The Impeccable Command of a Nation’s Daughter: Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman
There are few leaders who embody grace, grit, and greatness all in one—but Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman , Jamaica’s Chief of Defence Staff, does so effortlessly. A true trailblazer, a national treasure, and a symbol of fierce feminine power, The Honourable Dr. Antonette Wemyss Gorman OJ CD BSc is not just making history—she is rewriting it. Born in Jamaica in 1973- 52 years old.
From the quiet hills of Top Alston, Clarendon, where she was lovingly raised by her grandparents, to the commanding decks of Jamaica’s military leadership, her story is nothing short of extraordinary. A woman of discipline, intellect, and unmatched poise, she now stands as the first female Chief of Defence Staff in Jamaica—and the only woman currently commanding a national army anywhere in the world. This is no small feat. It is a declaration that Jamaican women can lead not only in boardrooms and classrooms, but also in battalions and beyond.
Last evening, she stood among the nation’s dignitaries at the Grand Gala at the National Stadium, a picture of polished power and patriotic pride. And as she saluted the flag with quiet authority, she reminded every Jamaican watching that excellence, when rooted in humility and discipline, can scale even the highest ranks.
In her 29 years of military service, Vice Admiral Wemyss Gorman has shattered ceilings and forged paths. Her leadership as Brigade Commander of Maritime, Air and Cyber Command, Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard, and Force Executive Officer proves not only her tactical genius but her visionary capacity to guide the JDF into the future.
She isn’t just a commander—she’s a strategic architect. Her work in founding the Caribbean Maritime Military Training Centre (CMMTC) has impacted hundreds of military professionals across the region. She is Jamaica’s representative to the International Seabed Authority, a Maritime Boundary Negotiator, and a leading voice in regional and global defence partnerships with nations like the USA, UK, and Canada. She is also the chief editor behind the Strategic Defence Review 2017–2037, shaping the JDF’s mission and future.
Decorated? Undoubtedly. She holds the Order of Distinction (Officer Class), the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service, and several other commendations. But perhaps the most striking decoration she wears is her unshakable resolve, wrapped in dignity and delivered with a disarming smile.
Educated? Exceptionally so. She is a distinguished alumna of the US Naval War College and holds a Master’s with Distinction in National Security and Strategic Studies from UWI Mona. But beyond the accolades lies a deeply grounded Jamaican woman who finds joy in gardening, in nurturing life with her hands, just as she nurtures peace and order with her leadership.
Married to Jonathan Wemyss Gorman, she brings balance to brilliance—commanding national forces by day, and returning to a loving home life and the simplicity of the soil she loves.
She is demure, but never passive. Stylish, yet unshakably disciplined. Beautiful, but it is her character that truly captivates. She is, in every sense, a badass in boots and brilliance—and a global inspiration.
Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman is not just a national leader; she is a living emblem of what it means to serve with honour, lead with vision, and rise with purpose.
Let history take note: Jamaica’s army is in the hands of a woman—and the nation has never stood prouder.