Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, August 5, 2023 – Evidence of a sustained push for military upgrades is emerging across the Caribbean as the region continues to invest in its military arsenal and increase personnel skills.  Large and small nations are investing in training with help from the United States and other overseas countries.

The most recent event saw Turks and Caicos’ Regiment Members leave for an intense annual three-day training exercise in Guyana, dubbed Exercise TRADEWINDS 2023.  Also on site were the US, Canadian and French Armies and several countries, including those with established military forces like the Royal Bermuda Regiment, Jamaica Defence Force and the Surinamese Defence Force.

South America, where criminals smuggle large amounts of drugs to North America, where the drugs are often destined for the Caribbean, has been subject to bouts of violence relating to the illicit trade of both contraband and people.

The recent near collapse of democratic processes in Haiti and the announcement of a potential new Chinese and Cuban military base in Cuba have increased tension in the region prior to the 2023 event.

Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment Marine Ronica Ewing described the event:

“TRADEWINDS has been challenging but it’s been fun as well…I get to meet people from different backgrounds. Some people from the different regiments as well.  So I learned how each regiment operates.  So I can take things from each one and take it back home to improve the regiment that we now have, which has only been in operation for about three years now.  The best thing is learning about the different weapons that they use and also getting that more hands-on military experience… what to expect and so forth.”

The longtime training exercise has garnered scrutiny and prompted think pieces from several publications about the US increasing its allies’ military capacity in case an all-out military offensive becomes necessary, though the US has not mentioned anything to confirm this.  The exercise has been held annually for over three decades.

The US is also increasing humanitarian efforts in the Caribbean military.  The US Navy continues to liaise with the Caribbean on climate change and other issues.  The country has also promised 100 million dollars to help disrupt arms trafficking and help restore Haiti this year.

Staff Writer 

#TurksandCaicos, May 10, 2023 – Members of the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) are in the Turks and Caicos this week as the two countries solidify new partnerships in training and disaster response. The team, led by Brigadier Markland Lloyd, JDF Force Executive Officer has already met with Acting Governor Anya Williams, Acting Premier E Jay Saunders, and senior leadership of the TCI Regiment.

With the hurricane season on the Horizon, the security leaders are in-country to discuss disaster management and how they can  partner to strengthen regional response in relation to DART. – the Disaster Assistance Response Team.

DART teams are found in military organisations all over the world and consist of specially trained operatives who are skilled in responding to the needs of residents in the immediate aftermath of disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. The JDF DART team is made up of divers; medical personnel (doctors, nurses); combat engineers; drivers; military police;  and other military personnel.  The team which flew into the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian to render aid in 2019, indicated in April that they are ready and equipped to deploy assets locally should a major disaster occur.

The two security forces are also actively discussing opportunities for TCI Marines to train at the Caribbean Military Academy and other institutions in neighbouring Jamaica.  Along with Lloyd, the JDF delegation consists of Colonel Rohan Johnson – Colonel General Staff and Lt Col Eldon Morgan, Commanding Officer 1 Engineer Regiment.

The TCI Regiment has been rapidly expanding its regional and international partnerships since its inception and now has a working relationship with military forces in the UK, Bahamas, Bermuda, and now Jamaica.

The DART is comprised of doctors, nurses, infanteers, drivers, combat engineers, logisticians, military police, divers and other military personnel.

Speaking at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ at the agency’s head office in Kingston, Operations Staff Officer at JDF headquarters, Major Rodane Leung, said the DART has three priority areas.

He noted that Priority One involves being 100 per cent ready for immediate notice to move to assist in any disaster situation.

“Our Priority Two is not immediate notice to move, but after the initial priority becomes mobilised, Priority Two is now on immediate notice to move and there is Priority Three if it is required,” said Major Leung.

Priority Three is triggered based on the needs of the assessment the JDF would have received from the relevant State agencies.

The Operations Staff Officer indicated that members of the DART are equipped to move to anywhere in the island and be self-sufficient for a period, adding that the JDF has many capabilities.

“Our engineers have the ability to assist with heavy equipment. Like the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), we also have canine elements that we use for search and rescue. We also have medical personnel that can assist the Ministry of Health and Wellness in providing medical care to persons that are injured,” said Major Leung.

