News
JAM | Jan 2, 2026

JDF condemns unlawful conduct after soldier charged in Christmas day shooting

Toriann Ellis

Toriann Ellis / Our Today

author
Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) says it does not condone unlawful, reckless, or irresponsible behaviour by any of its members, whether on or off duty.

The JDF made the declaration in a statement on Wednesday amid the arrest and charging of a soldier in St Elizabeth on Christmas Day for allegedly discharging a firearm in public.

The army says incidents of this nature are treated with the utmost seriousness.

Thirty-year-old Rushane Brown, also known as “Shane”, of Comfort Hall, Manchester, is charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorised possession of ammunition, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in a public place.

According to reports from the Balaclava police, about 5:15 am last Thursday, Brown was confronted by an off-duty police officer after allegedly firing two rounds into the air from a pistol.

A police team was immediately summoned, and Brown was taken into custody.

He was later charged following a question-and-answer interview.

The JDF says the actions allegedly attributed to the service member are inconsistent with the values, standards, and professional conduct expected of all service members.

It says the army is cooperating fully with the Jamaica Constabulary Force to ensure the matter is thoroughly and transparently addressed.

Comments

What To Read Next

News SUR Apr 2, 2026

Reading Time: 2 minutesThe United States is stepping up its push for deeper energy and infrastructure partnerships in the Caribbean, with a focus on Suriname’s emerging oil and gas sector and the region’s long-term energy security, according to Paul Watzlavick, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Paramaribo.

“It’s increasingly clear that this region is an essential partner to the US,” Watzlavick said. “We want partnerships that support a strong workforce, keep our people safe and respect the sovereignty of every country.” He stressed that energy security in the Caribbean goes beyond production, highlighting the need for modern infrastructure, updated technologies and stronger systems across power generation and transmission. We need energy systems that are up to date. The needs here are very different from Trinidad or Texas, but the goal is the same,” Watzlavick said.