Caribbean News
Enhanced Security Measures Inspire Rural Youth to Join Jamaica Defence Force
#Jamaica, March 1, 2018 – Montego Bay – The presence of soldiers in rural communities far removed from the urban centre of Montego Bay, since the Enhanced Security Measures was effected in St. James, is piquing the interest of youngsters in enlisting in the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).
Nico Campbell, a resident of Niagara and past student of the Maldon High School, in St. James told JIS News that he is looking forward to enlisting in the JDF. According to Mr. Campbell, his dream from his childhood days has always been to join the military.
“I always wanted to become a soldier, but people told me I am too short. But since these soldiers come in here and I see someone that is shorter than me, and the soldiers say I can join, right away, I went on the Internet and signed up. The security measures have almost made my dream come true. It (the application) has not fully come through as yet, but it’s almost come through,” the 21-year-old said.
“They are like family, like uncle, brother, father. They treat us nice… . What I like is that they will sit and reason with you, but when it comes on to their working time, they will say they have to get back to work and they are gone. They are very professional,” he added.
Twenty-one-year-old farmer and mechanic Aman Spence, was also excited about the prospects of joining the JDF. He told JIS News that he 
has begun to ready himself physically in case he is called up.
“They told me it is a good thing to join. I am not afraid. Everybody feels safe when you have the police and the soldiers in the community. They have to do their work and I am OK with it. They don’t rough us up,” he said.
In the meantime, Michelle Bertfield, a businesswoman, told JIS News that she was happy for the presence of the soldiers in the community, as this has eliminated instances of car theft by persons passing through the Niagara thoroughfare.
Along with other residents, Ms. Bertfield and personnel from the neighbouring primary and infant school had volunteered to facilitate the security forces by ‘de-bushing’ and giving a well-needed overhaul to the old abandoned teachers’ cottage in the community, which temporarily houses them.
“The soldiers are good people. In this community we never had any violence. But we are glad to know that they are (here), because I have my kids going to Montego Bay High School… . When the soldiers are in here, you can leave your door open,” she said.
“We are comfortable having them. A lot of people come around and say they love to see what is going on because the place was getting too violent. They treat me all right; they are nice. They treat everybody just the same. People love them, love to see them in here,” added Ms. Bertfield.
By: Claudia Gardner (JIS)
Photo credit: JDF
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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