He pointed out that another key element of the JDF response procedure is the use of its air wing and strategic aircraft to hoist goods and equipment, as required, from one place to another, especially in situations where the roadways are blocked or congested, preventing the movement of cargo.

“Our aircraft are also equipped to move personnel as well as to assist the Jamaica Fire Brigade, particularly in areas where we might have fires. We are  equipped to use what we call a Bambi Bucket System to douse such fires,” he added.

Another role of the JDF is to assist the JCF with policing.

“There might be need for key point protection – protecting of key installations to prevent theft, among other things. We are ready and able to deploy to assist the JCF to ensure that these things do not happen,” said Major Leung.

It is also important to note that the JDF will appoint a Liaison Officer to the National Emergency Operations Centre at ODPEM. The Liaison Officer would be the bridge between ODPEM and the JDF joint Information Operation Centre.

Contact: Shanna K. Salmon

Release: JIS

Staff Writer

#Jamaica, January 23, 2023 – A shipment of cocaine valued at over US$50 million (more than JMD 7 billion) was seized in a multi-agency operation on Saturday, January 14, at the Kingston Freeport Terminal in Jamaica.

The seizure is believed to be one of the largest drug busts in Jamaica’s history and was a joint operation among the JCF Narcotics Division, the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Customs Agency.

Reports are that the contraband is estimated to weigh hundreds of kilograms and was found concealed among the cargo of a vessel which arrived from South America on Friday, January 13.

Representatives of the police and Jamaica Customs have indicated that the operation on the port will continue for an extended period to ensure the integrity of items arriving at the port.

The authorities have not provided any information on the vessel, and no arrests have been reported. Saturday’s bust is the third major drug bust reported in the country over the last four months.

Staff Wrtier

#Jamaica, November 18, 2022 – Earlier this week Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced he was instituting more States of Emergency (SOE) in seven parishes in Jamaica. The SOEs which allow for manned checkpoints, curfews, patrols and other military aided peacekeeping efforts were being used because, the Prime Minister maintained, “The level of crime in our country is over and above the capacity of our regular law enforcement,” he said. “It is clear that we are facing an emergency. Even war torn countries have a murder rate less than Jamaica. Gangs are morphing– they are trying to corrupt the state.”

The factors driving this extraordinary level of crime are eerily similar to the factors driving a major uptick of crime in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Antonette Weymss-Gorman, head of the Jamaica Defense Force Rear Admiral explained what exactly the country was fighting.

“Through our analysis and intelligence gathering we continue to recognize the influence of gangs as a primary contributor to violence with with illegal weapons and ammunition. Their criminal and violent actions continue to be fueled by the ill-gotten gains of extortion, contract killings, lottery scamming and other forms of criminality,” She explained that infighting was taking down innocents as well.

“These gangs are continuously engaged in intense intra and inter-gang conflicts which are a leading cause of high levels of murders and shootings across the country.”

Jamaica and certainly by now the Turks and Caicos sit very near the top of the list for the highest murder rates in the region and the world. While the TCI’s murder rate may skate below the global radar this year thanks to being considered a part of the UK residents of both countries, who have to face the violence may be wondering, how did it get this bad?

Major crime waves like these in relatively small-island states can seem like they came out of nowhere but Holness belays that assumption saying a lack of preparation contributed heavily to the crises.

“It is not a situation that is unique to Jamaica. Many island states have not looked at national security in the sophisticated way that they needed to over the last thirty years to make the investments they needed in intelligence gathering, communication, transportation, border control, and investments in the training of our security forces.”

It’s an observation that rings particularly true in the Turks and Caicos as country leaders have just begun in the last few years to seriously put in the work to create a border force, a defense force in the form of the Regiment, armored vehicles, a coast guard and digital security capabilities at our ports. All of this work is ongoing, some of it in early stages still.

Meanwhile criminals have made inroads into the Islands and set up their own chain of command and shipping routes as evidenced by the recent bust of several shipments of weapons in the US that were bound for the TCI.

Nigel Dakin, Governor of the Turks and Caicos Islands had indicated he would not be bringing in any military operation until it was absolutely needed because soldiers are not trained to police. However, residents have over weeks been awaken to the sound the sight of military styled choppers overhead and this week, coordinated road checks slowed traffic to a crawl.

Jamaica, while executing these extreme measures over the next four weeks, is promising to adhere to the human rights of residents and visitors; having already been bruised by several Supreme Court law suits alleging abuses.

