Chief of Defence Staff, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, says the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has activated emergency protocols and preparations ahead of the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

Speaking at a press briefing on July 1, Wemyss-Gorman detailed the JDF agenda and schedule amid plans for Beryl’s landfall.

“The JDF has initiated its normal protocols for hurricane preparedness,” she said. “We have set about securing our bases and installations so that we are ready and available to serve the nation.”

“There are some implications nationally, some national assets that will not be available once we have secured, such as our ships—and that has implications for our fishers who by would know that we have struck our base in Predro Keys and will not be available to assist persons in search and rescues,” she said.

Wemyss-Gorman urged fisherfolk to heed warnings to return to shore and prepare for the incoming hurricane.

She made note that aircraft that provide transport of critically ill persons and for search and rescues will be secured, and should be completed by July 1.

“Nationally we have a disaster response role, we are very nested in the activities of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM),” she said. ” We have been a part of all those meetings and are prepared to do our duties.”

She made note that the JDF is widely deployed across all three areas of command in the JDF which they refer to as the “Eastern, Central and Western command”.

The JDF is prepared in a regional role, as its response area covers the northwestern zone of the Caribbean and personnel are ready to deploy if needed. Wemyss-Gorman also declared that the JDF will work with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to maintain public order and with any other issues that may arise.

“Jamaicans can rest assured that as normal, the JDF will be available and ready to assist,” she said.