Jamaica outlines Ghana agreements, Cuba student support, USS Nimitz visit and AI plans

Jamaica’s post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, June 3, brought updates on foreign affairs, technology, education, diaspora work and disaster recovery, with presentations from Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Senator Camina Johnson Smith and Dr Andrew Wheatley, minister with responsibility for science, technology and special projects.

Johnson Smith said Jamaica and Ghana had revived their Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation after 21 years, following meetings in Accra on May 25 and 26. She said agreements were signed covering health and defence, while cooperation is being expanded in sports and culture. The health arrangement includes recruitment of Ghanaian health professionals and collaboration in hospital management, telemedicine, emergency readiness and research. The defence framework covers training, maritime security, cyber defence, transnational threats and disaster response.

She also said Jamaica continues to support scholarship students in Cuba, including securing an increased stipend payment and early release of funds. Jamaican authorities have engaged The University of the West Indies, Mona, and the Caribbean School of Medical Sciences about possible spaces for returning students, though admissions remain subject to university rules. The Government is also prepared to assist with one-way air travel from Cuba, but Johnson Smith said no student had requested help to leave.

On the USS Nimitz, Johnson Smith said the aircraft carrier was in Kingston Harbour from June 1 to 5 on a scheduled friendship and goodwill visit under the Southern Seas 2026 tour, not as a threatening signal. She said the crew would take part in school refurbishments, sports activities, STEM exchanges and engagements with the Jamaica Defence Force and universities.

Wheatley outlined several technology and resilience initiatives, including a national science, technology and innovation plan for 2026 to 2035, a NEST rollout to 500 early-childhood institutions, a proposed cybersecurity coordination council, an AI policy timeline, and the GAINS programme to deliver AI skills training across all 63 constituencies. He also discussed data embassies, nuclear energy exploration through small modular reactor assessment, and a US$170-million Jamaica National Recovery and Resilience Project.

Golden Krust Caribbean Restaurant also used the briefing to highlight post-Hurricane Melissa support for farmers and school canteens across several parishes.