The swiftness of Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman’s response to this newspaper’s request for her to compare the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) to other armies in this region would give anyone watching the interview the impression that she had anticipated the question.

“We are the absolute number one, most competent force in this region!” the chief of defence staff (CDS) declared without a moment’s hesitation, her voice resonating with authority and unwavering conviction.

“And in our weight class, globally, we punch way above our weight. Just like Jamaica,” she added, her face glowing with pride.