$315 Million Allocated for Initiatives in the JDF

A sum of $315 million has been set aside in the 2012/13 Estimates of Expenditures, currently before the House of Representatives, to undertake a number of developmental initiatives for the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

The bulk of the funds, $105 million, will make possible the acquisition of two fixed wing aircraft for the Jamaica Military Aviation School.

An additional $37.4 million will be used for the purchase of weapons and ammunitions for the JDF, while another $79.6 million will go towards facilitating the repairs and improvements to service and residential buildings for the military services, the Air Wing and the engineering services.

The remaining $93 million will go towards the procurement of tools and equipment for the overhaul of ships for the Coast Guard. This sum also includes $9.3 million for the payment of outstanding bills.

The programme is being carried out by the Ministry of National Security. 

By Athaliah Reynolds-Baker, JIS Reporter