The Maroons in Cockpit Country face boundary challenges. However, their future is bright because of the vision of their people and their leader Colonel Ferron Williams. Even though they have faced challenges since they arrived in Jamaica in the 1600s, the Maroons continue to move forward. Now in the 21st century, the challenges continue, pointing back to the Treaty signed with the British in 1738. It’s no longer the British who are flexing their muscle. its opportunist looking to line their pockets.
The Blue and John Crow Mountains cloud forest, unique in the Caribbean of tropical mountains.
Maroons in Cockpit County
They came to Jamaica as slaves in the 1600s. They resisted being slaves and headed for the hills. After defeating the British in the First Maroon War, The Accompong Maroons signed the Peace Treaty of 1738. The Peace Treaty in 1738 included land for the Maroons in Saint Elizabeth.
This came after 275 years of fighting a war. Unfortunately, the Maroons fight continues.
On Saturday, July 13, 2013, I had the opportunity to sit in on a meeting with the Maroon. At the meeting were the President and Counsel of the Overseas Maroon. In attendance was the Colonel of the Accompong Moorons Mr Ferron Williams. The Principal of Accompong School and Mr. Garfield Rowe were at the meeting in Brooklyn, New York.
From Left Principal Garfield Rowe, Colonel Ferron Williams and Mr. Rowe (Uncle to young Mr. Rowe)
Colonel Williams, who has one year left on his five-year term as leader, recognized that he must stay aggressive. He was giving updates on all information related to Cockpit Country. He mentions how various parties are looking to invade Cockpit Country. They’re looking to take over Cockpit County. They want it for the mining of bauxite and limestone. These Maroons people “Of the Sovereign State of Accompong” are staying focused. To ensure that the land negotiated by Captain Codjoe in the Peace Treaty is not taken away. The Cockpit Country is home to over 27 endemic species and the largest butterfly in the Americas, the giant swallowtail.
From left, Garfield Rowe, Colonel Ferron Williams, Mr. Rowe & Maxie AJE
Maroons in Cockpit Country challenge.
The British Governor signed the Peace Treaty with the Maroons in 1738. Now decades later, boundaries are still not respected. It was in the presence of Sir Edward Trelawney and Captain Cudjoe of the Maroons. This Peace Treaty was satisfactory to both parties. It came at a time in history when a handshake and someone’s word were good Enough (Cockpit Country is Maroon land).
Even though the Cockpit Country is defined, as stated by Ronald Edwards. Who is the Deputy Commissioner of the Geology and Mines Division and yet to establish where are the limits…..”). After over 270 years and a The Peace Treaty of 1738, Mr. Edwards decided all of a sudden, Cockpit Country must be redefined.
The Cockpit Country that was establish in the Peace Treaty of 1738 belongs to the Accompong Maroons and the people “Of the Sovereign State of Accompong.” The Cockpit Country boundary was intended to remain in place for the Maroons. While the rest of the Island belongs to the country, Jamaica. Currently, there are only two landowners in Jamaica (The Government and the Accompong), however, the rest of Jamaicans are hopeful that they too can get their land title.
Accompong Town and the Maroons
Maroon town continues to be a great tourist attraction. AjamaicaExperience encourages anyone visiting Jamaica to pay a visit to Accompong town to understand the rich history of Accompong Town and the Maroons. Understanding the rich history includes going to the cave where the Peace Treaty. Also, nature lovers will appreciate the wildlife that Maroon Town offers.
Part 2: Next article on the Cockpit Country, Ajamaicaexperience will talk to the Principal of the Accompong School Mr. Garfield Rowe who is a Maroon and a product of the Cockpit Country school. Mr. Rowe holds a master’s degree from the University of the West Indies. Our discussion will include the children and the Annual Celebration in Accompong on January 6th.
Colonel Ferron Williams left Maxie of Ajamaicaexperience
From left, Garfield Rowe, Colonel Ferron Williams, Mr. Rowe & Maxie