Contributed
Private Paul Mattis

Trudy Simpson, Contributor

Private Paul Mattis is exactly where he wants to be. Fascinated by the army for as long as he can remember, Mattis made the decision to become a soldier when he was age 14. As soon as he was able to, he enrolled. It was a decision he never regretted. Currently a general duty clerk with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Mattis is among those given the privilege to mount the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace.

For him, it is a dream come true. It is also a fitting tribute to the highly commended 24-year-old and others, who beat out stiff competition from many of their colleagues and made it through five months of gruelling drill training and rehearsals to become part of the 140 military and regiment deployment currently showcasing their musical and military talents to the world.

Determined

With thousands of people watching (including members of the media), Mattis and other soldiers from the First Battalion, the Jamaican Regiment (1 JR), first mounted The Queen's Ceremonial Guard during the world-famous changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace on July 17.

It was Mattis' first visit to England and to the Queen's guard ceremony. Like so many of his colleagues, he became nervous but was determined to give a great show and make Jamaicans proud.

"Marching on to the forecourt and seeing all the people who were welcoming us was so overwhelming. I was nervous but I told myself that I was going to make my country proud and that I was going to do my best. Once I said this, I was calm, relieved and could concentrate better and do what I had to do," Mattis recalled.

Lieutenant Colonel. Derek Robinson, who is commanding the regiment, was also reflecting on that first march.

Huge crowd

"No matter how many months of training you get, there were still some butterflies in the stomach. One of the things that surprised us was the condition of the forecourt. It reminded me of walking on the beach, so it was a challenge. The sentry post was also very slippery. It was like walking on ice so one of the things that petrified the guys was that they might fall. They were also nervous with having thousands of eyes on them but now, having it done it, they are confident," Col. Robinson said.

It was well worth the effort. As they marched out in resplendent red and black military uniforms with a large Jamaican flag, a huge crowd gathered to welcome the battalion and the band, making it the most enjoyable moment for Col. Robinson.

"It was enjoyable, our finally getting there and seeing the appreciative crowd, the people clapping and waving and especially seeing, among the crowd, the occasional Jamaican flag," Col. Robinson recalled.

Since then, the JDF soldiers have stood guard at Buckingham Palace four times and three times at Windsor Castle. They will stand guard a further four times at Buckingham Palace. In addition, the 34-strong composite band, which comprises military as well as regiment members, has played traditional military and reggae music for enthusiastic audiences. They will continue to play at illustrious venues such as St. James Park, the Tower of London, Alexandra Palace and City Hall, until August 23, taking in engagements to mark Jamaica's Emancipation Day on August 1 and Independence Day on August 6.

It is the third time in history that the JDF has undertaken these public duties, first making its mark in 1968. They last performed in the U.K. in 1999.

Mattis, a married father of one, had been determined to get the training and the public duties during this third opportunity. He is also among soldiers who are currently getting U.K. military training under the ongoing Red Stripe/Calypso Hop Exercise, which allows 120 Jamaican soldiers to get training in the U.K. each year while their British counterparts train in Jamaica.

"It has been an honour to be here. I am enjoying it," Mattis told The Voice last week. So too was Col. Robinson.

Long time coming

For Col. Robinson, this moment had been a long time coming and had required sacrifice from participants, who had begun practising drilling and rehearsing band performances from as early as February.

"Some of the men would spend the mornings practising and then have to do duties at night. In addition, we had to combine the rehearsals with operations to support the police and other regular duties," said Col. Robinson.

Mattis told The Voice that, for example, he had given up some of his time-off, training longer, attending fewer sports matches and spending less time with his family, to ensure he was prepared. He does not regret the hard work. "To really be here and know that you are representing your country and the Caribbean, it is really worth it," he said.

Col. Robinson added: "One of the most important things is that our being here is yet another indication of the things that Jamaicans can do once we set our minds to it. This is a golden opportunity to show Jamaica on the world stage in a positive light.

"The ultimate aim is to make every Jamaican feel proud."