New Chief of Defence Staff Commits to Changing Culture of Violence

Newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Rear Admiral AntonetteWemyss-Gorman says she remains committed to changing the culture of violence, as stated in the Jamaica Defence Force’s (JDF) Strategic Defence Review.

The Force Strategic Defence Review charts the JDF’s course up to 2037.

“As we deal with issues of safety and security as a nation, I am confident that the JDF is prepared to confront the challenges to our peace and security,” Rear Admiral Wemyss-Gorman stated.

She was addressing members of the audience during the Change of Command Parade, held at Up Park Camp in Kingston on January 21.

She succeeds Lieutenant General Rocky Meade, who retired from the JDF after a glittering career spanning 38 years, the last five as CDS.

Rear Admiral Wemyss-Gorman noted that the JDF “must maintain its steadfast support and commitment to citizens and work diligently to defeat the threats to safety and collective existence.”

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Rocky Meade stated that the Jamaican people can “continue to trust in the JDF and its leadership.”

“I would like to thank the people of Jamaica for your support and confidence, and notwithstanding the immediacy of several challenges you face, that you welcome the long-term approach for a sustainable solution to resolve the culture of violence in Jamaica,” he said.

“In the medium term, we continue to build out the defence security and justice systems. Of course, in the short term, you are faced with immediate challenges, and we will continue to support the Jamaica Constabulary Force in the effort of keeping the internal security situation to a manageable level,” he added.

The parade represented the 12^th transfer of Command in the almost 60-year history of the Jamaica Defence Force.