Modular housing construction begins in western Jamaica as BPO task force reviews AI job losses

Construction and assembly work on Jamaica's modular housing programme has begun after site assessment and procurement, Minister with responsibility for land titling and settlements Robert Montague said on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

Montague said activity started last week in western Jamaica. A launch he had planned for the previous Wednesday was postponed because of other commitments, and a rescheduled event with media and public notice is expected later in the week alongside further project announcements.

"I can confirm that the work on the basis for the containerized housing solution has commenced," he said.

The statement follows criticism from Opposition spokesman on housing and sustainable living Senator Floyd Morris, who accused the Government of failing to distribute containerised units earmarked for hurricane-affected residents. Officials say about 1,500 modular houses are already in Jamaica and that an additional 1,000 units are due to arrive by the end of July.

Labour and Social Security Minister Pernell Charles Jr. has established a task force to examine Jamaica's business process outsourcing sector amid concerns about job losses linked to artificial intelligence. The industry employs nearly 60,000 people. Responding to RJR News, Charles said 9,200 BPO jobs were lost between April 2025 and April 2026. He said the panel would engage stakeholders to help workers adapt to new technology rather than criticise operators.

On education, One-on-One Educational Services CEO Ricardo Allen told JIS's Get the Facts programme that teachers and students are already using AI in classrooms. He urged educators to promote guided use that preserves reasoning, noting that assessments should test whether pupils can explain their answers.

In Kingston, participants joined a fourth regional peace walk linked to HWPL, including a march in Almond Town despite a curfew after recent violence. Police officers, youth mentors and community groups took part in the Caribbean-wide initiative organised with the International Peace Youth Group, UNESCO Jamaica and local authorities.

Trinidad and Tobago is targeting a US$1.7 billion tourism contribution to gross domestic product by 2030, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism Abigail Bono said. Priority areas include yachting, ecotourism, health tourism, business conferences, cultural tourism and sports tourism.

In sport, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange paid tribute to late track and field coach Steven Francis, describing him as an iconic figure whose work with MVP Track Club helped elevate Jamaican athletics. Spain beat Portugal 1-0 and Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in 2026 FIFA World Cup last-16 matches on July 7.