After months of collaboration between the United States military and the Jamaica Defence Force in the humanitarian and construction exercise, ‘Beyond The Horizon’, it came to an end on 28 May 2009 with a ribbon cutting ceremony signifying the opening of the new Portmore Health Centre in St. Catherine, Jamaica, one of the major projects undertaken during the mission.

The exercise was intended to help improve the quality of life for residents living throughout Jamaica while at the same time improve the country’s capabilities and provide opportunities for US personnel to refine their engineering, medical, mobilization and deployment skills.

Since the beginning of the mission, US Forces, in conjunction with the Jamaica Defence Force, and various ministries of government, have worked hand-in-hand to complete several projects.

These include over six weeks of free medical fairs, serving thousands of Jamaicans; renovations of the Bull Bay All Age School, Horizon Park Primary and Junior High, and Yallahs Health Clinic; as well as the construction of a new Portmore Health facility. Beyond The Horizon (BTH) is an exercise that includes humanitarian and civic assistance projects, construction and renovation projects, and cooperative exchange and training activities designed to promote cooperation between the United States and Jamaica.

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