JDF receives new high-speed vessels

The country's maritime security has been further enhanced with the acquisition of four high-speed surface interceptor vessels.

The naval assets were handed over during a blessing ceremony at the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard, Port Royal, Kingston, yesterday. The vessels were designed and delivered by US-based company Metal Shark, a leading supplier of military vessel fleets. The models delivered to the JDF are known as 36 Fearless. The partnership between JDF and Metal Shark was established in 2023, and the company was contracted to build 22 high-speed surface interceptor vessels.

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Rocky Meade, said the acquisition forms part of the strategic actions of the Government to protect Jamaica's sovereignty, resources, citizens and future.

"It is important to strengthen Jamaica's maritime security architecture and enhance our capacity to monitor, protect and defend our territorial waters. As an island nation such as ours, the sea represents both opportunities and vulnerabilities. It is, therefore, imperative that we maintain and strengthen the capability required to respond effectively to threats that may emerge," he said.

"They will enhance the readiness and responsiveness of the maritime, air and cyber command, specifically the Coast Guard, in enabling them to more effectively detect, deter, disrupt illicit activities at sea, and at the same time they reinforce the broader commitment of preserving the rule of law and protecting the integrity of Jamaica's waters," he said.

Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman said the vessels will strengthen the work of the JDF in securing the country's maritime space.

"It's a significant milestone for the Coast Guard and it's important that we continue to build our capacity to do the job that we need to do, and the delivery of the first tranche of these vessels, which in total will be 22, is an important occasion not just for the JDF but for the nation," she said.