Jamaica's central bank, the Bank of Jamaica, has unanimously decided to maintain its policy interest rate at 5.75%. The decision, made in December 2025, comes as the nation faces significant inflation risks and economic contraction following the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
A contingent of 117 Canadian linesmen has arrived in Jamaica to significantly aid the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) in restoring electricity to parishes severely impacted by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. Their deployment focuses on western regions like St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, where extensive damage necessitates network rebuilding.
The Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard successfully rescued 16 fishermen from a burning vessel approximately 14 nautical miles south of Portland Point, Clarendon, on October 10, 2025. One crew member is believed to have drowned during the incident. The rescued individuals included nine Dominicans and eight Jamaicans.
Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, recognized Spain as a crucial partner in the island's economic growth, particularly in tourism, during Spain's National Day reception on October 9, 2025. Spanish investments in Jamaica's tourism sector have exceeded US$2.5 billion, with significant projects underway.
Curacao defeated Jamaica 2-0 in a FIFA World Cup qualification match on October 10, 2025. Goals from Livano Comenencia and Kenji Gorre propelled Curacao to the top of CONCACAF Group B, significantly boosting their bid for a first-ever World Cup appearance. Jamaica now holds second place in the group.
Attorneys for Andrew Wright and Oneil Hope, convicted in Jamaica's JMD $222 million INSPORTS fraud case, have announced plans to appeal the Supreme Court's decision. Wright was found guilty on 13 counts, and Hope on 8, related to a scheme that siphoned funds from the government sports agency.
The Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) is accelerating the digital transformation of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through the EU-funded 'Digital Jamaica' Project. Launched in October 2023 with €9.5 million, the three-year initiative aims to train 2,700 MSMEs by 2026 and help 500 businesses digitize internal processes this year, enhancing their competitiveness and market access.