For now both governments continue to grapple with their respective, but connected, crime waves.

Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, presented her with the Instrument of Appointment during a ceremony at King’s House, which also saw her subscribing the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Office.

Admiral Wemyss Gorman succeeds Lieutenant General Rocky Meade who retires from the JDF after serving for 38 years, the last five as CDS.

Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness; and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, headed the government and other officials attending the ceremony.

Mr. Holness, in congratulating Admiral Wemyss Gorman, said her selection through a competitive process by the Defence Board was based on that body’s conclusion that she has the requisite leadership skills, experience, commitment, and strategic vision “to lead the men and women of the JDF and drive them to achieve even greater levels of success”

In highlighting notable achievements of Admiral Wemyss Gorman’s 29-year military career, Mr. Holness said her tenure in the Coast Guard allows her to treat significantly with issues relating to maritime security and the blue economy.

“She will, therefore, bring a unique perspective to our discussions and efforts to strengthen our borders and prevent illicit inflows, protect the lives and livelihoods of our coastal communities, and ensure Jamaica can derive sustainable benefits from our maritime resources. I look forward to benefiting from her wise counsel on matters relating to defence and security,” he added.

The Prime Minister said that as the fight against crime continues, the JDF will continue to play a critical role in support of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The JDF will continue along the path of transformation and capacity building, as it positions itself to more effectively and efficiently combat current and future security threats, locally and in the wider Caribbean.

He also expressed confidence that the JDF will continue to positively impact youth, “not only through the Jamaica National Service Corps but also its various community service activities, and its deepening partnership with the HEART/NSTA Trust and other entities”.

The Prime Minister said it is anticipated that under the new CDS’s leadership, “we will continue to build on our relationships with our military partners within the region and beyond”.

“I know that the CDS is committed to building on these partnerships… and enhancing the JDF’s sterling reputation at home and abroad. I am confident that, in you, Jamaica has a strong, committed, and capable leader who will continue to lead our troops and give of your best to the country, as well as those [who] will come under your command,” he added.

Mr. Holness said a defining feature of the JDF is its “sense of continuity”, noting the smooth transitions from one commander to another over the years.  He pointed out that over the past two years, while serving as the JDF’s Executive Officer, Admiral Wemyss Gorman worked closely with General Meade, who, he said, “has laid a solid foundation on which the new commander will continue to build”.

Mr. Holness, in thanking General Meade for his stellar service to the JDF and Jamaica, noted his commitment to education, youth, and achieving and maintaining high standards, which, he said, have produced “significant changes” across the country.

“We will build on the foundation that you have established and strive to make the JDF even more capable and fit for purpose. We can safely say that the future of the JDF is in very capable hands, and this is due, in no small measure, to the way in which you have led the Force over the past five years,” he added.

In her reply, Admiral Wemyss Gorman, who said she was “humbled and privileged” by her appointment, expressed gratitude for the display of confidence “in my ability to command the men and women of the Force”.

She said her tenure in the JDF over the years has equipped her with “valuable tools” and honed the skills required to prepare for the job of CDS.

Admiral Wemyss Gorman also expressed gratitude to her predecessors for playing significant roles in her development

“Thank you for the examples of committed and capable leadership that you demonstrated, which have laid the foundation for me to build on,” she added.

The CDS pledged to uphold the Oath of Office and, in doing so, “I commit to decisive, firm, and strategic leadership, which is required in today’s complex and ever-changing security environment”.

The Governor-General, also congratulating the new CDS, noted her outstanding military track record, while expressing confidence that “you will continue to serve with distinction”.

“You will be a positive role model for women and men alike as they witness what can be achieved through determination and purpose,” he said.

The Governor-General also thanked General Meade for his 38 years of dedicated service.

“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Jamaica Defence Force, I am proud of the men and women who serve. Let us support them as they work tirelessly to secure the physical integrity and territorial waters of our country,” he added.

Contact: Douglas McIntosh

Release: JIS

This is outlined in the 2020/21 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives.

The Estimates were tabled in the House of Representatives on February 11 by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke.

The project, which is slated to end in March 2023, is being spearheaded by the Ministry of National Security and financed from the Consolidated Fund.

The Estimates will be considered by the Standing Finance Committee of Parliament from March 3 to 4.