By Corporal Joseph Lewis
Headquarters, Jamaica Defence Force (Civ/Mil Co-op)

It has been over three weeks since the Jamaica Defence Force troops deployed to Haiti on Operation “Restore Comfort,” but despite the many challenges that the troops face on a daily basis, the Contingent Commander Major Jaimie Ogilvie insists that they have time for recreation.

‘The troops’ morale is very high at the moment,” said Major Ogilvie. “We try to give the soldiers at least three to four days off from duty at each post. We also try to ensure that the troops welfare back home is taken care of so they can concentrate on the job at hand he went on to say.”

With this in mind, Major Ogilvie has organized a series of daily games to help ease the minds of soldiers. These events include football, volleyball, tug-o-war and balancing. 

The Troops, who deployed from the Food for the Port Base and the Airport base in Port-au-Prince, have embraced the activities whole heartedly. Members of the Ministry of Health who are also in Haiti have joined the JDF contingent in these games and on Thursday
04 February 2010, a series of sporting events were arrange by members of both the Ministry of Health and the JDF.

In addition to the daily games, Major Ogilvie has also established a canteen which provides the troops with food items from Jamaica to bring them as close as possible to home. Since the canteen was established it has been supported by troops from both the United States of America and Canada.

Despite these activities, the troops are looking forward to the rotation that starts within another week. 

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