October 2002

• 27 Rescued by the military during Tropical Storm Lili

• Call out of the Jamaica National Reserve

• First and Foremost

• National Poppy Appeal Launched

• Military Chief Assures Full Support for Jamaica’s General Election

• Meet the JDF’s 2002 Medal of Honour Recipients

• Longest Bailey Bridge Constructed in Jamaica

27 Rescued by the Military during Tropical Storm Lili

Twenty-seven persons – 12 children, 13 women and 2 men – were rescued and flown to relief shelters by the Jamaica Defence Force during the onslaught of Tropical Storm Lili. In addition, one elderly lady who was suffering from symptoms of stroke had to be evacuated to the Princess Margaret Hospital in the parish of St Thomas.

Over a two-day period (29 and 30 September 2002), Tropical Storm Lili brought heavy downpours and much flooding across the island of Jamaica. In response to the calls for rescue the Jamaica Defence Force Air Wing flew six missions, flying some 7.8 hours, airlifting adults, children and relief supplies.

The missions flown by the JDF Air Wing is part of the national disaster response agenda and the military’s role, in assisting and supporting of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (the co-ordinating agency for national disaster).