KINGSTON, Jamaica — Chief of Defence Staff for the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman, on Tuesday reminded soldiers of her vow to hold them accountable for their actions.

Wemyss Gorman was addressing troops in Denham Town when she sought to remind members of the JDF that she has a charge to be “fair, firm and thorough” as she seeks to ensure that a high standard of service is maintained.

According to a JDF release, Wemyss Gorman reminded the soldiers that they served Jamaica in multiple ways and that they are required to maintain their personal safety as well as the respect of the citizens as they execute their duties.

Her visit to the troops follows last week’s adverse interactions between members of the JDF and residents of Denham town.

In the release, the JDF shared that in their most recent encounter with residents from the volatile inner city community, members were attacked by an unidentified man who opened fire at them whilst attending to a check point in the vicinity of Race Course Lane and Blount Street. The JDF in their media statement said members of the force returned the fire but the man managed to escape.

Whilst they revealed that a 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol with one live round was recovered, the soldiers said they were met with resistance from a female resident in particular, as they attempted to search a premises. The altercation was caught on camera and was the cause of much outrage on social media as viewers believed the soldiers acted with more force than was necessary.

The woman has since been arrested.

Admiral Wemyss Gorman also used the opportunity to invite anyone with information relating to this incident or any other matter of a security nature to call the JDF Tip Line at 876-837-8888.