KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) distributed 305,377 care packages in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, impacting 757,726 people in 232 communities.

This is stated in the 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica, an annual publication of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

In commenting on major achievements of the military during the year under review, PIOJ noted that the distribution of care packages was carried out under the JDF’s Operation Olive Branch. It also noted achievements under Operation Vigilance which formed part of the JDF’s maritime and counter-trafficking operations during the year.

Under Operation Vigilance, 512 kilogrammes of cocaine, 9,798 pounds of ganja, 10 vessels, US$30,540, and 4,153 litres of fuel were seized. Twenty-one people were detained in those operations.

PIOJ said 155 people were impacted by JDF’s Operation Deliverance during which 44 search-and-rescue missions and 28 casualty evacuation operations were conducted. There were also 1,066 deployments within the Jamaica-Haiti maritime corridor.

The other major activity conducted by the JDF in 2025 was Operation Relentless 11, a joint JDF-Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Operation. It saw 12,537 deployments which resulted in the seizure of 141 illegal firearms, 2,294 rounds of ammunition, 115 magazines and the detention of 737 people, 179 of whom were arrested.

Separately under the Joint Anti-gang Taskforce, nine firearms, three magazines and 86 rounds of ammunition were seized. A total of 129 people were detained with 45 being arrested.

Meanwhile, PIOJ highlighted that, training and professional development activities undertaken by the JDF in 2025 declined when compared to 2024. “A total of 289 training engagements were conducted; this compares to 363 engagements in 2024. These activities reached 3,405 service members, down from 3,824 members trained in 2024,” said PIOJ.

The planning institute said operational support to national security was sustained through joint activities involving the JDF and the JCF, as well as targeted enforcement under the Joint Anti-Gang Taskforce. Maritime and counter-trafficking operations were also undertaken, alongside search-and-rescue and casualty evacuation missions within Jamaica’s maritime domain.

In addition, humanitarian assistance and disaster response activities were carried out following Hurricane Melissa, with support provided to affected communities across the island.