The Maroon Observer FINAL

T H E M A R O O N OOfficial NewspaperBSERVER of the Jamaican Maroons JA$60 • January 2005 • SPECIAL EDITION • 267 Years of Independence Charles Tow n Maro on s MAROONS CELEBRATE 267 YEARS OF in Touch w ith the ir He r it ag e INDEPENDENCE A Maro on mus e um, the Maro on tow n on the island an op- first of it s k ind, ha s b e en built in p or tunity to br ing g re e ting s and C harle s Tow n br ing ing toge ther do a c ultural pre s entation. The the community and offer ing a only g roup unable to attend w a s c ultural exp er ience for v i sitors. S cott s Hall, but Charle s Tow n, See more on pages Mo ore Tow n, and Accomp ong Tow n were all repre s ente d, p er- 2 & 3 for ming traditional d ance, song and dr umming. The fe stiv al brought in many Trel aw ny Tow n v i sitors, b oth f rom “foreig n” and Maro on s Exhile d to dome stic ally, Maro ons and non- Maro ons alike, numb er ing s ome- C anad a the n Af r ic a: On January 6, 2005, the Ac- where around 14,000. The fe stiv al Garvey’s Dream? comp ong Maro ons ho ste d the prov ide s that g re at e conomic op- D onie sha Prenderg a st , B ob Annual Accomp ong Maro on p or tunity for the Maro on tow ns Marle y’s g r andd aug hter, Af ter b eing tr icke d by the Fe stiv al, commemorating the f rom b oth the g ue st s and f rom 267th ye ar of inde p endence f rom the gover nment . The Jamaican t alks w ith Colonel Sid ne y Br iti sh, the Trelawny Tow n Ma- Pe dd ie next to Cudjo e’s ro ons were sent to C anad a then Br it ain. The theme of this ye ar’s gover nment is hop e d and exp e c t- fe stiv al w a s “Ke e ping Maro on e d to offer g if t s of p olitic al con- Sier ra L e one. Did this accomplish 3 Monument Her it age and Culture Alive.” The what Marcu s G arve y intende d in cessions and public f und s. Thi s fe stiv itie s st ar te d at 10:00 a .m. ye ar, more action i s b eing t aken hi s “B ack to Af r ic a” movement? w ith a traditional ceremony at to make Accomp ong a more ke y hop e s to incre a s e c ultural aware- See more on page the Kindah tre e, re s erve d for tour i st lo c ation w ith the help of ne ss and k nowle dge of the Ma- 5 Maro ons only a s a celebration of the gover nment . The Mini ster ro ons, c re ating e duc ational tours Cudjo e’s bir thday and an hon- of Tour i sm and Indu stry w a s aime d at primary and s e condary s cho ol s, which indire c tly f ur ther or ing of the ancestors. A l arge brought in a s the g ue st sp e aker to 5 What do Jamaic an s amount of fo o d w a s roa ste d and the fe stiv al to addre ss the de sire inc re a s e s the draw to the are a . de dic ate d to Cudjo e and all tho s e by Colonel Peddie to se t up an With much energ y, motiv a- k now ab out Maro on s? b efore them. The night b efore the Accomp ong Maro on Found ation, tion and go o d le adership, it w ill fe stiv al there were als o a numb er which would “enable the v ill age to Sur pr i sing ly, not a s much a s b e intere sting to se e how the Ja- of ceremonie s for Maro ons only acquire the much-ne e de d f unding maic an Maro on communities, in you would think. C he ck out the to re conne c t w ith the ancestral ne cessary for the de velopment of conjunction w ith the gover nment , top 3 list s of thing s Jamaicans spir it s through music , d ance, and the community a s a major tour i st continue to de velop over the next k now ab out the Maro ons and 4 spir itual p o ss e ssion. The e vent s of de stination.” The community als o fe w ye ars. thing s mi sundersto o d ab out the the night b efore are very imp or- Maro ons. t ant for tho s e t ak ing p ar t , a s on See more on page the actual d ay of the fe stiv al, the spir it s are very we ary to b e come 9 inc ar nate in the b o die s of Maro on p ar tic ip ant s b e c aus e to o many out siders are se en a s p otential 1 � � � � � � � � � � enemie s. And s o, it i s the e vent s t ak ing pl ace the night b efore that

