Core Values, is a book chronicling one soldier’s journey in the Jamaica Defense Force and his personal interpretation of events as they occurred. His depictions of events take me back to a time when I experienced some of the same stories and emotions those events evoked at the time and still do! I served many years with the author and experienced many of the events and conditions as he so expertly described. The story was brilliantly told by him that it brought back many long forgotten memories ( at least so I thought) as they came flooding back into my psyche; it was as if I had entered a time capsule; the words evoked mostly positive and nostalgic memories. Ostensibly moments frozen in time, now been unearthed!
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| Jamaica Defense Force Guard of Honour |
In classic chronological order the book begins with his, the author’s, childhood and formative years, then he takes us through his adolescent years and school years and then skillfully tells us about his adulthood and how his past (growing up) molded his present (joining the military) and indeed his future his current position as a writer of local military history. I thought his approach was skillfully done and as a result he commented on every major milestone in both his development and that of his beloved country and the brave men and women who served in its ranks; to whom he paid glowing and much deserved tribute at every opportunity he got! .
This is a very patriotic autobiographical book, whose author is undoubtedly a patriotic Jamaican; that has done what no other ex-serviceman has done: examined and recounted what happened in years as the new nation state of Jamaica navigated its way through some turbulent and memorable times in effort to find its true self! The book reads like a documentary, but has the appeal of a novel in parts! The author was not afraid to give his opinion on politics / politicians and/or leaders and how their performance or lack of affected this new nation’s journey. He looked at topics such as: Green Bay, Dons and Politicians, coups and/or suspected plots and counterplots, foreign and domestic relationships, local customs and beliefs, mores and folkways ; subjects many of us are still afraid to talk about for fear of being labeled unpatriotic. As I took the assertions in, I found them to be very refreshing. Whereas, I may not and or certainly did not agree with his position and assessment in all those areas, but winced knowingly as a reader, as vivid memories raced through my mind. I found the submissions very frank, refreshing, honest, straightforward and courageous! I smiled at the thought that it was courageous; because Jamaica was and is still a very polarized country, politically and some may find the truth still an offense, but not a sin! Therefore, a book with such candor is needed and very timely!
Overall, I found all 55 chapters of this book very captivating, easy to read and rare glimpse into a truly democratic Jamaican institution-The Jamaica Defense Force! I felt that this book and its author dealt with the issues fairly and reasonably, although one could depict quite clearly where his loyalty still lies! The title of the book conjures up a pun: Core/Corps Value; which I thought was unique, well titled and fun! This book is a must read for all ex-servicemen in particular and Jamaicans on a whole. It gives a rare glimpse of a soldier’s life and journey and wonderful endorsement of what it means to be a patriotic Jamaican, carved out of numerous cultures to make us one people! This book is not only easy to read, but is a must read for all Jamaicans in all walks of life who have been affected (directly or indirectly) by one of the most loyal devoted institutions ever formalized in Jamaica’s history: the Jamaica Defense Force; written and offered by one of its true sons: Major Stanley Ford! In essence this book is saying a much belated and seldom said thank you to an institution through its history has molded many great Jamaicans! Thank you Stanley: Great job, keep on writing!
Rupert A. Francis is Professor inThe Art Institute and Devry University.
President, Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization (CACAO)
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