JDF Coast Guard officer remembered as a light to all
Published:Monday | March 31, 2025 | 12:06 AMCarl Gilchrist/Gleaner Writer
Late Chief Petty Officer Diana Drummond-Thomas of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard was more than a soldier – she was a beacon of light to those around her, leaving a lasting, positive impression on everyone she met.
One of those deeply impacted by her presence was Sergeant Simone Francis, who delivered an emotional tribute at Drummond-Thomas’ memorial service on Friday.
Held at the Moneague College auditorium in St Ann, the farewell drew hundreds of mourners, many moved to tears by the heartfelt remembrance.
Drummond-Thomas, 37, passed away after collapsing during a special training session in the United States. She had been serving as a foreign guest instructor at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) in Georgia when she experienced a medical emergency on February 18.
She was later pronounced dead at St Francis Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. The cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed.
Her passing came just 10 days before she would have marked 17 years in the JDF, having enlisted on February 28, 2008. She rose from humble beginnings in the little-known community of Retirement, near Moneague, St Ann, to become a respected leader in the JDF Coast Guard. Her body was flown home on March 13.
A FRIENDSHIP CAST IN STONE
Sergeant Francis recalled their bond, which began 17 years ago when Drummond-Thomas was a young recruit in a group she trained. Over the years, their relationship grew into a sisterhood.
“She became a sister, a friend, a confidante, and a source of light to everyone she came in contact with,” Francis said.
Drummond-Thomas was known for her infectious laughter and radiant smile, which, Francis said, “could light up a stadium”. She recalled that the only time she ever saw her friend cry was at her wedding while dancing with her father. But the happiest moment of her life, Francis said, was when she gave birth to her daughter.
Francis also reminisced about a close-knit group of female soldiers who frequently went shopping downtown together, maintaining their bond regardless of where life took them.
“Not a day would pass without hearing from Diana. No matter where we were, we always kept in touch,” she shared.
The last time they spoke was the Monday before Drummond-Thomas’ medical emergency. She recalled how her friend was impatiently waiting for her to choose a ceiling fan, trusting her judgment completely. When she didn’t hear from Drummond-Thomas the next day, she knew something was wrong.
“The news came that she was in the hospital. It was a shock – I was in denial,” Francis said.
She called others, hoping for a different answer, but the reality remained unchanged.
“We cried and prayed for a better outcome,” she recalled.
A LIFE CELEBRATED
Friday’s farewell service was a mix of sorrow and celebration. Moving tributes poured in from Drummond-Thomas’ alma mater, Ferncourt High School, as well as from JDF colleagues and family members.
A stirring trumpet solo of ‘You Raise Me Up’ by a Ferncourt High representative added to the emotion of the day.
The Maritime Air and Cyber Command/Caribbean Military Academy Choir also honored her with a heartfelt rendition of ‘The Goodness of God’.
As Sergeant Francis gave her tribute, she was overcome with emotion, pausing several times to wipe away tears as she recounted the deep bond they shared.
Delivering the sermon, Major (Rt. Rev’d) Dr Damian Ffriend acknowledged the intense grief of those gathered and encouraged them to honor Drummond-Thomas by being a source of kindness to others.
“Each day, be the reason someone smiles,” he urged.
Following the service, Drummond-Thomas was laid to rest at the Lydford Cemetery.