Canada-Jamaica Defence Relations

Canada and Jamaica share a long-standing, close bilateral defence relationship that continues to grow. This partnership is reinforced by a mutual interest and commitment to deliver capacity building to other Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) member countries in the hemisphere and Africa. Notable examples of defence cooperation between Canada and Jamaica include:

• Jamaican Operational Support Hub - Facilitated through an arrangement signed in June 2012, this Operational Support Hub will build on past successful cooperation and further expand Canada-Jamaica bilateral defence relations. June 2016 marked the first operational activation of this Operational Support Hub when it served as the in-theatre support platform for CAF personnel participating in Exercise Tradewinds 16 in Jamaica.
• Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) - Since Jamaica became a member of the MTCP in 1965, approximately 1,660 Jamaican military personnel have received sponsored training through the Program.
• The MTCP has also assisted the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in establishing and/or upgrading the following Centres of Excellence (COEs) in Jamaica and in leveraging these to train military and civilian personnel from MTCP member countries in the Caribbean and beyond:
  • Caribbean Military Aviation School (2006): This facility is used to deliver MTCP-sponsored pilot (helicopter, multi-engine fixed wing, and instructor) and aircraft technician training, utilizing DA40, DA42, and Bell 206 aircraft.
  • Technical Training Institute (2008): This facility was completely established by the JDF in cooperation with HEART Institute of Jamaica. However, DMTC has funded the upgrade of its accommodations for foreign students, and uses it to deliver the MTCP-sponsored Basic Construction Engineer Course, which covers all disciplines within the construction industry.
  • Caribbean Junior Command and Staff Course Facility (2009): This facility was built to accommodate the MTCP-sponsored Caribbean Junior Command and Staff Course (established by the MTCP in 1993 in partnership with the JDF) after the original facility suffered major damage during Hurricane Dean.
  • Caribbean Counter-Terrorism Training Centre (2009): This facility, which includes a small arms simulator, operations center with offices, and accommodations for approximately 180 personnel, was established with DMTC funds, equipped with GAC funds, and originally used by DMTC to administer GAC-funded counter-terrorism training provided to Jamaica by CSOR. In 2014, CANSOFCOM took over the management of CSOR training in Jamaica, and DMTC’s relationship with the facility ended.
  • Caribbean Military Maritime Training Centre (2012): This facility, which includes bridge and firearms training simulators, is used to deliver the MTCP-sponsored Naval Boarding Party, Diver, Bridge Watch Keeper, and Coxwain Courses. The latter two utilizing 32 and 40 foot patrol boats.
  • Directorate of Training and Doctrine (2017): This facility, which represents the culmination of DMTC efforts in Jamaica, includes classroom and conference capabilities, delivers command, oversight, administrative and training support for the other COEs, as well as the MTCP-sponsored Caribbean IT Program and Training Development Officer Courses.
• Moving forward, the MTCP will no longer be in a financial position to fund the COE establishment. However, the COEs represent a lasting, positive legacy and unique resource for DND/CAF in the region, and DMTC will continue leveraging and supporting them by sponsoring some instructors (others are provided by the JDF), conducting standards and curricula assessment visits as required, funding the participation of students from MTCP member countries in the region and beyond, and supporting the JDF in expanding their geographic reach.

Caribbean Junior Command and Staff Course (CJCSC) – Conducted annually in Jamaica since 1993, the CJCSC is a cornerstone capacity building initiative for Jamaica and the Caribbean.  It has been expanded in recent years to include candidates from Latin America, Africa, Asia and Europe. 

Exercise Tropical Hammer - Jointly run with the Canadian Operational Support Command (CANOSCOM) from 2007-2009, this exercise worked to modernize Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) infrastructure and assist with CF General Engineer Support pre-deployment training for Afghanistan. CANOSCOM is now part of the Canadian Operational Support Command (CJOC).

Operation Jaguar - Canada’s contribution of military aviation and search-and-rescue capability that supported the Jamaica Defence Force and conducted essential training for CF search-and-rescue teams.

Operation Hestia - On invitation from the Government of Jamaica, Canada was able to establish an air bridge to move personnel and supplies to the region to assist after the Haiti earthquake in 2010.

Caribbean Special Tactics Centre - a regional training centre bringing together Caribbean partners to collectively provide training to develop strong and sustainable Caribbean regional security partnerships.

Operation Renaissance (Irma Maria) – From September 9 to October 15, 2017, the CAF supported Hurricane Irma and Maria relief efforts in the Caribbean. The CAF conducted this operation in support of Global Affairs Canada. This support included airlifting the Jamaica Defence Force’s Disaster Assistance Response Team and equipment to Dominica.