Published: Friday August 2, 2019
Over 2700 members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) are set to receive Medals/ Bars of Honour for General Service with clasp 2018, effective this year. Two hundred of which were presented by the Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen and the Prime Minister, The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Rocky Meade, to select members of the JDF during the Armed Forces Day Parade at Up Park Camp, on Wednesday, July 31, 2019.
The recipients, who were recognised for land, air and sea operations over prescribed periods, came from four of the five brigades of the JDF– the Jamaica Regiment; the Support Brigade; the Maritime, Air and Cyber Command; and the Jamaica National Reserve.
Awardees were drawn from ranks falling below Second Lieutenant in the case of members from the 1st District Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard Sub-Lieutenant.
A large number of dignitaries and members of the public attended the parade, which featured the Royal Salute; helicopter fly-over; and a display of military equipment and vehicles.
There was also musical entertainment by the The Massed Bands and Corps of Drums of the Jamaica Defence Force and members of the Barbados Defence Force Band, which were specially invited.
Their rendition of renowned Russian composer, Tchaikovsky’s ‘1812 Overture’, included intermittent firing of a canon, which had the audience riveted.
The day also featured activities in the Armed Forces Village, adjacent to the parade ground, where visitors were able to procure memorabilia and view displays.
The Medal of Honour for General Service is awarded by the Governor General in accordance with Regulations under Section 7 of the National Honours and Awards Act.