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FORCE ORDERS

BY

VICE ADMIRAL A S WEMYSS-GORMAN, CD, ADC, JP, MSc, psc (n)

CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF

JAMAICA DEFENCE FORCE

Serial: 24
Date: 18 June 2026

***MISSION, MEN, MERIT***

‘G’ BRANCH

276. SPORTS – NETBALL

1. The JDF Netball Team will be participating in the Business House Netball Open League
which commences on Thu 18 Jun 26. All matches will be held at the Leila Robinson Netball Court at
the National Stadium.
2. The schedule of the upcoming matches are as follows:

Ser Date Time Match

1 Thu 25 Jun 26 1745 hrs JDF vs Appliance Traders Limited (ATL)
2 Tue 30 Jun 26 1830 hrs JDF vs Lasco
3 Sat 4 Jul 26 1730 hrs JDF vs Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ)
4 Tue 7 Jul 26 1830 hrs JDF vs Seprod 'A'
5 Thu 9 Jul 26 1745 hrs JDF vs University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI)
6 Sat 11 Jul 26 1900 hrs JDF vs Scotiabank 'A'
7 Thu 16 Jul 26 1745 hrs JDF vs Transport Authority

3. All members of the JDF Netball Team are to be made available to attend the matches.
4. Servicemembers are encouraged to attend.
546

277. OFFICIAL SECRETS ACTS

1. It is an offence in contravention of the Official Secret Act for any person to divulge, whether
during or after his/her period of service in the JDF, official information acquired by him/her by virtue
of being a servicemember, unless expressly authorised to do so by HQ JDF.

2. Servicemembers are reminded that they signed a declaration in relation to the Official Secret
Act upon enlistment. The following is an extract of the declaration:

“My Attention has been drawn to the provisions of the Official Secrets Acts, 1911 and 1920,
which are set out on the back of [the] document, and I am fully aware of the serious
consequences which may follow any breach of those provisions.

I understand that the sections of the Official Secrets Acts set out on the back of [the]
document, cover articles published in the Press or in book form, and I am aware that I must not
divulge any information gained by me as a result of my employment to any unauthorized
person, orally or in writing, without the previous sanction of the head of the Department.
I understand also that these provisions apply not only during the period of my employment but
also when my employment in the public service has ceased.”

545

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278. INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS (IS)

1. Statements to the Police

a. If at the end of an IS Operation there is no significant incident, the officer/NCO

in charge should make a normal report. However, if there has been an incident which has or
may result in injury or death, the following should occur:

(1) Members of the JDF involved in such incidents on operations or during

training should not give a statement to anyone, including the police and the
Independent Commission of Enquiry (INDECOM) without first gaining legal
advice. The advice of SO1 J8 (Legal) should be sought by the CO/OC as soon as an
incident is reported to him/her.

(2) If statements are to be given, these statements should be given in the

presence of an attorney. Therefore, once an incident has occurred the police officers
should be referred to HQ JDF and/or SO1 J8 (Legal).

b. These instructions are especially relevant in regard to the person(s) who is (are)
directly involved in the incident since any statement given can be used in legal proceedings
against the provider of such statement.

2. Search by Military Personnel. The law on this matter is quite clear:

a. A soldier has no power of search, except where specifically provided for by statute.

b. The powers of search and seizures are confined to the members of the
Jamaica Constabulary Force and do not normally extend to military personnel.

c. These powers of search are exercised by the police and, contrary to popular
belief, cannot be delegated by the police to members of the JDF. Service personnel are being
reminded that members of the JDF act in support of the constabulary, the principle being, that
during searches the JDF troops provide security while JCF personnel conduct the searches.

3. Formations are to ensure that there is compliance with these instructions.

516
516/21

D I CREARY
Colonel
Colonel General Staff

‘A’ BRANCH
279. POSTING AND ATTACHMENT – OFFICERS

1. Posting. JCA/5181 Lt (jg) G G RODNEY is posted from HQ JDF to CMA HQ with effect
from 19 Jun 26.

2. Cessation. JCA/1718 Maj J O BROWN will cease to be attached from HQ JDF to CMA HQ
for the period 23 Jun 26 – 24 Jul 26.
524/1

280. RELINQUISHMENT AND APPOINTMENT – OFFICERS

1. Relinquishments

a. JCA/1511 Cdr A C PRESCOTT will relinquish the appointment of

A/CO Sp and Svcs Bn for the period 21 Jun 26 – 26 Jun 26.

b. JCA/1516 Maj N A LEWIS will relinquish the appointment of A/CO JDF AW for the
period 21 Jun 26 – 10 Jul 26.

c. JCA/5131 Maj P A WADSWORTH will relinquish the appointment of

A/SO1 J8 (Legal) for the period 23 Jun 26 – 24 Jul 26.

