing DJ sets and match-day vibes alongside the West Indies vs Sri Lanka ODI. Food Culture: Scotch bonnet pepper prices are rising due to shortages, with farmers pointing to pests, disease, and hurricane impacts affecting yields.

Power Crisis: Jamaica is dealing with an islandwide blackout after JPS reported a system failure, with phased restoration already underway in some areas and Energy Minister Daryl Vaz saying full power should return by nightfall. Music & Nightlife: Club MECA is set for a big two-night run with Nigy Boy leading Friday’s show and Serani taking over Saturday for dancehall, with Serani marking his birthday in Jamaica. Cricket as Entertainment: CWI’s “Ladies Night” at Sabina Park offers free admission for women ahead of the West Indies vs Sri Lanka ODI, plus DJ vibes and match-day fun. Tourism Upgrade: Sandals has outlined timelines for the return of three reimagined Jamaica resorts—Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean—by end of 2026. Local Business & Culture: Tributes continue for Justice Ian Forte, while Jamaica’s creative scene also gets a boost with new releases from Debbie DeFire (“Rude Bwoy” and “Life”) and El Feco (“Love Seems Far Away”). Sports Spotlight: Jamaican-born John Barnes reflects on his career in a new interview, and Fabien Allen powers Pembroke Panthers into the Bermuda Smash final.

Champions League for Jamaicans: Heineken Jamaica flew a select group of fans and brand ambassadors to Budapest for exclusive UEFA Champions League access, turning matchday into a full football-and-culture experience. Cricket Community Boost: Idlewild Park in Springfield Gardens got upgraded with new benches, bleachers, tables, chairs, soil and grass after a ribbon-cutting involving NYC agencies and local sports groups. CPL 2026 Gears Up: BYD announced as Official Car Sponsor of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, rolling out fan activations and a “Wrap the Future” design challenge across eight countries including Jamaica. Jamaican Music Hits: Vybz Kartel drops his album “God and Time” featuring Wizkid, Farruko and more, while FyaVerse teams with BeatZBunnie for “HypnotiZed.” Dancehall & Gospel: Full Blown’s “No Stress” brings a soca-to-dancehall groove, and Alyssa Joseph releases “Favor,” a faith-led message of divine reversal. World Cup Build-Up: Bafana Bafana’s final warm-up vs Jamaica is set for Saturday behind closed doors in Pachuca as selection battles remain unresolved. Local Sports Spotlight: Golden Gala Rome saw Jamaican hurdler Megan Simmonds win 100m hurdles in 12.50. Royal News: Lady Pamela Hicks, longtime confidante of Queen Elizabeth II, has died at 97.

World Cup Culture: Curacao fans are bringing “Nos ta e Ola Blou” to the 2026 World Cup, turning matches into island-style parties as the debutants land in Group E with Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast. Group E Preview: Germany enter as favourites but face pressure from Ecuador and Ivory Coast, with Curacao adding first-tournament intrigue. Jamaica Football Spotlight: West Indies captain Shai Hope says the team must reset after a 41-run ODI loss to Sri Lanka, pointing to fielding and bowling lines as key fixes. Local Sports & Talent: Switchbacks forward Khori Bennett earns a Jamaican national team call-up, describing calm, reggae-fuelled preparation for big moments. UWI Games: Mona Campus defended its UWI Games title, finishing top with a dominant medal haul, while St. Augustine and Cave Hill followed. Tourism & Media: Jamaica won the Caribbean Media Award for Best Social Media Campaign at Caribbean Week in New York for its “Love Island Influencers” push. Faith on Screen: New TV series “Sundays After Church” explores real-life struggles and power dynamics beyond the pulpit. Piracy Warning: TVJ and RUSH Sports reiterate they’re the only authorised broadcasters of World Cup 2026 in Jamaica, warning against unauthorised streaming. Caribbean Tourism Push: CTO leaders unveiled new initiatives, including CTO TV, as Jamaica prepares for major tourism meetings and connectivity talks.

Jamaica Protest Case: Jamaica’s Indecom has charged Constable Andrew Wilson with murder after Latoya “Buju” Bulgin was shot during protests in Granville; he was denied bail and the next hearing is set for mid-June. World Cup Build-Up: South Africa’s Hugo Broos says the Jamaica warm-up in Mexico will be their last test before the opener, while Bafana have already ramped up training in Pachuca to handle altitude. Football Friendlies: Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Poland played out a 2-2 thriller in Warsaw as Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu scored, but Poland equalised late. Cricket for the Region: CWI launched “WI Outside!” with free entry for kids 16 and under at West Indies home matches, starting with ISSA Day at Sabina Park. Arts & Culture: New York nonprofit Artists & Mothers named 2026 $25,000 childcare grants for artist-mothers, including Jamaica-born Nickola Pottinger. Music Spotlight: Dancehall artist Dovey Magnum is gearing up to release “Be Patient,” the first of a new run of singles. Food & Community: Caribbean Week in New York 2026 brings tourism leaders together under “One Caribbean: Infinite experiences,” with Jamaica among the delegations.

Football & Leadership: Itumeleng Khune says a tough-love pact helped shape Ronwen Williams into Bafana captain and No. 1, stressing pressure, accountability, and taking over when it matters. Sports Broadcasting: RUSH Sports Network has secured exclusive FIFA World Cup 2026 media rights across the Caribbean, promising a tailored mix of live and delayed matches plus streaming and mobile access. Cricket (West Indies): Sri Lanka beat the West Indies by 41 runs in the 1st ODI, with Pathum Nissanka’s 79 and Kusal Mendis’ 72 setting up 303-7. Jamaica Tourism & Culture: Jamaica unveiled its Tourism 3.0 push in New York, aiming for inclusive growth and stronger benefits for workers and communities. Reggae Sumfest Logistics: JUTC is the official transportation partner for Reggae Sumfest 2026, offering organised round-trip services to cut congestion and parking stress. Music Industry: Ronaldinho’s new label Tu Música launches “CAMISA 10” with Sean Paul leading the title track ahead of World Cup 2026. US-Jamaica Defence Visit: Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith says the USS Nimitz port visit is about goodwill and friendship, urging Jamaicans to view it logically. Local Business/Construction: Caribbean Cement reports improved supply after April rainfall disruptions, citing higher production and dispatches plus expanded warehouse capacity.

