JDF Receives New Vehicles

KINGSTON — The operations of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) have been boosted with the handing over of several vehicles to the entity by the Minister of National Security, Senator the Hon. Dwight Nelson, on November 29, 2011.

Presented during a ceremony at the JDF's Up Park Camp headquarters, the 25 trucks with a net worth of approximately $63 million, will be immediately deployed to the various units within the JDF.

Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Antony Anderson, in expressing his gratitude, stressed that mobility is crucial to the orgnisation's military capabilities.

"We have responsibilities to be able to reach any part of Jamaica in support of the Jamaican people for their protection and in response to what is required of us by the Government. In meeting these requirements, our mobility is one of those critical components that we can’t do without," he said.

"I must thank the Minister and the Permanent Secretary (Dianne McIntosh) for their hard work and effort I know they put into procuring these vehicles in what is a very resource constrained environment," he added.

Minister Nelson said he was pleased to be presenting the 4X4 and 4X2 vehicles, which comprise Isuzu trucks, VW Amoraks and Mitsubishi L200's.

He said he was appreciative of the distinguished service the JDF has given locally,  regionally and internationally.

"It is a matter of record the assistance and invaluable service that you have provided in times of local need, particularly in times of disaster. It is a matter of record, where you have gone abroad regionally, Haiti for example, and have been the lead force in establishing the basis, for not only CARICOM’s, but international assistance to Haiti. Internationally, you have raised the colours of the nation and the Jamaican people in those areas where you have served," he stated.

Senator Nelson noted that the JDF has also distinguished itself in addressing the internal security and the establishment of law and order in the country. "Your input fighting alongside the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)…the input of the JDF is invaluable and the reductions that we have seen in major crimes must also be attributed to the JDF," he said.

By Alecia Smith-Edwards, JIS Reporter