Jamaica’s PM Andrew Holness announces creation of Ministry of Defence

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has confirmed the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Defence, a strategic restructuring designed to enhance Jamaica’s national security and disaster response capabilities.

Previously, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) was overseen by the Ministry of National Security. Under the new arrangement, the JDF will be administered directly through the Ministry of Defence, which sits within the Office of the Prime Minister. Holness said the change aims to ensure stronger coordination at the highest level.

“We have now formally established a Ministry of Defence within the Office of the Prime Minister. This means the JDF is administered directly through that Ministry to ensure stronger coordination at the highest level,” Holness said, adding that the restructuring was initiated during Hurricane Melissa to improve the speed, clarity, and effectiveness of decision-making.

The move also includes relocating the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) into the Prime Minister’s Office, allowing disaster response and defence operations to work in full alignment.

Holness noted that the JDF played a critical role throughout the hurricane, supporting communities, protecting citizens, and ensuring continuity of government. “The relief phase has ended, recovery is nearly complete, and we are now entering reconstruction,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister indicated the government is committed to strengthening the JDF’s maritime and airlift capabilities, calling them “national assets that help us secure and serve Jamaica.”