Official Newspaper of the Jamaican Maroons hold the mo st imp or t ance for �������� Maro ons. The ac tual d ay of the fe stiv al “ The Maro on O b s erver”™ i s more for administrative and i s a reg i stere d trademark of e conomic re a s ons. In an interv ie w Ly nk Publi shers Inter national, w ith Colonel C awle y in 1988, he a sub sidi ary of MacAnthro, Inc . said, “ The celebration unite s the Maro ons and ke e p s them aware of what is happ ening and where • • • • • • 2 the Maro ons are going to d ay.” Br itt any Ly nk, Junior Editor Thi s w a s p ar ti ally accomplishe d & St aff Wr iter, 651-278-7785 through the prog ram that to ok bly nk@mac ale ster.e du pl ace at Cudjo e’s Monument in the af ter no on. A s tradition would Le d by an ab eng pl ayer, the Maro ons march b ack to Jack We atherford, O p erations have, the prog ram b e g an w ith the Cudjo e’s Monument i n the center of tow n af ter thei r A ssi st ant & Advi s or, 651-696-6144 blow ing of the ab eng and a prayer. we ather ford@mac ale ster.e du The next thre e hours g ave each tr ad itional ceremony in “Old Tow n” CURRENT NEWS Page 2 THE MAROON OBSERVER January 2005

MAROON TOWNS TODAY: SPECIAL FEATURE When initially beginning my distinct identity, they “do not see research on the Maroons, two themselves as being a nation state Jamaican friends told me that all to themselves; they will not live they were part Maroon. As if that to the exclusion of the Jamaican was not enough to excite me, I Charles Town society. They regard themselves then came to find out that one of as having a right to proper roads, their uncles is currently the colo- educational facilities and medical nel designate of Charles Town, care. Their use of the institutions a Maroon town in Portland in of the wider society and their the northeast part of the island. I exercising of the vote in national could not miss out on this won- elections may seem to indicate a derful opportunity to visit a real sense of identity with Jamaica on 5 Maroon town and talk first-hand their part” as well. with the man in charge. A gun found in Charles Town used by Maroons in the 18th Upon arrival in Charles century, on display in the museum Town, we immersed ourselves in the river for a few hours, then saying, “ethnic identity should be Maroons are also considered linked up with Colonel Frank seen here as a linking principle unique from other Jamaicans Lumsden, or Uncle Lumsden as 2 rather than a fixed attribute.” This because they do not pay taxes we called him. He took us from linking initially occurred through on their land, as no one is even Quao’s Village to Charles Town “the flexible sense of a common allowed to own land given to the proper, where the Maroon cem- heritage, the redefinition of ethnic Maroons in the signing of the etery, museum, and Asafu Yard identity, [and] the creation of a peace treaties. Unfortunately, can be found. The town has two common culture out of disparate because they do not pay taxes, the cemeteries: one for Maroons and materials…[allowing] Jamaican government does not feel obliged one for non-Maroons. It is un- Mr. Kenneth Douglas in the Maroons to overcome the cul- to help out much, leading to bad derstood by many Maroons that tural differences that various local roads and less accessibility to the Maroon museum with some being a Maroon is distinctly dif- communities had developed, and larger Jamaica. So although Ma- community children ferent from being Jamaican. to integrate their societies around roons see themselves as having a “The Maroons, by their daily struggle for freedom, forged for themselves an identity according to which they judge themselves. If that struggle and identity are not understood TRAVELOGUE: JOURNEY then any judgement of them is not valid. This entire complex is dedicated to this understanding.” TO A MAROON TOWN IN —Inscription in museum

Maroon Ethnicity a more generalized Maroon eth- THE MOUNTAINS 3 Frank explained to me that nicity.” She continues to say that January 15, 2005—the day I January 16, 2005—If you can’t by the time the peace treaty was the treaty played an important was scheduled to visit the Charles get over ’em, you better go around signed in 1739, a new Maroon role in securing a special ethnicity Town Maroons in the parish of them. Today was the second at- ethnicity had been created, and by closing off “membership of the Portland, Jamaica, high up in the tempt to make it to Charles Town. this ethnicity is passed in blood, Maroon societies, thus insuring Blue Mountains. I woke up with This time, however, we made it. which determines which cemetery that in time they would become 1 excitement and readiness for We entered the town with such one can be buried. This idea of a entirely Creole…making them what was to come. My opportu- ease that I thought for sure we separate ethnicity is supported by unique, further [enhancing] their 4 nity to conduct real ethnographic were not in the right place. Go- Kopytoff, who first sets the stage developing ethnicity.” research with the Maroons, the ing around the mountains made people I have spent countless the town much more accessible. hours reading about and becom- It was very close to the sea and ing fascinated with, was just a just up from the town was a place drive away. This was easier said called Quao’s Village with a nice than done, as I was soon to find river running through, which out. An hour driving up curvy must have provided much water roads, through mud and around to the Maroons of the area. The quite regular obstacles in the trip to Charles Town was fabu- road, gazing down into the valleys lous, eating a lunch of fresh fish of sheer beauty, led us to a non- with two very influential men negotiable dead end. A closed in the community, being shown road. A tree and warning tape around the cemetery where many cutting off access to my research. important Maroons were bur- As is often the case, the journey ied, exploring the museum and was half the fun, and actually for Asafu Yard used for dancing and today had to count for all the fun. performances, and meeting the As we drove, I gained so many wonderful children and adults of insights into the struggle of the the community. Maroon pride Maroons looking around at the was everywhere and could be felt. vastness and grandeur of the ter- It was an experience I will cherish Proud Maroon children rain. The British had no chance of forever. conquering them. Page 3 CURRENT NEWS January 2005

