Gorman Second In Charge of The JDF
January 29, 2021 | By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |
Who Is Commodore Antonette Wemyss Gorman?
I had the honour of meeting the very smart, dark skinned Officer Gorman, who is of medium built, when she headed the navy. It was a pleasant encounter. She is quite charismatic and is destined to go places. 
Will she be the first female army head in Jamaica and likely the Caribbean?
Commodore Antonette Wemyss Gorman has been made second in command of the JDF. As such she is likely to replace Lieutenant General Rocky Meade Chief Of Defence Staff, if and when he retires. This is not automatic. The Defence Board headed by PM Holness has the final say. She made history before when she became the first woman to head the Coast Guard/Navy. You will recall that Cde. Hardley Lewin came from the navy to become CDS. Gorman as stated above is next in line to be in charge of the JDF. The Commodore has been promoted since, to be the new Executive Officer which effectively makes her next in line to be CDS or Army head. This is just a speculation.
Damage Control
The Executive Officer Gorman was asked to be on the radio interview programme to deal with the thorny issue of sexual misconduct which has tossed the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF/Army) in the public’s eye. The army was cast into the spotlight in a negative way. This issue had the potential to seriously damage the image of the army and leave a lasting effect. Damage control was excellent. This sexual misconduct 
case was caused because people did not adhere to established protocols of keeping a professional distance especially at the workplace. A teachable moment, indeed!
Public Optic
Gorman was being exposed to the public as a potential future Leader of the army. This optic should not be overlooked. She acquitted herself well.
Power Play
There is the vexed issue of a person of power and authority preying on a “weakling” so to speak. This Private female could find it very difficult to resist the sexual advances of a more senior decorated officer. Who would have more credibility, if there was ever a complaint?
People Of Less Power
We heard a debate on the Sexual Harassment Bill which has been long in gestation in Parliament. Based on that debate my views are expressed below. Are our Parliamentarians saying it cannot be the other way around? A junior employee or a female Private in this case could prey on a Senior Officer. There are hero worship situations, and at times this can and does occur. At schools like Military institutions, there have been cases where a young teacher may be harassed by a senior or older student.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie who is a veteran journalist, has had industrial relations experience … with an international exposure.
