The operational capabilities of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) have been enhanced with the employment of advanced stealth communications equipment, and the establishment of a language training centre, courtesy of the British Government.

Consisting of over 100 Personal Role Radio (PRR) sets, with spares, and a Fixed Base Force Protection System (mobile re-broadcast equipment), the communications equipment is expected to significantly improve combat effectiveness of the JDF by providing effective and clear communication to soldiers doing front line duties.

The language centre, which has been set up at the JDF's headquarters at Up Park Camp in Kingston, will serve to improve the military's skills in French and Spanish in the JDF, which will improve their ability to engage and operate in the Caribbean region, particularly in terms of counter-narcotic and counter-illicit traffic operations.

The donations were presented to National Security minister, Peter Bunting, during a ceremony at the British High Commission in Kingston last Thursday.

national security issues

British High Commissioner, His Excellency Howard Drake said the gift is yet another indication of a close and enduring relationship between the UK and Jamaica in the defence field, not just law enforcement (but) national security issues (in) general."

According to a press release from the British High Commission, operations within infantry units are much slicker, more effectively applied, better co-ordinated and safer with the use of the PRR sets.