By John Myers Jnr., Staff ReporterTHE JAMAICA Defence Force (JDF) is to undergo major transformation as it prepares to play a more integral role in the Government's anti-crime plan, according to Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips.
Dr. Phillips, who was speaking at the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) annual reunion dinner at Curphey Place, Swallowfield Road, Wednesday night, said that the time had come for fundamental changes to be made in the JDF to increase its capacity for effectiveness in the increasingly challenging environment, "nationally, regionally and globally".
He said that a substantial objective review of the entire force was required. "Against this background, the Government is addressing the long-term security of the country and has initiated a strategic review of the Jamaica Defence Force, with the assistance and collaboration of our main strategic partners, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The objective is to provide the nation with a blueprint for a modern, effective, affordable and flexible defence force," said the National Security Minister.
NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY
Dr. Phillips said that the first step in the process will be the preparation of a broad national security strategy fully co-ordinated across all relevant national security institutions. "It will identify the main threats to security and economic development and formulate policies, programmes and structures to combat these threats and ensure that national development can proceed in a secured environment," he said.
The Ministry of National Security will manage the project in partnership with the Canadian, United Kingdom and USA teams and will include the participation of all relevant stakeholders within the public sector and civil society.
Following the review, the next step will be the development of a National Defence Strategy, relating specifically to the military and, "finally, a force transformation plan.
"I believe that the holistic approach to the reformation of the Jamaica Defence Force, within the broad context of national security, will bring major benefits to our country," said Dr. Phillips. "Certainly, there will be more discussion as the project, which is slated for completion next year, takes shape."
But, Dr. Phillips admitted that even the reform of the JDF, in itself, was not enough in the fight against crime.
He said: "We have struck severe blows at the narcotics trade. The Ion Scan technology has almost put the drug swallowers - the mules - who used to transport drugs on our national airline - out of business. Border control has improved tremendously and we have been able to drive away some of the drug business. These gains are very important because it is the narcotics trade that is at the root of much of the gang warfare and violent crime. But we still need to exert more national energy and determination."
The Jamaica Branch of RAFA's annual reunion dinner is an event to celebrate Battle of Britain Week and those who served in the world wars.
