Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), has announced the upcoming release of her first memoir, Life, Duty and Command; a deeply personal account chronicling her journey from childhood to becoming the first woman to lead Jamaica’s military.

The announcement was made on International Women’s Day through the Vice Admiral’s official Instagram page (@antonettewemyssgorman), inviting readers to reflect on the power of resilience, service, and leadership. The memoir is now open for pre-order via a link in the bio of her social pages and will become officially available on August 17, 2026, which coincides with the anniversary of the day she joined the JDF.

Spanning more than three decades of service, Life, Duty and Command will offer readers an intimate look at the experiences that shaped one of Jamaica’s most respected military leaders. The memoir explores the lessons learned through duty, the challenges encountered in leadership, and the courage required to rise in environments where few women have gone.

Beyond recounting her professional journey, the book also reflects on the formative moments of Vice Admiral Wemyss-Gorman’s life, highlighting the values of discipline, purpose, and service that guided her rise through the ranks of the Jamaica Defence Force.

Announcing the memoir, Vice Admiral Wemyss-Gorman noted that the story is intended not only as a reflection of her own path but also as encouragement for others to pursue leadership and service.

“Everyone carries a story. Some are written in quiet sacrifice, others in moments of leadership and command. If my journey encourages even one young woman to pursue her dreams or goals, then every page would have been worth it,” she noted.

The memoir aims to inspire readers—particularly young women and emerging leaders—to recognise that leadership is built through perseverance, determination and the dedication to serve.