Jamaica’s first female Chief of Staff of its Defence Force, Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, has been reappointed for a second term.

In addition to being the first woman to lead the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), she is the second woman in history to command a national army.

The reappointment, which was made recently, was recommended by the Defence Board. 
Vice Admiral Wemyss-Gorman was first appointed Jamaica Defence Force Chief of Staff on January 21 2022. 

Her career spans 32 years at various command levels. During her tenure, Vice Admiral Wemyss-Gorman has provided steady leadership of the JDF with trust and morale among the soldiers.

One of the first individuals to offer congratulations on reappointment was Gender Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange.

In a post on her Facebook page, Grange commented, “Your visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and steady hand have guided our JDF through challenges and triumphs, inspiring not only our brave men and women in uniform but every Jamaican, especially our young girls, who now see what is possible when excellence, courage, and service come together.

“As Minister with responsibility for gender, I am especially proud to witness another trailblazing woman breaking barriers and setting the standard at the highest levels of national security and defence. Your story is one of strength, resilience, and revolutionary impact.

“May this new term bring even greater victories, continued progress for our Force, and lasting peace and prosperity for Jamaica.”

In May 2024, Wemyss Gorman, then a Rear Admiral, was promoted to Vice Admiral.

Prior to her military career, from 1990 Wemyss Gorman worked two years at Cable & Wireless. In 1992, at the age of 19, she enlisted in the JDF, completing her initial officer training at the UK Britannia Royal Naval College. Between 1994 and 1997, she was navigating officer on the HMJS Paul Bogle. She became the first woman officer to go to sea in the Jamaica Coast Guard.

Wikipedia states that her seagoing appointment was also the first appointment of a woman to a front-line combat role in the Caribbean.