CHARLES TOWN CONTINUED Reviving the Maroon Spirit Tourist Ventures Their unique ethnicity is I was very impressed by the held onto with strength for many efforts being made for the dual Maroons today, however this purpose of reviving the Maroon was not always the case. Through spirit and providing employment the years, there has been a “rela- through tourism. Uncle Frank tive deterioration of Maroon showed me a map of the future traditions and cultural activity,” plans of the area, which included coupled with the loss of oral 6 hiking trails along some histori- traditions. It is recently that a cal paths, making use of some of huge effort has been made to the areas beautiful views. These trails will allow for the use of tour guides, helping with the unem- ployment that plagues the com- 8 munity. All four Maroon towns are actively getting on board the tour- ist bus, with Accompong in the west plunging forward with the creation of the Accompong Town Maroon Foundation, launched Paintings of Maroons along the side of the museum Colonel Frank Lumsden January 6, 2005. Colonel Sidney (Charles Town) gives Colonel Peddie said, “My dream is that Accompong will become the most Annual Celebration of Jamaica; culturally, socially, Peddie (Accompong) a gift rd sought-after tourist attraction in June 23 is an important day economically or academically,” 9 the Caribbean.” There are many for the Charles Town Maroons. It intended to be one of the high- is called Quao Day, named after lights of each subsequent Quao benefits to this, including em- 12 restore cultural traditions and ployment opportunities and the the original leader of Charles Day celebration. Last year, 2004, revive the Maroon spirit. Frank’s chance to inform more people Town who was a great hunter and brought the official opening of the brother Keith, who is an architect military strategist, and it cel- museum and Asafu Yard, both of and the chairman of the Charles ebrates the signing of the peace which are incredible additions to Town Maroon Council, was very treaty with the British on that the Maroon community. Who’s to instrumental in beginning such day in 1739. With the efforts and say what will come next. an initiative in Charles Town. He visions of Frank and Keith Lums- did a great deal of work designing den, the past few celebrations Continuing Progress a plan for further development of have brought important changes the area for the benefit of the Ma- for the Charles Town Maroons Progress is evident in the roons as well as for tourist ven- in reviving the Maroon spirit. parts of Charles Town I saw. tures. This included the construc- In 2003, 30 Ghanaians from the Developments are happening, tion of a Maroon museum and an Kwahu region made their way to and rapidly it seems to revitalize Asafu Yard, or dancing ground, the culture and heritage. I cannot for performances of many kinds. wait to go back the next chance I Frank and Kenneth Douglas then get to see the continuing chances, focused their energies on the fur- and maybe even become a part ther development of the museum, Rum is sprayed onto the of that change. The energy in filling it with many authentic Ma- Charles Town is so refreshing roon artifacts and things of inter- drums before beginning, and inspirational. As an anthro- est. Being a well-known Jamaican feeding the spirits of the pologist, tourist, and interested artist, Frank also started painting ancestors party, I would recommend some beautiful murals on the anyone who is around the area of Portland to stop in for a visit. outside of the museum and carv- about the Maroons. Nothing But keep in mind, if you go on a ing images into the walls of the comes without a cost, however. Sunday, you will not get to hear Asafu Yard. The museum seemed Joy Lumsden, the sister-in-law of any drumming. to me to be a fairly central part of Frank writes, “If the Maroons of the community, especially for the Charles Town and other Maroon children who could go there and communities decide to go ahead get books to read or have the pos- into business-like exploitation of sibility of access to a computer. It their heritage for their economic was also close to the football field, benefit, they will, I think, have to where kids could gather and play. give up something of their per- The children are seen as an ception of themselves as a distinct Two Charles Town Maroon important part of the commu- and special section of the Jamai- children dance to some nity and are allowed to actively can population. The paradox is participate in community gather- that in making use of their past, traditional drumming ings and ceremonies, including they will have to objectivize [sic] the blowing of the abeng, a very it, therefore putting themselves sacred duty. Traditional dance in the same position as any other Charles Town. It is believed that and drumming are passed down student or observer of Maroon Quao (Kwahu) and possibly Nan- 10 through the generations. A bigger history.” It is true that one walks ny came from the Kwahu region, making this a “reunion of kindred effort is now being made to con- a thin line when trying to cre- 11 tinue passing down the language ate a tourist attraction as well as spirits.” That same year hailed in The Charles Town Maroon used by the ancestors, based off preserve a way of life, but for the the first-ever Nanny/Quao Abeng drummers are highly skilled, Twi, which comes from Ghana. Maroons, this is becoming a nec- Award, “presented to a Maroon pounding out complicated Twi is currently used only for essary path to take, and one they descendant who has performed rituals and ceremonies, as well as exemplary in their field of en- rhythms 7 are taking with excitement and carrying out business. dedication. I think the end results deavour, and in so doing make a will be rewarding. contribution to the development HISTORICAL REVIEW Page 4 THE MAROON OBSERVER January 2005

