The capacity of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has been enhanced with the commissioning of a new ship, named in honor of national hero Norman Manley.

On Tuesday, Dr. Horace Chang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, officially commissioned this crucial asset ‘His Majesty’s Jamaican Ship (HMJS) NORMAN MANLEY.’

According to the JDF, the ship will be employed in fulfilling the traditional roles of the JDF Coast Guard.

Such roles according to the JDF include “Search and Rescue, Fisheries Protection, Maritime Law Enforcement, Marine Drug Interdiction Ceremonial Duties and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions.“

This is the fourth of four patrol vessels to be received by the JDF from Vietnamese company Damen Shipyards since 2016.