Jamaica updates cyber laws as taxi fares rise and Jam-Dex uptake lags

Jamaica has amended its cybercrime laws as the Government responds to a sharp rise in digital attacks, with officials reporting more than 49 million attempted cyber incidents in 2025, compared with 12 million in 2022. Dr Andrew Wheatley, minister without portfolio responsible for science, technology and special projects, told Parliament during the sectoral debate that the Cybercrimes Amendment Act 2026 updates offences, definitions and investigative powers to address threats linked to artificial intelligence, deepfakes and online exploitation.

Wheatley said critical state systems have been targeted, including a breach on a major government platform that exposed personal information belonging to hundreds of thousands of Jamaicans. He said a third national cybersecurity strategy is being prepared for 2026, with a permanent national cybersecurity directorate, stronger governance and improved coordination among institutions.

The Government also began implementing a long-awaited increase in public passenger vehicle fares on Tuesday, June 2. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz said the adjustment will come in two stages, with an 8 per cent rise now and a further 8 per cent due in July. July changes include Ocho Rios to St Ann's Bay moving from $220 to $240, Half-Way-Tree to Spanish Town from $170 to $190, Ocho Rios to Kingston rural stage carriage from $610 to $660, and Mandeville to May Pen from $210 to $330. Vaz warned operators not to add illegal increases and said talks continue on toll concessions for PPV operators.

Wheatley also announced the national rollout of the Nurturing Early Scientific Thinking programme after a 25-school pilot. The NEST programme is expected to reach 500 early childhood institutions across all seven education regions and 14 parishes by the end of 2026.

In business, Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard Byles said Jam-Dex adoption remains disappointing, especially as commercial banks have taken years to retrofit point-of-sale systems. Coffee industry representative Dr Norman Grant warned production could fall to 155,000 boxes this year, down from 225,000 in 2024 and 288,000 in 2023, with farmers already facing heavy losses.

Regionally, Barbados opened a 2026 offshore negotiations process for 19 blocks believed to hold major oil and natural gas potential. Companies have until September 1 to submit pre-qualification documents. Caribbean officials also urged hurricane readiness, despite NOAA projecting a 55 per cent chance of a below-normal season with eight to 14 named storms. In sport, the Reggae Girlz began camp for Panama friendlies set for June 5 and 8 in Panama City.