Jamaica: Rear Admiral Wemyss Gorman sworn as 1st female Chief of Defence Staff of JCF

Kingstown, Jamaica: History created; after serving for around 30 years, Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman was sworn in as the first-ever female Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force. The sworn-in ceremony took place on Thursday, January 20, 2022. 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness congratulated Wemyss Gorman for achieving this milestone, noting that she is an inspiration for many women as well as men.

He asserted, “I am confident that all Jamaicans join me in wishing you every success in this new appointment. She has the combination of leadership skills, experience, commitment, and the strategic vision to lead the men and women of the JDF. I am looking forward to benefitting from her wise council on matters related to defence and security”. 

“Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman has been appointed Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force, having spent the past thirty years of her professional life progressing through the ranks of the JDF. She is no stranger to – being a pioneer, having achieved many firsts in her extensive military career”, 

Expressing his hopes and firm belief on Wemyss Gorman, PM Holness emphasized that she will fetch a unique perspective to the government’s discussions and efforts to strengthen borders and prevent illicit inflows; to protect the lives and livelihoods of the coastal communities, assuring that Jamaica can derive sustainable benefit from marine resources. 

He furthermore added, “I am certain that under Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman’s leadership, the JDF will continue to grow from strength to strength. It will also continue along its path of transformation and capacity development as it positions itself to more effectively and efficiently combat current and future threats impacting Jamaica.” 

During her long-serving experience of 30 years, Rear Admiral Wemyss Gorman has obtained numerous achievements and vast experience.