Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips, has said that the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) continued to be a vital component of the security of the country, noting that in addition to its regular functions, the JDF provided support to other security agencies in crime fighting and law enforcement.

Dr. Phillips, who was making his contribution to the 2004/05 Sectoral Debate in Gordon House earlier this week stated that, “we are committed to making the necessary investment in order that the JDF can maintain its capacity to contribute to these efforts”.

Over the past year, some 422 persons were enlisted as soldiers and another 18 commissioned as officers. “In the coming year, we intend to continue the recruiting drive, with the training of additional intakes toward achieving the established strength,” the Security Minister said.

He informed that the government had just signed an agreement to purchase three offshore patrol vessels and repair one of the existing fleet to enhance maritime surveillance capabilities. Further investments would be made in upgrading the buildings and equipment of the JDF in the coming year, he said.

Dr. Phillips informed further, that joint operational and training exercises with international partners continued to play a vital part in maintaining the capabilities of the force. Joint training exercises have been facilitated by the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and CARICOM countries, among others.

He also spoke of developments in the Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF), pointing out that the ISCF had been substantially changed to enhance its capacity for maintaining public order. Dr. Phillips said that a stricter training regime had been introduced with the first batch of 137 persons graduating last November and another 150 currently in training.

He pointed out that the ISCF’s success in returning order to some public spaces had been assisted in part by the installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the downtown business district. By September of 2004, he divulged, cameras would be installed in other parts of the island and a National Operations Centre for monitoring the input from the CCTV system established.