The symbolic Key to the City was presented to the Third Battalion, Jamaica Regiment (National Reserve), in recognition of the dedication and sacrifice of its members. The ceremony honoured the more than 2,000 men who have served in the unit over the past decade, balancing military duty with civilian life. Mayor Eli Matalon praised the soldiers for their loyalty, discipline, and contribution to national development, noting that their commitment reflects the spirit of volunteerism needed to build a stronger, more resilient Jamaica.
 

Published Monday, June 12, 1972

J.N.R. presented city’s keys

IN a civic ceremony marked by military pomp and pageantry, the Third Battalion, Jamaica Regiment (National Reserve), was presented with the Key to the City of Kingston by the Mayor of the City, the Hon. Eli Matalon. The ceremony was held in front of the Supreme Court buildings, King Street, yesterday afternoon.
The Battalion, in uniforms of white and black with green stripes, faced the Supreme Court Building, with colours to the front. The Jamaica Military Band, conducted by Bandmaster Joe Williams, was located to the rear of the Battalion, in front of the Bank of Jamaica. The parade was commanded by Lt. Colonel K. I. R. Jameson, Commanding Officer.
The Mayor, on arrival, took the General Salute before taking his place on the dais provided for participants in the ceremony and distinguished visitors.
His Excellency, the Governor-General Sir Clifford Campbell, sat nearby and took the Royal Salute while the Military Band played the National Anthem.
In an address before the actual presentation of the keys, Mr. Matalon said that the example of the officers and men of the Third Battalion, Jamaica Regiment, was of particular importance to Jamaica “in these times of further change in the concepts of the country,when the call is for a massive increase of voluntary service in very many prime fields of national life.”
Jamaica, the Mayor said, was now undertaking “nothing short of a war upon our enemies of poverty, illiteracy, and lethargy among our people, and it is a crusade which will demand every ounce of our own valour and goodwill, service and sacrifice. If ever we are to achieve a prosperous and peaceful society, it must be achieved through challenging ideas and bold execution.”
The Council of the KSAC, Mr. Matalon said, had decided to present the symbolic Key to the City to the Third Battalion as a “signal gesture”, marking the centenary year of the City of Kingston and the 10th year of the Battalion’s modern existence, which coincided with the 10th year of Jamaica’s existence as a nation.
Voluntary military service in Jamaica dates back as far as 1610 and the formation of the first militia, but the more modern concept of a volunteer army began in 1879 when the first Militia Law was passed.
He recalled some of the early voluntary armies and reminded the audience that from these ranks, men had sacrificed their lives and liberty in the World Wars.
“In the answer to the demands of changing times and concepts, the Jamaica Territorial Regiment was formed just prior to the attainment of Independence. In January 1962, there was a change of name to the Jamaica National Reserve, and six months later, it became the Third Battalion, Jamaica Regiment (National Reserve).”
Independence
Since Independence, the Mayor said, the Battalion had rendered public service in circumstances varying from the ceremonial to that of national security. He recalled the Battalion’s service during State visits and, on the matter of “national security”, its service in West Kingston in 1965 and during the 1968 “Rodney affair”.
Mr. Matalon pointed out that it was “not always smooth sailing” for the Reserve soldiers, who had full-time civilian job obligations which sometimes conflicted with army commitments: “Fortunately, most employers have proven to be very understanding and co-operative, and some have been quite liberal in making the accommodation among their employees for military service.”
In the last 10 years, he said, 2,300 men had passed through or were still serving in the Third Battalion.
Since there was finally a reward in giving voluntary service, the Mayor said he hoped that all these men had benefited from the leadership-training possibilities, the discipline, the loyalty and comradeship of military service, and “the pride and self-respect which come from making an overall contribution to establishing a better and more stable citizenry.”
Resolution
The resolution conferring the Keys to the City was read by the Town Clerk, Mr. Glaister Duncan, and the Keys were presented by the Mayor to the Commanding Officer of the Battalion, Lt. Colonel K. I. R. Jameson.
In his reply, Lt. Colonel Jameson said that the Battalion was deeply honoured and would not take the occasion lightly.
He paid tribute to “the hundreds of young Jamaicans who have stepped forward to serve their country by seeking enlistment in the National Reserve.

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