$1 Billion Allocated to Procure JDF Coastal Surveillance Equipment
By: , February 28, 2024
Photo: JIS File
A new offshore patrol vessel, His Majesty’s Jamaican Ship (HMJS) Norman Manley, was commissioned into service by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in November 2023.The Full Story
The ability of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) to monitor and safeguard the country’s borders will be strengthened through an allocation of approximately $1 billion.
The funds will go towards making final contractual payments to complete procurement of coastal surveillance equipment required for securing Jamaica’s borders under the Purchase and Overhaul of Ships/Coastal Surveillance project.
Details are contained on the 2024/25 Estimates of Expenditure, which was tabled recently in the House of Representatives by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke.
The project, which commenced in 2018, aims to facilitate the procurement of radar, marine offshore patrol vessels, cameras, software, hardware and other equipment for the JDF.
Up to December 2023, three marine patrol vessels were procured.
The project, which is being financed from the Consolidated Fund, falls under the Ministry of National Security and is slated to conclude in July 2024.