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280. RELINQUISHMENT AND APPOINTMENT – OFFICERS (CONT)

2. Appointments

a. JCA/1718 Maj J O BROWN is appointed to act as SO1 J8 (Legal) for the period
23 Jun 26 – 24 Jul 26.

b. JCA/1600 Maj K R GUNZELL is appointed to act as CO Sp and Svcs Bn for the

period 21 Jun 26 – 26 Jun 26, whilst JCA/5061 Lt Col A P HENRY is performing other duties.

c. JCA/1626 Maj D M ENNIS is appointed to act as CO JDF AW for the period

21 Jun 26 – 10 Jul 26.

d. JCA/1632 Lt Cdr M M McHUGH is appointed to act as CO 1st Dist JDF CG for the
period 24 Jun 26 – 7 Jul 26, whilst JCA/1603 Cdr M A FERGUSON is on privilege leave.

3. The attention of Majs GUNZELL, ENNIS and Lt Cdr McHUGH, is drawn to the Defence
(Summary Jurisdiction) Regulations 1962 for compliance.

404/1

281. PROMOTION – OFFICERS

1. The Defence Board has given approval for the undermentioned officers of the regular Force
and the reserve Force to be promoted as indicated:

a. Regular Force

Ser No., Rank and Name Promoted to

1 JCA/1658 T/Lt Cdr K J WHITTLE Substantive Lieutenant Commander with effect
from 3 May 26 with seniority from same date
(DBS No. 159/2026).
2 JCA/1795 Capt R G SPENCE Temporary Major with effect from
18 May 26 (DBS No. 201/2026).
3 JCA/1745 Lt O A GORDON Substantive Captain with effect from
10 Feb 26 with seniority from 9 Sep 25
(DBS No. 190/2026).

b. Reserve Force

Ser No., Rank and Name Promoted to

1 JCA/7022 2Lt C P SEGREE Lieutenant with effect from 5 Mar 26 with
seniority from 10 Dec 25 (DBS No. 167/2026).
2 JCA/2457 SLt A E WILLIAMS Lieutenant (junior grade) with effect from
5 Mar 26 with seniority from 10 Dec 25
(DBS No. 160/2026).
3 JCA/7023 2Lt N N THOMAS Lieutenant with effect from 5 Mar 26 with
seniority from 10 Dec 25 (DBS No. 160/2026).
4 JCA/7024 2Lt J W BROWN Lieutenant with effect from 5 Mar 26 with
seniority from 10 Dec 25 (DBS No. 160/2026).

525/1

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282. APPOINTMENT LOCAL RANKS – REGULAR FORCE

1. The JDF continues to support the United Nations Security Council Resolution which
authorised the constitution of a Gang Suppression Force (GSF). As part of the GSF, the JDF has
filled key appointments in the Headquarters element. Accordingly, the Defence Board has given
approval for the undermentioned officers of the regular Force to be appointed as indicated:

Ser No., Rank and Name Appointed to

1 JCA/1567 Maj N E BEAUMONT Local Lieutenant Colonel for the period
11 May 26 – 1 Nov 26 (DBS No. 173/2026).
2 JCA/1692 Capt N S LEWIS Local Major with effect from 15 Jun 26
(DBS No. 200/2026).
3 JCA/1890 Capt T L DUNCAN Local Major with effect from 15 Jun 26
(DBS No. 200/2026).

404/1
283. CONTINUANCE IN THE SERVICE
BEYOND THE PRESCRIBED AGE LIMIT
The Defence Board has given approval for the undermentioned officers of the regular Force to
continue in the service beyond the prescribed age limit as indicated:

Ser No., Rank and Name Continuance Period

1 JCA/5159 Lt Cdr A A CHRISTIE For a period of three (3) years from
6 Feb 27 to 5 Feb 30 (DBS No. 175/2026).
2 JCA/5113 Capt M T For a period of one hundred and thirty-six (136) days
CHINTERSINGH HENRY from 6 Aug 26 to 19 Dec 26
(DBS No. 184/2026).
556/1
284. HEALTH ADVISORY – HANTAVIRUS

Attached as Annex ‘A’ to FO No. 284/26 is information relating to the Hantavirus.

