Jamaica outlines Ghana cooperation, Nimitz visit and AI policy plans at Cabinet briefing

Jamaica’s post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, June 3, focused on foreign-policy initiatives, support for Jamaican students overseas, the USS Nimitz visit to Kingston Harbour and major science and technology plans being advanced by the Government.

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said Jamaica and Ghana have revived their Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation after 21 years, with meetings held in Accra on May 25 and 26. She said Jamaica signed cooperation agreements in health and defence, including provisions for recruiting Ghanaian health workers, hospital management, specialised care, digital health, telemedicine, emergency preparedness, joint training, maritime security, cyber defence and disaster response.

Johnson Smith said both countries are also pursuing deeper trade, investment, air-service and cultural links. A Jamaica export and business mission to Ghana is planned for July, led by Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister Senator Aubyn Hill, with 38 companies registered at the time of the briefing. She also noted Jamaica’s visit to Cape Coast Castle and said the next biennial commission will be held in Kingston, ahead of 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2028.

On Jamaican students in Cuba, Johnson Smith said additional stipend support had been secured and funds were released early to reduce hardship. She said The University of the West Indies, Mona, and the Caribbean School of Medical Sciences had indicated willingness to consider transfer applications, while Jamaica remained prepared to help students return home if requested. No student had sought government help to leave Cuba, she said.

The minister said the USS Nimitz was in Kingston from June 1 to 5 on a scheduled friendship and goodwill visit under the Southern Seas 2026 tour. She said the carrier’s crew would support school refurbishments, sports activities, STEM exchanges, and engagements with the Jamaica Defence Force and universities.

Technology Minister Dr Andrew Wheatley outlined initiatives from his 2026/2027 sectoral presentation, including the House of Innovation strategy for 2026 to 2035, a US$250-million blended-finance target, the NEST science programme for 500 early-childhood institutions, a cybersecurity coordination council, an AI policy due by November 2026, and the J$545-million GAINS workforce training programme across all 63 constituencies.