Super Eagles vs Poland: Eric Chelle has named his starting XI for the friendly in Warsaw, with Wilfred Ndidi back and Akor Adams leading the attack, but Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are out. Ghana World Cup build-up: Augustine Arhinful urged Thomas Partey to regain peak fitness after Partey struggled in Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Wales; Carlos Queiroz also praised players for sticking to his game plan. Caribbean sports media: RUSH Sports secured exclusive FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast rights across the Caribbean via a new deal, promising tailored viewing options for fans including Jamaica. Cricket in Jamaica: CWI released the 2026 home schedule, with Jamaica hosting West Indies vs Sri Lanka ODIs and T20s starting June 3, plus school-focused “ISSA Day” at Sabina Park. Music & culture: Jamaican (Bam Bam) by Sister Nancy’s remix has gone gold in Greece and France, while UB40 drummer Jimmy Brown reflects on reggae’s roots and multicultural Birmingham. Tech for youth: Jamaica Drone Soccer wowed at Jamaica House, showing how drone sports can open STEM pathways for young people.

Cricket Spotlight: West Indies kick off their busy summer of white-ball action with Sri Lanka at Sabina Park (June 3–14), with CWI also confirming the wider 2026 home schedule across Antigua, Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. Football & National Pride: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana finally touched down in Mexico after visa delays, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles keep building ahead of their Poland friendly—Ndidi insists the squad is still motivated despite missing the World Cup. Reggae & Culture: Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs announces the return of the One Nation Reggae Festival (Nov 25–30, 2026), with an intergenerational tourism conversation featuring Jamaica. Music Release: General Huge and Skarra Mucci drop the ‘Beautiful Day’ EP and a hand-drawn animated video that takes viewers from monochrome oppression to Jamaica’s vibrant Hellshire Beach. Community & Youth: SDC St. Thomas launches “It’s a Girl’s Thing” to tackle period poverty with menstrual health sessions and hygiene packs for Paul Bogle High School students. Tourism & Development: Vibrant Energy plans a $1B FESCO-branded service station in St. James, promising jobs and new amenities for residents and visitors.

Jamaica Tourism & Community: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett officially opened the rehabilitated Fontabelle to Geddes Town Road in St. Mary, a $27.5M TEF-funded project aimed at boosting heritage and eco-tourism access and local jobs. Local Development: Vibrant Energy says it will invest $1B to build a new FESCO-branded service station in St. James, with fuel pumps, a convenience store, quick-service restaurants and space for a pharmacy. Jamaica-US Relations: The Government welcomed the USS Nimitz to Kingston as a symbol of the Jamaica–US partnership, with the carrier set to stay for five days. Reggae & Live Music: Grammy-winning Keznamdi announced U.S. dates for his Blxxd & Fyah Live tour, plus a free New York concert on July 17. Sports (Jamaica): Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce told student-athletes to build purpose beyond track; meanwhile, Rousseau Primary won the Scotiabank Kids Championship on penalties. Crime & Safety: Police say a 33-year-old U.S. national, Kadian Bradshaw, was stabbed and killed by her husband at an Airbnb in Hanover; the infant was unharmed.

World Cup Build-Up: Ghana’s Jordan Ayew urged fans to stay patient after recent setbacks, saying the Black Stars can still surprise at North America 2026, while coach Carlos Queiroz promised an expressive, confident display in the Wales friendly and explained why defender Alexander Djiku was replaced ahead of the tournament. Local Pride, Global Stage: Two Jamaican women, Tashaa Catnott and Brenda Morgan, won Coca-Cola’s “Score with Coca-Cola” promotion and are set to fly to Atlanta for the World Cup group-stage finale. Jamaica in the Spotlight: Emerging Maroon fusion artist Hope Vocals went viral on TikTok with a Hill and Gully blend, earning a call from Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor to record an official track at Geejam Studios. Media & Culture: Giovanni Dennis was appointed CEO of Jamaica Information Service (JIS), while Vivian Thomas continues to push Jamaican culture forward through Urbanvine Media and new spoken-word projects. Sports Beyond Football: Jamaica’s men’s curling team won a historic medal in Scotland, and Jamaica also featured in a Cayman-Jamaica Hockey Fest.

World Cup Travel Drama: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana finally boarded their charter to Mexico after a visa fiasco delayed departure, with SAFA apologising and officials still sorting paperwork for a few staff. Caribbean Football Spotlight: Curaçao booked a historic World Cup spot and will open against Germany in Houston, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles keep shaping their Unity Cup momentum ahead of friendlies. Jamaica Sports Round-Up: West Indies named a 15-man ODI squad for Sri Lanka with Shai Hope leading and Shimron Hetmyer back; Jamaica’s Tina Clayton and Lavanya Williams swept the women’s 100m at Rabat Diamond League. Music & Culture: Patra and JHOUSE Entertainment/ Sony Music ink a global distribution partnership; Dan Murphy announces his engagement during a Jamaica holiday; Toronto Caribbean Carnival returns July 30–Aug 3, 2026. Public Health Watch: Caribbean voices push back on youth vaping as World No Tobacco Day focuses on “Unmasking the appeal.”