Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to Jamaica’s Maroon communities, pledging sustained investment and expanded post–Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts in Accompong, St. Elizabeth.
Addressing the 288th commemoration of the 1738 Treaty between the Leeward Maroons and the British, as well as the birthday of Chief Kojo, on Tuesday, January 6, the Prime Minister stressed that Maroon communities are an integral part of the Jamaican state.
“You are part of Jamaica and you are entitled to the protection and resources of the State of Jamaica,” Dr. Holness said.
Reflecting on the historical significance of the Maroons, the Prime Minister said their legacy represents not only survival but victory, noting that Jamaica is among the few countries whose ancestors compelled the British to sign a treaty.
“When people hear about Jamaica and they hear about the Maroons, they see a side of us that is not just about enslavement. It is also about resistance… that Jamaicans forced the English to sign a treaty,” he said.
Dr. Holness acknowledged that Maroon communities have not always received adequate investment but said this is now being addressed.
“It is also true that for many decades we have not invested as we should have in these communities… but the Government of Jamaica supports the Maroon communities. We see you as an invaluable asset,” he added, praising the leadership structures within the communities as critical to nation-building and cultural preservation.
The Prime Minister also used the occasion to outline the Government’s post-hurricane recovery plans for Accompong, noting that support will extend beyond roof repairs to include the restoration of key infrastructure.
“The intervention of the Government will not only be to repair your roofs,” he said. “We’re going to look at your water situation… there was a water supply system that somehow fell out of use. We’re going to restore that.”
He further pledged to upgrade the community’s playing field, committing that by his next visit for the annual commemoration, the facility would be improved.
Technical teams from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) are already carrying out roof repairs in the community. Dr. Holness said the current phase of works is expected to be completed within weeks, after which further assessments will be conducted to determine whether additional repairs can be undertaken, including assistance for homes that were completely destroyed.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the resilience and cultural strength of the Maroon communities and the wider Jamaican society.
“We have a rich culture, and all our ancestors, those who struggled and fought, they did it so that we would become strong and resilient and united,” she said.
Referencing the impact of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, Grange pointed to visible signs of renewal within Accompong.
“I see the plants, the trees are getting green again, so it means that we will be getting stronger and we will rebuild and we will be resilient,” she said, while underscoring the national motto, Out of Many, One People.
Also participating in the ceremony were Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley; Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon; and Minister of State in the Education Ministry, Rhoda Moy Crawford.
The day’s activities included cultural performances, drumming, libations, reflections on Maroon history and leadership, and national participation, highlighting the enduring contribution of the Maroons to Jamaica’s heritage and sovereignty.
