Jamaica to hold stakeholder talks before US migration plan moves forward

The government will consult trade unions, private-sector groups, civil-society organisations, and opposition representatives before implementing a proposed structured migration programme with the United States, Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister Ambassador Audrey Marks said at a Jamaica Information Service ministerial update at Jamaica House.

Marks said the initiative responds to anticipated shifts in US immigration policy under the America First framework, including the prospect of mass deportations and tighter scrutiny of migrant status. She said talks would explore expanding legal seasonal-work pathways for Jamaicans, noting a current cap of about 20,000 and a proposal toward 200,000, while ensuring the programme supports economic expansion, skills development, and job creation rather than displacing local workers.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has urged small private developers to build housing projects of up to 50 rooms using National Housing Trust financing. At the handover of keys to 14 new apartment owners at the NHT's Vineyard Town Housing Development in Kingston, he said scaled infill projects could lower unit costs and expand affordable supply. The NHT is tasked with delivering 42,000 units toward a five-year national target of 70,000 housing solutions; Vineyard Town includes 14 studio apartments across two sites in southeast St. Andrew.

Thirty-nine Jamaicans received the 2026 Governor General's Achievement Awards at King's House. Governor General Sir Patrick Allen praised recipients aged 18 and over for leadership and community service under the theme "The Power of Us, Where Vision Meets Excellence."

Industry Minister Senator Aubyn Hill encouraged entrepreneurs to use the Jamaica Stock Exchange's new micro market, launched at the Terra Nova Hotel in St. Andrew, as a regulated route for firms seeking J$50 million to J$100 million in equity financing.

Legendary track-and-field coach Stephen Francis died on Saturday night at age 64, one day after his birthday. Co-founder of MVP Track and Field Club in 1999, he coached Olympic medallists including Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, and Kishane Thompson. MVP president Bruce James said, "Stephen Francis changed the trajectory of Jamaican athletics for the better. He proved that Jamaican athletes, guided by Jamaican coaches, supported by Jamaican management, and training in Jamaica, could become the very best in the world."

Thousands displaced by earthquakes in Venezuela's La Guaira state remain in temporary shelters as aid arrives, and Trinidad and Tobago has prepared more than 1,000 relief buckets for shipment. At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Egypt, Argentina, Colombia, Morocco, France, Norway, and England reached the quarter-finals after knockout play from July 3 to 5.