Jamaica updates reconstruction agency, security, research and education recovery efforts

Jamaica’s National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority is expected to be fully operational within two months, following the appointment of Ambassador Anthony Anderson as chief executive officer. Anderson briefed Prime Minister Andrew Holness on his first day in office, outlining plans for staffing, project coordination and a workspace built around resilience, collaboration and real-time monitoring.

Holness said the agency must strengthen execution, develop institutional knowledge and train young Jamaican professionals to manage major national projects with speed, efficiency and accountability.

The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency has also been commended for its work against corruption, money laundering, organised crime, narcotics trafficking, firearms networks and digital threats. National Security and Peace Minister Dr. Horace Chang, speaking at MOCA’s recent rewards and recognition ceremony, praised investigators, analysts, forensic specialists, legal officers, administrators and technical staff. He also said the Government remains committed to building the agency’s legal framework, operational strength and professional development.

Jamaican scholars and institutions are to benefit from the PASSAGE international research mobility programme, which supports study of the transatlantic slave trade and its continuing effects. About £450,000, or roughly J$91 million, has been set aside for Caribbean and West African projects under a wider £1 million Lloyd’s Register Foundation grant. The initiative, launched at the British High Commission in Kingston, will support 15 projects in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana and Cameroon, including digitisation work at the National Library of Jamaica and the Jamaica Archives and Records Department, along with support for students and faculty at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

Award-winning journalist Giovanni Dennis took office as chief executive officer of the Jamaica Information Service on June 1. Permanent Secretary Dr. Kasan Troupe introduced him to the leadership team, while Deputy CEO Celia Lindsay pledged staff support.

Schools and students affected by Hurricane Melissa are to receive $4.5 million in Primary Exit Profile books and educational robots through the National Education Trust and Cheetah Toys and More. The handover was held at the trust’s Caenwood Centre office in Kingston.

Jamaica and CARICOM partners will also seek stronger technical support and investment in labour institutions at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva from June 1 to 12. Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. is leading Jamaica’s delegation, with discussions expected to cover decent work, social protection, labour migration, skills development and the changing global labour market.