Dignitaries from Jamaica, Canada and other Caribbean nations today attended official opening ceremonies for the Jamaica Military Aviation School (JMAS). JMAS, the only such facility in the Caribbean, was created in part thanks to the Canadian Forces’ Military Training Assistance Program (MTAP), a highly effective defence diplomacy tool.

“The Canadian Air Force has trained Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) pilots and aircraft maintainers in Canada for more than 35 years,” Maj.-Gen. Charlie Bouchard, Commander, 1 Canadian Air Division, explained during the opening ceremonies. “Jamaicans are clearly more than ready to help a new generation of military pilots earn their wings at home. Indeed, JMAS Commandant-designate Capt. Brian Creary just completed a three-year exchange with the Canadian Air Force in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, training Canadian military pilots.”

“This would not have been possible without MTAP assistance,” JDF Air Wing Commanding Officer Lt.‑Col. Geoffrey Roper observed. “Canada has nurtured a centre of technological and military excellence in Jamaica. This is a turning point that will ultimately benefit the entire Caribbean.”