Accompong Maroons reject JDF in Hurricane Melissa recovery, cite cultural and governance concerns

Chief Richard Currie says the Accompong Maroon Council has rejected the use of military personnel, including Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) engineers, in post-Hurricane Melissa rebuilding efforts in the community.

He said the council will accept the offer on materials and equipment for the recovery.

"This decision is not a rejection of cooperation, nor does it diminish the appreciation of the humanitarian intent behind your offer. Rather, it reflects Accompong’s capacity to manage its internal recovery efforts through established civilian channels and international collaborations," noted a statement posted on his Instagram account on Thursday. It tagged Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, Minister of Culture Olivia Grange, and the JDF.

Currie added, "We trust there will be no forceful response to Accompong’s decision and that all parties can understand the foundational principles of indigenous rights."

The Holness administration and the maroon chief have previously clashed over issues of sovereignty and the extent of government authority within Accompong’s traditional territory.

During a visit to the community on Sunday, Holness announced that JDF engineers would assist in rebuilding the community, where approximately 80 per cent of the 260 houses were damaged.

Holness also handed over a generator to the Accompong Primary and Infant School and emphasised the importance of preparing the community for the annual maroon festival in January.

The prime minister also said offers from countries such as Ethiopia and Rwanda could be directed to Accompong.

But Currie said Accompong has secured “international donations, technical partnerships, and volunteer engineering assistance sufficient to address the rebuilding and development needs arising from the hurricane.”

He said the collaborations, coordinated through the Accompong Development Foundation, “reflect years of relationship-building” and provide “a structured, culturally aligned framework for reconstruction across our territory.”

Currie also said said there were considerations about potential trauma for residents.

“Our community, particularly women, elders, and children, has endured profound emotional trauma following the hurricane and its aftermath,” he said. “The introduction of military personnel carrying assault rifles, even in a humanitarian capacity, could exacerbate distress among residents.”

He said the council maintains that “reconstruction conducted through civilian and community-based teams is the most appropriate path for maintaining emotional security and cultural stability at this time.”

Additionally, Currie cited governance responsibilities under the 1738 Peace Treaty, noting that all recovery operations must comply with Accompong laws and cultural protocols.

“Civilian and partner-supported reconstruction efforts remain the most suitable avenue for recovering from the damage sustained,” he added.

The maroons are descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped colonial plantations and established independent communities mainly in hilly terrains. The peace treaty formally recognised their autonomy and rights with the British Crown, which controlled Jamaica at the time.

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