Jamaica Labour Day projects, economy and sports lead May 22 news

Jamaica’s May 22 news agenda centred on Labour Day 2026, economic pressures after Hurricane Melissa, overseas work opportunities, tourism transport concerns, central bank action and sports developments involving Sabina Park and the Under-17 Reggae Boyz.

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia Grange said Labour Day will be used to repair community assets damaged by Hurricane Melissa, including sports facilities, early childhood institutions and other local spaces. National projects include clean-up and repair work at Sabina Park ahead of Caribbean Premier League T20 matches, and roof restoration at Luistown Early Childhood Institution in St. Elizabeth. A National Labour Day concert is planned for Emancipation Park.

Planning Institute of Jamaica Director General Dr. Wayne Henry said higher global oil prices tied to conflict in the Middle East are affecting Jamaica’s trade and output outlook. He said energy, grain, fertilizer and shipping costs are raising imports and widening the trade deficit. The PIOJ projects a 3 to 4 per cent contraction for April to June 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, but senior director James Stewart said Jamaica is not considered to be in recession despite two negative growth quarters after Melissa.

Labour Minister Pearnel Charles said 15,169 Jamaicans were sent to jobs in Canada and the United States in 2025 under the overseas employment programme, 944 more than the previous year. Planned changes include automated calls and text alerts, upgrades to the E Street facility, a St. James processing outpost, a pause on medical assessments until reviewed, optional insurance for workers heading to the United States, and 60 scholarships for children of farm workers.

Tourism transport operators asked the Tourism Enhancement Fund for emergency help, saying Hurricane Melissa, hotel closures, debt and competition from ride-share services have hurt about 5,000 contract carriage drivers. They said roughly 5,000 hotel rooms were out of service islandwide, including about 3,000 in Montego Bay.

In business, the Bank of Jamaica offered US$30 million through its BFXITT intervention tool and received US$78.65 million in eligible bids. The BOJ also held its policy rate at 5.5 per cent, citing uncertainty around international commodity prices.

Regionally, Grenadian groups continued fundraising for Cuba, while Barbados launched a pollination services pilot with CARDI and the Barbados Apiculture Association. Antigua and Barbuda said it would strengthen port health screening amid concerns over Ebola, Hantavirus and imported malaria.

In sport, Grange said government investment at Sabina Park includes lights and a scoreboard supported through cooperation with India. Jamaica’s Under-17 Reggae Boyz were drawn with Italy, Côte d’Ivoire and Uzbekistan in Group E for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Qatar from November 19 to December 13.