Jamaica moves on cyber law, PPV fare rise and hurricane readiness

Jamaica is moving to strengthen national cyber-security governance, public transport regulation and hurricane preparedness, according to announcements in JIS News on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Minister with responsibility for science, technology and special projects Dr Andrew Wheatley said a proposal will go to Cabinet for a National Cyber Security Coordination and Assurance Council. The body would operate for two years and help prepare a new National Cyber Security Act. Its work would include a single cyber-security portal, a legislative gap review, drafting instructions for the law, and coordinated funding to apply common cyber rules across the public sector. The proposed Act would legally establish a National Cyber Security Director, protect critical information infrastructure, set minimum standards for regulated sectors, require incident and vulnerability reporting, and regulate cyber-security service providers.

Cabinet has also approved a 16 per cent fare increase for public passenger vehicle operators. The first eight per cent took effect on June 2, with another eight per cent due on July 1. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz said the phased rollout was intended to limit inflationary pressure. The Transport Authority warned operators to charge only approved fares and said breaches could lead to suspension or revocation of road licences. The public may report overcharging by calling 876-926-8912 or sending WhatsApp messages to 876-551-8196 or 876-279-8515.

Ambassador Retired Major General Antony Anderson, appointed to lead the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority, said his engineering and construction background prepared him for the agency’s post-Hurricane Melissa reconstruction role. He said early priorities include shelter support for people still without proper housing, staffing the agency, building systems and setting standards.

The Office of Utilities Regulation has asked major utility companies to submit annual business continuity plans and details on disaster insurance. Director General Ansord Hewitt said the sector has not fully recovered from Hurricane Melissa as the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The OUR has also approved a US$106.6-million multi-layered hurricane insurance framework for the Jamaica Public Service Company, involving the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility and Descartes Insurance.

In Clarendon, the National Solid Waste Management Authority launched Operation CALM in Rocky Point. The bulky-waste removal and public education programme is to reach 94 flood-prone communities islandwide.