It was a historic day as the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) welcomed its first female Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, at its 12th Change of Command Parade.

Wemyss-Groman, who joined the Force in 1992, said the JDF is prepared to tackle the crime and violence issue facing the country.

“As we deal with issues of safety and security as a nation I am confident that the JDF is prepared to confront the challenges to our peace and security…. Together we must act with earnest as we prepare for the challenges ahead and shape the security of the country for our children and grandchildren for years to come,” Wemyss-Gorman said in her address at the parade.

“I will lead by example and encourage every member to execute their duty cognisant of our core values… we must do our jobs well and to the best of our ability,” she advised the force.

Precisely at 4:35 pm on Friday, Wemyss-Gorman’s Identifying Standard, which is a flag unique to her, was raised moments after the out-going CDS, Lieutenant General Rocky Meade’s Identifying Standard was lowered signalling the passing of the preverbal torch to her.

“I must thank the Governor General and the Defence Corp for their trust and confidence in appointing me to this position. I consider the immense responsibilities inherited. [It] is hard to bear that my size seven-and-a-half feet have some very large shoes to fill,” she said, adding that she is prepared for the position because in difficult times people are known to rise and exceed expectations.

Meanwhile, in his out-going address Meade expressed his gratitude to the Government of Jamaica and the people for what he considered as their trust in him to lead the nation’s military for five years. (Jamaica Observer)