The next two years will take the world into the start of another millennium and the Jamaica Defence Force, like most other organisations, is constantly questioning and re-examining its level of preparedness for that century. This unique transition through time carries a psychological push with its practical realities. It drives much introspection on whether national institutions can be relied on to meet the changing needs of their society. This means that the JDF is operating in a different landscape than when it started over three decades ago, and we therefore have to be constantly prepared for changing times.

We take seriously our role as a steward of this country and plan always for its defence and stability, and the security of its people. While defence remains the JDF’s primary role, we have been heavily deployed in the past in internal security operations, counter drugs operations, disaster relief assistance, marine environmental protection, engineering projects nationwide, casualty evacuations by air and state ceremonial duties, among others.

For the future, the JDF will become more involved in national development tasks. These will range from additional help to the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force, engineering tasks for communities, infirmaries and government agencies, more involvement with the National Youth Service, and environmental protection duties where necessary.

In preparation for the diverse commitments we will continue to invest heavily in our human resources through general and specific military training, and higher education both locally and overseas. This we believe is the best preparation we can give to our most valuable assets, our officers, men and women.

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the Editor and staff of the ALERT Magazine for the high quality of this production, which is sure to be well received by its large readership. With our proactive media policy, the formal establishment of a media cell and the launch of our Web Site, this edition of the magazine is another fitting example of the JDF’s desire to be more transparent as a public service entity.