JDF gets truck from Sandals

KINGSTON — As part of its 30th anniversary activities, Sandals Resorts International, yesterday donated a VW Amarok pick-up truck to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), at Up Park Camp, in Kingston.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Dianne McIntosh said she was pleased with the donation, as the Ministry places immense value in equipping the security forces.

She said that one of the main strategic objectives of the Ministry this year is the provision of capital expenditure to improve the capacity of the law enforcement agencies, through the provision of vehicles and other equipment.  

“Given the fiscal realities that we face as a Ministry, we welcome the opportunity to partner with Sandals International Resort, especially at this time when the company draws on the celebration of a significant milestone to make a valued contribution to the JDF,” Miss McIntosh said.  

She said that far too often the men and women of the army  are taken for granted by  some persons, yet  when they  are  exposed to threats on their security and wellbeing, they rely on the bravery, courage and  humanity  of the soldiers to protect them.

“We must therefore be cognisant of the fact that the generosity of Sandals International Resort extends beyond simply donating this vehicle to the force.  Indeed, any contribution of this nature is another plug for the security and safety of all law abiding residents of Jamaica,” the Permanent Secretary said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart described the vehicle as strong, hardy and comfortable. “It’s very modern in design and the technology is great,” he said.

The Chairman said members of the wider community have a lot of respect for the soldiers and the work they do.  “We used to say in the old days, where the police cannot handle it, we bring out the soldiers and everything gets quiet.”

In the meantime, Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Antony Anderson, expressed his appreciation to the Sandals Group for the donation.

“It is a welcomed addition to our fleet. Every day we are faced with challenges and of course there are resource limitations within government, so every donation and every bit of assistance that we get from outside, is quite welcome,” Major Anderson said.

The Sandals Group also recently donated three VW Amarok pick-ups and four bicycles to the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

By LATONYA LINTON, JIS Reporter