Major Ricardo Blackwood of the Jamaica Defence Force shows members of the press armoured vehicles during a media open day at Up Park Camp yesterday. Most of the vehicles are inoperable. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

Alack of infrastructure and adequate personnel have forced the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) to be innovative to survive.

At the Newcastle training centre, dilapidated buildings with missing roofs, crumbling foundations and walls that had not seen paint in years were some of the issues.

Head of training, Major Murphy Pryce, said it was a challenge for those seeking training.

The military officer said the challenges did not affect the training of soldiers, as staff made do with what they had, though some help would be good.

He said even bottles of water necessary to keep trainees hydrated were in short supply.

Remaining innovative

"Training here has resulted in the death of individuals due to heat-related illness, so the water is crucial. However, we are remaining innovative and will continue to train personnel for Jamaica," he said.

Of the 20 V150 armoured vehicles, only two are in working condition. JDF officials declined to divulge the estimated repair bill.

It was further revealed that the units, which are used in crisis operations, are 36 years old.

This was revealed by Major Jaimie Ogilvie during the JDF's media open day on March 12.

With no funding in sight, the military continues to be innovative. How long this can continue is another question.

At another crucial area - the Air wing - only nine of the 12 helicopters were working.

Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Roper said the inoperable units were hampering search-and-rescue, drug eradication and other efforts.

Roper said personnel were now being trained at the Jamaica Military Aviation School.

The tour of the facility was staged by the JDF to foster a closer relationship with the media.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com