The Jamaica Amateur Radio Association started in Jamaica in 1939, when radio was still in its infancy and communication was primitive by today's standards. During the past 55 years, Jamaican hams have contributed their time, skill and equipment during times of crises. Our organization comprises of a group of dedicated hams who operate within strict international guidelines and adhere to a well-established code of ethics. We have played a vital role in the close monitoring of all hurricanes affecting the Caribbean region, along with other disasters worldwide.

This was evident after the passing of Hurricane Gilbert, when Jamaican Hams were the first to communicate Internationally, relaying situation reports to the Miami Hurricane Center also health and welfare messages to concerned relatives. When Hurricane Hugo passed through the Islands of the Lesser Antilles, Jamaican Hams were airlifted to the affected areas, and working along with the military provided communications for there local government officials.

Our aim and objectives as stated in section 2 of our Rules and Regulations are:

• To promote the general advancement of the science and practice of Radio Communication and to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas on these subjects among its members and to obtain the maximum liberty of action consistent with safe-guarding the interest of all concerned.
• Including reading and discussing communications and for pursuing the theory and practice of Radio Engineering.
• To affiliate with other Associations or Societies with similar objectives as may be considered desirable by the Committee of Management.
• To enter into negotiations with Government in all matters pertaining to and/or affecting the terms and conditions of Amateur Licenses.
• To enter into such other activities as may tend to further the general objects of the Association.
• To liaise with other bodies and undertakings in connection with Radio Amateur operations in times of National Disaster.
• To establish regional Chapters within the geographic boundaries of Jamaica.

There are three types of membership available, as set out in section 22 of our Rules and Regulations:

• Associate
• Transmitting
• Honorary

• Associate Membership is open to persons who are not holders of an Amateur Radio License, although interested in Amateur Radio and wish to take advantage of the training offered.
• Transmitting membership is open to Licensed Amateur Radio operators of any country that is a member of the International Telecommunications Union.
• Honorary membership may be awarded by the Committee of Management, to members whom they deem fit by way of outstanding performance or having given invaluable assistance for a number of years.

(Application for membership may be found at membership form)

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING MEMBERSHIP

Applicants should attend at least one meeting of the Association and talk with members, in order to understand Amateur Radio and our Association, allowing one to decide whether membership is to his or her liking. Under our Rules and Regulations, the same guest may not attend more than three meetings in a calendar year.

It may be useful to secure a copy of the regulations governing Amateur Radio operations in Jamaica. The Radio and Telegraph Controlled (Amateur Radio Service) Regulations 1974. This is available from the Government Printing office, Duke Street, Kingston.

Only paid up members are eligible for the training offered by the Association. They are able to participate in classes conducted by the association in Morse Code, Electricity and Electronic Theory along with basic Standard Operating Procedures for Voice and Radio Handling.

This training assist members in doing the licensing examination as set by the Post and Telegraph Department. Transmitting members who want to upgrade their licence are also tested by the Post & Telegraph Department.