510

K A FOULKES
Colonel
Colonel Adjutant Quartermaster

‘IG’ BRANCH

285. MEDIA, COMMUNICATIONS AND OFFICIAL INFORMATION

1. Servicemembers are reminded of the following provisions from para 22.058 of FSOAI
Chapter 22.

“Mainstream Media

22.058. When communicating through mainstream media, publishing online, or posting

in social media, NO member of the JDF shall:

a. Make comments to the public discrediting the JDF or any

member of the Force;

b. Make remarks or express criticism of the Force or another

JDF member;

c. Communicate the contents of an unpublished or classified official

document;

d. Use JDF resources to publish, share or view any photograph or other

material of a sexual or graphic nature, or one that may be deemed offensive or
reasonably inappropriate;

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285. MEDIA, COMMUNICATIONS AND OFFICIAL INFORMATION (CONT)

e. Deliver publicly, discourse or answers to questions relating to a military

subject without approval and guidance from HQ JDF;

f. Express their opinions on matters that are currently before the military
or civilian courts;

g. Reveal any details of any incident in which a servicemember, is injured

or killed, until confirmation has been received and HQ JDF publishes a
release/notification;

h. Respond to media queries that fall outside of their personal areas of

experience or expertise, unless authorized to do so by the Formation command;

i. Undermine the safety of personnel involved in, or the potential success

of, a JDF operation;

j. Speculate about events, incidents, issues or future policy decisions;

k. Use approved JDF designs, crests, logos, insignias, presentations, or

products to operate and maintain unofficial websites without prior approval
from HQ JDF. The JDF reserves the right to restrict the use of approved JDF
designs, crests, logos, insignias, presentations or products to operate and
maintain unofficial websites;

l. Publish their opinions on any military question or associated question

that is under consideration by superior authorities;

m. Publish or transmit any personal views on any military subject that runs
contrary to the JDF’s position. Where servicemembers have a differing view
on policy, they are to raise those concerns through the formal chain of
command;

n. Publish official reports, correspondence, or other documents, or

copies thereof without approval from HQ JDF;

o. Publish in writing, transmit or deliver via any other media, any lecture,
address or broadcast, dealing with a subject of a controversial nature affecting
other departments of the public service or pertaining to public policy, without
approval from HQ JDF;

p. Publish images displaying weapons or other military equipment while

wearing civilian attire or any combination of civilian and military attire;

q. Publish photos where they appear to be intoxicated or actively

consuming alcohol while in military uniform;

r. Publish any information that compromises confidentiality of the State’s

business nor causes embarrassment to the Government of Jamaica;

s. Publish any material that improperly uses knowledge (which may not
necessarily be classified) that they have acquired while conducting official
duties;

t. Publish any material, photographic or otherwise, that may allow an

outside source to perhaps later acquire some ‘influence’ over them;

u. Publish any picture of military equipment or operations;

v. Publish their political views; and

w. Take part in online discussions relating to orders, regulations or

instructions issued by the member's superiors without approval from HQ JDF.”

545

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286. FURTHER PROCEEDINGS ON CHARGES AGAINST

OFFICERS AND WARRANT OFFICERS

1. Servicemembers are reminded of section 86 of the Defence Act, 1962:

“86. (1) After investigating a charge against an officer or warrant officer, the
commanding officer shall, unless he has dismissed the charge, or the case is one where
he has power, and proposes to direct trial by field court-martial, submit it in the
prescribed manner to higher authority and thereupon it shall be determined by such
authority how the charge is to be proceeded with in accordance with subsections (2)
and (3).

(2) If the charge is one which can be dealt with summarily, it may be referred to the
appropriate superior authority.

(3) If the charge is not so referred, the prescribed steps shall be taken with a view
to its being tried by court martial.

