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Justice Minister Lauds JDF

By: , August 13, 2013

The Key Point:

JDF lauded for thwarting internal and external threats to the country’s stability

The Facts

  • Threats to the nation’s security include arms dealing, trafficking in persons, and gang violence
  • New laws have been passed, and others amended to bolster the criminal justice system

The Full Story

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has been lauded for the security role it is playing, in thwarting internal and external threats to the country’s stability, by Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding.

“We owe you a debt of gratitude for making us feel significantly safer, knowing that you have chosen to dedicate yourselves to standing watch over this great country and protecting us from threats, both within and outside our shores,” the Minister said, while delivering the keynote address at a recent graduation ceremony for 131 new recruits, at the Moneague Training Camp, in St. Ann.

“It is the established professionalism of the JDF that gives confidence to our people that criminal elements cannot capture the State and destroy our society. It is the JDF’s institutional commitment and adherence to discipline and the highest standards of conduct that are the final buffer upholding our democratic traditions and freedoms, amidst the decadence that often surrounds us,” Senator Golding added.

Citing the “high quality” of training that recruits undergo in preparation for enlistment in the Force, the Minister said it fits the current time, and will be always relevant to meet whatever form of challenges that might be attempted on the society.

“Emphasis was placed on areas to make you rounded soldiers in a modern society. This training is designed to meet the needs of the JDF at a time when it continues to transform itself to remain current and relevant in a changing society. It has prepared you to face any challenge, local or international, that may confront the Force,” Senator Golding said.

The Minister pointed out that the threats to the nation’s security are real, to include terrorism, narco-trafficking, arms dealing, trafficking in persons, and gang violence.

Senator Golding noted that in the Parliament, new laws have been passed, and others amended to bolster the criminal justice system. “But, it is the security forces and the operational arms of law and order that must enforce duly authorized power to maintain the rule of law,” he said.

The Minister also cited other areas where the JDF soldiers provide valuable service, such as  search and rescue operations, monitoring and control of airspace and maritime areas of jurisdiction; disaster relief, regional co-operation, and support to other government t agencies and departments.

Last Updated: August 13, 2013

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