Premier Norman Manley detailed plans for Jamaica’s Territorial Regiment, a part-time emergency response force designed to assist during natural disasters, civil unrest, and public emergencies. This unit was established to provide critical support in maintaining essential services and reinforcing internal security when needed. 

Published Thursday, March 16, 1961

Jamaica to have own regiment

Jamaica is to have its own Territorial Regiment, ancillary to the West India Regiment, the Premier, the Hon. Norman Manley, announced yesterday in the House of Representatives.
Mr. Manley, setting out the matter in a Ministry Paper, said its main functions would be to undertake emergency duties arising from natural disasters, to assist in internal security operations and in the maintenance of essential services in times of public emergency, and to assist in civil defence and in the support of the regular forces where local military operations might become necessary.
This was the text of the Premier’s Ministry Paper:
The Government has for some time been considering the problems that arise as we approach independence and has taken note of its responsibilities, as well as the forces and tendencies developing in our country that must be considered in relation to our national future. Certain aspects of these matters have led the Government to decide to establish a Territorial Regiment.
The purpose of this Paper is to state, in broad terms, the considerations that have led to the decision to establish such a force, to describe the scope, character, and functions of the proposed force, and to explain the preliminary work to be undertaken with a view to its establishment.
The Territorial Regiment of Jamaica is to be regarded as ancillary to and not in any sense competitive with the establishment of the West India Regiment as a Federal force. The West India Regiment is an essential part of the establishment of the Federation.
It may well be that, whether Federation is finally accepted by Jamaica or not, it will be necessary for the existing unit Governments of the West Indies to share in the establishment of the West India Regiment as a professional defence unit designed to take care of military operations arising in the defence of the area and with special aspects of internal security.
Part-Time Force
The Jamaica Territorial Regiment is intended to exist as a part-time force with a small professional nucleus, established separately and apart from any other military force.
Its main functions would be to undertake emergency duties arising from natural disasters, to assist in internal security operations, and to support the maintenance of essential services in times of public emergency. Additionally, it would assist in civil defence and in supporting the regular forces where local military operations might become necessary.
The Territorial Regiment will afford our young people an opportunity to work together and participate in training and discipline, undertaken for the benefit of their country and for the preservation of the safety of its people and the integrity of its institutions.
Viewed from this perspective, we believe that, as in other countries, such a force would make a substantial contribution to the development of a national spirit and to the maintenance of public morale. It would also provide a foundation for the development of traditions of service and unity, which are greatly needed in Jamaica at this time.
Preliminary considerations have been given to the structure and functions of the Territorial Regiment by a Working Party composed of representatives from the Attorney General’s Department, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Premier, and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
This Working Party included the Governor’s Secretary and was assisted by high-ranking officers from the Military Headquarters of the Caribbean Area, as well as the Adjutant and Training Officer of the Army and Air Cadet Forces of Jamaica.
Small Nucleus
Arising out of reports presented by this Working Party, it has been decided to engage a small nucleus of professional soldiers, comprising a secretary, who would be the administrative head of the organization, an Adjutant Training Major, and a Quartermaster. This professional nucleus would be recruited on contract for a period of three years.
Their duty would be to prepare detailed plans for the establishment and operation of the territorial force. This professional nucleus would have to be recruited from abroad and would require officers with experience in the professional army, preferably with experience in a Territorial Force Association in the United Kingdom.
Consideration will be given to the legislative requirements of such a force, bearing in mind the existence of the Local Forces Law, Cap 228, and any amendments necessary to create a proper legislative framework within which the Territorial Regiment might be established.
In due course, the financial aspects of this proposal will be brought before the House for confirmation and approval.
 

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