(4) Where the charge is referred to the appropriate superior authority, that authority
shall investigate the charge in the prescribed manner and determine whether the
accused is guilty of the charge and accordingly dismiss the charge or record a finding
of guilty:

Provided that if in the course of investigating the charge the authority determines that it
is desirable that the charge should be tried by court-martial, the prescribed steps shall
be taken with a view to its being so tried.

(5) If the appropriate superior authority records a finding of guilty, the authority
may award one or more of the following punishments, that is to say-

(a) a fine of a sum not exceeding the equivalent of twenty-eight days’ pay;

(b) severe reprimand or reprimand;

(c) where the offence has occasioned any expense, loss or damage,
stoppages.

(6) Notwithstanding anything in subsection (4), where the appropriate superior

authority has determined that the accused is guilty and if the charge is dealt with
summarily will award a fine under paragraph (a) of subsection (5) or stoppages, or
where a finding of guilty will involve a forfeiture of pay, the authority shall not record
a finding until after affording the accused an opportunity of electing to be tried by
court-martial; and if the accused so elects the authority shall not record a finding but
shall take the prescribed steps with a view to the charge being tried by court-martial.”

452

A A GREGORY
Colonel
Inspector General

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NOTICES

001. COMBINED COURSES GRADUATION CEREMONY

1. The CMA will host the Combined Courses Graduation Ceremony, at the 10th Bn JNSC
Multipurpose Building on Fri 26 Jun 26, commencing at 0900 hrs.

2. The attire for all ranks is No. 2 Dress.

3. All are encouraged to attend and are required to be seated by 0830 hrs.

002. HOUSE FOR RENT

A four (4) bedroom and three (3) bathroom house located in Patrick City, Kingston 20 is being offered
for rent. Kindly contact (876) 364-1486 (WhatsApp only) for further information.

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ANNEX ‘A’ TO
FO NO. 284/26
DTD 18 JUN 26

HANTAVIRUS ALERT

BACKGROUND

1. The recent deaths on the cruise liner have highlighted the need to sensitize the
Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) regarding this Hantavirus disease cluster outbreak. Hantavirus infections
are relatively uncommon globally. In 2025, the Region of the Americas, reported two hundred and
twenty-nine (229) cases and fifty nine (59) deaths. In the European Region, one thousand eight hundred
and eighty-five (1885) Hantavirus Infection was reported in 2023. In East Asia, particularly China and
the Republic of Korea, Hantavirus Haemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) continues to
account for many thousands of cases annually, although incidents has declined in recent decades.

2. The hantavirusis vector borne/zoonotic disease through the contact with infected rodents like rats and
mice, especially when exposed to their urine, droppings, and saliva or by touching contaminated surfaces.
It can also spread through a bite or scratch by a rodent, but this is rare.

SYNDROMES OF HANTAVIRUSES

3. Hantaviruses cause two (2) syndromes. They are as follows:

a. Hantaviruses mostly found in the Western Hemisphere, including in the United States of
America (USA) and can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).

b. Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS) is mostly found in Europe and Asia.
However, Seoul virus, a type of Hantavirus that causes HFRS, is found worldwide, including in the
USA.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE VIRUS

4. The following are common signs and symptoms of the virus:

a. Fever

b. Chills

c. Headache

d. Muscle Aches

e. Vomiting

f. Blurred vision

RESULTS OF CONTRACTING THE VIRUS

5. The virus may cause the following:

a. Death

b. Renal failure

c. Cardio pulmonary failure

d. Widespread haemorrhage

e. Liver failure

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SIGNS OF RODENT INFESTATION

6. The following method can be used to identify if you have a rodent infestation:

a. Gnawing marks

b. Rub marks

c. Rodent sightings

d. Rodent borrows

e. Rodent droppings

f. Urine smell

g. Footprints

MEASURES TO PREVENT THE CONTRACTION OF THE VIRUS

7. The following systems can be implemented to reduce the risk or prevent you from contacting the
virus:

a. Eliminate or minimize contact with rodents in your home and workspaces.

b. Exclude rodents from entering your home and workspaces.

c. Place traps around your home to decrease rodent infestation.

d. Place food in covered containers.

e. Provide suitable solid waste/garbage storage facilities which have covers.

8. If you have suspicion that you may have been in contact with rodents or their droppings, report to
the Treatment Room at HSC or seek Medical attention immediately.

9. Further information can be received from the Health Services Corps Public Health Department at
(876) 809-4251.

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