Jamaica advances EU-backed digital programme, jobless benefits and agriculture forum plans

Jamaica is advancing a slate of national development measures, led by a $1.7-billion financing agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the European Union for the Digital Jamaica programme.

The agreement, handed over at the ministry on Thursday, supports a programme finalised on July 25, 2023. It is designed to widen affordable and secure broadband access for schools and places of safety for children, improve digital skills among early childhood and primary teachers, and help micro, small and medium-sized businesses adopt technology. State Minister Xavier Mayne said the investment supports Vision 2030 Jamaica and the push for a modern, inclusive, technology-based society. EU Ambassador Dr Erja Askola said the initiative would bring digital opportunities, training and equipment closer to more than 1,000 schools and several children's homes.

Government's use of electronic signatures has also been fully in place since March. Ambassador Audrey Marks, minister with responsibility for efficiency, innovation and digital transformation, told Parliament that people and businesses can now exchange authenticated documents with government offices without paper-based wet signatures or in-person visits. She said the courts have seen strong benefits, with about 13,089 traffic ticket warrants signed electronically by judges so far.

Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. said work is continuing on unemployment insurance benefits after Cabinet approved the plan in May 2025. Drafting instructions were submitted in December, consultants are to be engaged this year, and eligible workers are expected to receive benefits within two years. He also said Jamaica is finalising its Decent Work Country Programme with the International Labour Organization, with a validation workshop expected this month and a launch later in 2026.

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith reaffirmed Jamaica's commitment to the International Maritime Organization during a ceremony marking 50 years of membership. She pointed to the Caribbean Maritime University, updated shipping laws, stronger regional maritime oversight and implementation of IMO conventions on safety, security, pollution prevention and labour standards.

In local infrastructure, the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation will spend $10 million from signage-fee revenue on sidewalk repairs and upgrades. Mayor Andrew Swaby said the work, developed after discussions with the UWI Centre for Disability Studies, will start in Papine and continue in selected areas across Kingston and St Andrew.

Jamaica will also host Caribbean Week of Agriculture from September 28 to October 2 in Trelawny under the theme "The New Face of Caribbean Food Systems." Agriculture Minister Floyd Green said the forum will focus on food security, agribusiness, climate-smart technology, exports, resilient infrastructure, water management, research, protected agriculture and modern farming methods.