JDF April review highlights engineer anniversary, veteran honour and skills training

The Jamaica Defence Force recorded a full schedule in April 2026, with service members involved in rebuilding work, veteran appreciation, gender equality initiatives, community health support and training programmes aimed at strengthening national development.

The 1 Engineer Regiment, which has been leading reconstruction activities since Hurricane Melissa passed last November, marked its 34th anniversary on April 2. The observance included a church service and route march in St. Elizabeth, led by commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Akeem Horton James. The activities recognised the regiment’s service to Jamaica and the work of its engineers.

On April 17, the JDF joined celebrations for the 100th birthday of RAF veteran LAC 713742 Rexford Owen Thame. Thame entered service in 1944 and worked as a radar operator with the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

The force also participated in a gender mainstreaming certification ceremony on April 23 with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport and the Bureau of Gender Affairs at the AC Hotel. The JDF received a special award for its gender optimisation policy, which was led by Major Audrey Dennis, Force Gen Ad.

JDF personnel joined law enforcement partners for the Torch Run in support of Special Olympics Jamaica. Commissioner of Police Dr. Kevin Blake and members of the force attended the launch.

In St. James, the Department of Veterans Affairs partnered with Sagicor to stage a health fair at Burke Barracks, offering medical services to veterans.

On April 29, 94 JDF members graduated from a one-year coding diploma programme at the HEART NSTA Stony Hill campus. The programme, delivered with HEART NSTA and Amber India, trained participants in mobile application and web development.

The second force study day was also held on April 29 under the Jamaica National Reserve. Major Stevens presented planned administrative improvements and a proposed digital database, while the CDS addressed service members with updates and guidance.

Trainees in the JDF and HEART NSTA Trust Skills Training for Workforce Development programmes have also reached the final stage of practical electrical and administrative assistant courses at the Rockfort Vocational Training Centre.