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Press Releases
May
Since construction began at St. Catherine’s Medical Clinic in Greater Portmore, Jamaica, Deployment-for-Training (DFT) Jamaica crewmembers have had the unique experience of working with Tradesmen from the construction element of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). In addition to sharing their construction knowledge and techniques, the Tradesmen have provided insight into the history and organization of their Unit as well. The JDF’s construction element, 1 Engineer Regiment (JDF), was formed in August 1991 and became fully operational in April 1992. Prior to the formation of the Engineer Regiment, all military and civil engineering tasks were carried out by two sub-units of the JDF’s Support and Services Battalion: the JDF Construction Squadron and the JDF Engineer Unit. An increase in the nation’s demand for military engineers, however, led Headquarters (HQ) JDF to seek and obtain Government approval to form the Engineer Regiment. Similar to the missions and responsibilities of Naval Construction Force (NCF) Units, 1 Engineer Regiment’s priorities include providing combat engineering support to all JDF units involved in military operations and training; planning, constructing, and providing maintenance at all JDF installations; and assisting with the maintenance of national services, such as operations at the nation’s sole electricity distributor, Jamaica Public Service Company Limited. Additionally, the Engineer Regiment provides emergency engineering assistance for disaster relief and recovery, as well as engineering assistance and advice to Government and civil agencies. 1 Engineer Regiment (JDF) is further divided into four squadrons, each with its own specialization. 2 Field Squadron is the primary combat engineering unit, responsible for the use of explosives for both demolition and training purposes. 3 Construction Squadron designs and constructs permanent structures for the military and various government agencies. 4 Support Squadron provides administrative and logistical support to the Regiment, and 5 Maintenance Squadron provides maintenance support for all JDF installations. As much as our priorities and tasking are similar, so are our mottos. 1 Engineer Regiment’s motto, “Ubique – Technical and Tactical,” mirrors the Seabees’ motto, “We build – We Fight.” ‘Ubique,’ meaning ‘everywhere,’ speaks to the engineering versatility of the Unit, while the phrase ‘Technical and Tactical’ indicates the ability of the technically trained and skilled engineers to function as infantrymen as well. So far, eight JDF Tradesmen, all from 2 Field Squadron, have worked on the project with our Seabees. Labouring side-by-side, strong working relationships have developed, as the Seabees and Tradesmen exchange construction knowledge and skill. What follows is a closer look at some of the men who have joined our crew.
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The senior JDF Tradesman on site is Bryan Gooden, or just Gooden, who has been with the JDF for 19 years. He is a Corporal, or E-4, and his specialty is plumbing, which involves many of the same tasks that our own Utilitiesmen perform. Gooden is quiet and friendly, and his level of expertise and quality of work are phenomenal. 
The second most senior Tradesman on site is Nigel Robinson, better known as Brokie. Brokie has been a JDF Tradesman for approximately 10 years and, like the remainder of the Tradesmen, is an E-2, or Sapper (SPR). His specialties include building and welding, and he will be the first to admit that he loves his job. Brokie is friendly, energetic, and extremely creative, always coming 
Next is Lawrence Williams, or Larry as he likes to be called. Larry has been an electrician in the JDF for seven years; however, he is a skilled and confident worker in the other trades as well. His personality and demeanor make him a joy to be around and a true asset to the team. 
Now don’t let this picture fool you! Roland McKenzie, otherwise known as M.C., is one of the most playful people on the job site and always in high spirits. M.C. has been in the JDF for just over three years and is a general builder. A quick learner, you can show him something once, and he is ready to join any crew!
Last, but certainly not least, is Dale Sheldon. Like M.C., Dale is also a general builder who has been in the JDF for just over three years. Dale and M.C. were friends prior to joining the JDF, and actually joined the service under a buddy system, much like the buddy program we have in the U.S. Dale is a hard worker, who can be given any task and deliver quality results.