'Cool Runnings'

JARA undertook a major project in February of 1993, the development of a Mobile Radio Emergency Command Post. The purpose of which is to provide an operating platform for any radio equipment used to communicate both nationally and internationally. The venture was the brainchild of the then President Mr. Michael Matalon who was chief overseer of the entire project from its inception to the now reality of the Unit.

The Unit that you see today started from an old Mobile Home used by the Blue Cross Association of Jamaica that was up for sale. The idea of being the first country in the Caribbean to have such a unit was too good to let it pass by. The task of rebuilding the body was not an easy one, just after taking off one side panel of the unit the entire frame fell apart onto the ground. This did not retard the work by any means, as to the members involved, the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow was much too rich. Like a mad scientist trying to raise the dead slowly but steadily the race was on to complete this colossal concept and bring it to life.


The Design

The design allowed for the unit to be capable of being transported in a Hercules Military Transport Aircraft if the need arose. Along with a storage capacity that is capable of keeping a minimum of four occupants sustained for 72Hrs the unit is also equipped with CB, Marine VHF, HF and numerous antennas. This was all the more inspiration for the team.

Month's Passed, consultation went on about the layout of the interior of the unit. Finally after the passing of 10 Months and several setbacks our dreams became a reality and the unit was dubbed

By all who had participated in the venture to symbolize that Jamaicans can do anything they want.

The Unit is basically self supporting. It has onboard a 6.5Kv Onan standby generator, 150 gallon water tank, 300 Liter gasoline tank, four 200 Amp per Hour 12V batteries, two tents, toilet and shower, circuit breakers for both A.C. and D.C., and a 1500 watt security lamp, kitchen sink, V8 engine, Air conditioned and enough storage for cables and dry foods.

The physical design also is sturdy enough for a complete roll over and sustaining minimum damage to the outside, and minimum shake up for the occupants.

The radio operating table is capable of providing power and antennas for four HF radio stations and one computer station. The purpose for the computer is for the tracking of hurricanes, or for receiving weather facsimile from the meteorological services such as WLO. It may be used to transmit bulk health and welfare messages via the packet network, to locations worldwide.

The roof of the unit carries one collapsible tower which supports several types of antennas. It's accessed by a step ladder from the back of the unit.

The Triumph

The first test for the Unit was for the annual International Triathlon held by the Swept Away Resort in Negril.

Getting the unit to the site some 100 Miles away, through the heart of Jamaica was no easy task, up the hills and down into the valleys we traversed. We came through with minor mechanical problems, this was our first big show, and we were a success.

The communications vehicle is also used for Simulated Emergency Test exercises with the Office Of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management The Parish Councils, as well as our own SET. This unit is been viewed as the best communications post to aid the relevant authorities in situation reporting and communications from areas of crisis.

Our members learn Emergency operating procedures on an ongoing basis. We have developed a voice procedure that has become a model for other agencies locally. We have also disciplined ourselves to respond without subsequent notice to any emergency that requires communication. Presently we want to experiment with SSTV from accident sites, so the authorities can not only get someone's interpretation of the incident, but also get to view it themselves.

If you are interested in sponsoring, or aiding in the purchasing of needed equipment for this well designed communication unit, please contact the association at the address printed at the end, or any of its members.