The Jamaica Defence Force’s capacity to address a range of security and other issues, has been enhanced with the commissioning of a new ship.

The vessel, named in honour of national hero Norman Manley, will be used for search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, fisheries protection, marine drug interdiction, and maritime law enforcement.

His Majesty Jamaica Ship (HMJS) Norman Manley is the fourth of four patrol vessels to be received by the JDF from Vietnamese company Damen shipyards, since 2016.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang delivered the keynote address, at yesterday’s naming and commissioning ceremony for the ship, on behalf of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who is the Minister of Defence. 

Dr. Chang emphasized the significance of the new commissioning, in line with the government’s mandate to strengthen Jamaica’s territorial integrity and enhance its maritime domain awareness capabilities.

The Minister highlighted that this addition, will augment significantly, the JDF Coast Guard’s ability to monitor and safeguard the nation’s borders effectively.

He also noted the ship’s significance to ensuring that Jamaica has a sustainable blue economy.