Jamaica advances reconstruction agency, security and research initiatives

Jamaica’s latest public-sector update on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, highlighted developments in national reconstruction, security, education, research and labour policy, with several ministries and agencies reporting new appointments, partnerships and international engagements.

The National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority is expected to become fully operational within two months. Ambassador Anthony Anderson, the agency’s chief executive officer, briefed Prime Minister Andrew Holness on his first day in office and outlined plans for project monitoring, collaborative workspaces and stronger technical capacity. Dr. Holness said Anderson would also help train and mentor a new generation of Jamaican managers, executives and project leaders.

National Security and Peace Minister Dr. Horace Chang commended the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency at its recent awards and recognition ceremony. He credited MOCA with work against money laundering, transnational criminal networks, narcotics and firearm trafficking, while noting the need to respond to organised crime, corruption and digital threats.

Jamaican scholars and institutions are also to benefit from the Partnership for Atlantic Slavery Scholarship, Archiving and Global Exchange programme. About £450,000, or roughly J$91 million, is set aside for Caribbean and West African projects under an initiative supported by a £1 million Lloyd’s Register Foundation grant. Launched at the British High Commission in Kingston, the programme will fund 15 projects in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana and Cameroon, including digitisation work by the National Library of Jamaica and the Jamaica Archives and Records Department.

Award-winning journalist Giovani Dennis became chief executive officer of the Jamaica Information Service on June 1. He was introduced to senior staff by Dr. Kasan Troupe, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information.

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.

Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. is leading Jamaica’s delegation to the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, where CARICOM representatives are seeking more technical support and investment in regional labour institutions.