Canadians give JDF emergency-relief boost

The Jamaica Defence Force's (JDF) ability to provide emergency-relief assistance during the current hurricane season was bolstered yesterday with the launch of Operation Jaguar, a joint initiative with the Canadian military.

Under Operation Jaguar, 57 Canadian Forces (CF) personnel, along with three CH-146 Griffon helicopters, have been deployed to Jamaica to help the JDF conduct search-and-rescue and other emergency missions.

They will remain in Jamaica until the end of the hurricane season or until the JDF's helicopter fleet improves.

With a number of JDF helicopters out of operation, there were concerns that the army was not prepared to handle the spike in search-and-rescue missions it usually undertakes at this time of the year.

Commanding officer for the Canadian Task Force in Jamaica, Lieutenant Colonel Christian Lalande, said, in seeking his government's assistance, the JDF pointed to an "aviation capability gap".

"They have asked the CF's assistance in closing the gap until the operational status of their helicopter fleet improves or until the current hurricane season ends," said Lalande during a ceremony at Up Park Camp to mark the launch of Operation Jaguar.

Lalande said the Canadian contingent would also help the JDF provide round-the-clock assistance for casualty evacuations, humanitarian aid for communities that may become marooned, and in medical emergencies.

Acting JDF Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Rocky Meade said Operation Jaguar marked the continuation of a long partnership between the two countries.