"Colonel Barnes gave outstanding service and made a significant contribution to Jamaica in several areas, most notably the military and sports," Golding said yesterday.

Barnes, a native of Trinidad, came to Jamaica as a member of the West India Regiment but became a Jamaican citizen and a member of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) at its formation at Independence in 1962.

Record of service

Golding commended Barnes' record of service to the country and the JDF, where he served as the commanding officer for the 1st Battalion Jamaica Regiment. He was the first defence attaché to the Jamaican High Commission in London.

"My sincere condolences go to his widow, Jean, and children Gillian, Tracey and John Barnes, who is the coach of the senior team for the Reggae Boyz," Golding said.