New JDF Chief of Staff Sworn Into Office

Chief of Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Major General Stewart Saunders, was sworn into office today (Oct. 26) at a ceremony held at King’s House.After taking the Oath of Allegiance, the Chief of Staff was presented with the instrument of Appointment by Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Professor Kenneth Hall, who also conferred him with the rank of Major General.
Minister of National Security, Derrick Smith, and other top ranking JDF officers, attended the brief ceremony.
Major General Stewart will assume command of the JDF on Saturday(Oct. 27) replacing Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, who went on retirement leave earlier this month after five years in that position.
A career officer, the new Chief of Staff joined the JDF in 1973 and was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant the same year. During his 34-year career, he has served as training officer, company commander, detachment commander, acting commanding officer for the Jamaica Regiment, training major for the Jamaica Regiment, staff officer and commanding officer of the Air Wing. His most recent assignment was that of staff officer for operations and training.
Major General Saunders was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in September 1975, Captain in August 1978, Major in September 1983, Lieutenant Colonel in March 1993 and Colonel in February 2001.
He holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Human Resource Development from the University of the West Indies and a diploma in the same discipline from the Institute of Management and Production. He is married with three children.