REBELLION BREAKS OUT IN JAMAICA: REASONS FOR THE FIRST MAROON WAR (1655-1739) The First Maroon War is well met in Jamaica to build and generally thought of as occurring sustain the First Maroon War. Per- between 1720 and 1739, with a haps if peace had not been made, peace treaty bringing it to an end. the British would have found a way However, from the very beginning to get the upper hand, and maybe of British colonial power on the not. Lieutenant Philip Thicknesse, island in 1655, rebellion was a rou- of the British army, once said, “All tine event. There were 85 years of the regular troops in Europe could revolts and raiding, runaways and not have conquered the Wild Ne- ruckus. And really, why wouldn’t groes by force of arms; and if Mr. there be? Patterson, a leading soci- Trelawny (the governor) had not ologist from Jamaica, put together a wisely given them what they con- hypothesis explaining why the First tended for Liberty, the would, in all Maroon War occurred. He lays out probability have been, at this day, 3 seven preconditions increasing the Early Major Revolts and Maroon Settlements masters of the whole country.” incidence of slave revolts. Follow- ing each is what the conditions in Perhaps. Jamaica during the time period of In this scenario, each slaves 1655-1739. becomes less important, leading to 1) “Where the slave popula- more brutality and apathy about tion greatly outnumbers that of the loss of slaves. The rules of supply DISASTER STRIKES master class.” and demand play out nicely—sup- In Jamaica, the ratio got as ply of slaves is high, so importance high as 10:1, favoring the slaves. A becomes low. AGAIN: THE SECOND small attempt by the government 7) “Where there is weak cul- to curb this was bringing in inden- tural cohesiveness, reinforced by a tured laborers. high [male: female] sex ratio among MAROON WAR

2) “Where the ratio of local to the ruling population.” July 1795 marks the month making it obvious that the Brits foreign-born slaves is low.” Seemingly a continual theme, that triggered it all. Two Trelawny were having a hard time taking 4 The more slaves who are not there were also few women among Town Maroons killed two hogs, them down. Finally around mid- born into a system of slavery where the master class. This created an and as punishment were flogged in December, Walpole was being pres- it is all they know, the more likely unbalanced society, somewhat void the middle of town, supposedly by sured to make peace. The Maroons they are to want to get out of the of cultural institutions, namely the two slaves that had previously been were running very low on provi- system. In Jamaica, about 4 out of 5 family. This hurt both the ruling returned under the action of the sions and so, trusting Walpole, slaves were born in Africa and had class by not having any unity or Maroons. This horribly humiliated agreed to peace around December cultural cohesion of which to stand no interest in being a slave. the Maroon community and an 19, under four terms, the last be- on as a means of power, and the 1 3) “Where the imported uprising ensued. ing a promise that they would not slaves by not having any cultural 5 slaves, or a significant section of form or structure to situate them- Governor Lord Balcarres led be deported from Jamaica. Bal- them, are of common ethnic ori- selves in, adding to their total sense the colonial forces, rather unsuc- carres, however, had plans of his gin.” 1 of meaninglessness. cessfully for a couple months, own. Once most of the Trelawny The English tended to favor And so it went, with slave incurring huge losses as he preten- Maroons had submitted, he an- Coromantees from the Gold Coast revolt after slave revolt. It was tiously ran a campaign of circling nounced deportation to Halifax, of Africa, of Akan-speaking ori- around 1720 that things really around the Maroons. Maroons, Nova Scotia in May 1796. Violating gins, contributing to over half of began to heat up. Cudjoe was ris- being Maroons, easily slipped the treaty, Walpole was very upset the slave population in Jamaica. ing in power among the Leeward through the troops at leisure. and resigned his position, angering They were stereotyped to be hard Maroons, creating a united front the Assembly, who was granting workers, and probably were, as Under Balcarres, many of the great 6 and building cultural cohesion British commanders fell, including him great honors. expansion and conquest were tak- among his group. Quao and Nanny ing place on the home front during Colonel William Fitch, who was Although only a brief 5-month were holding together parts of the 2 highly revered. Many men were war, the Second Maroon War this period of time, employing their Windward Maroons, though they also lost under Balcarres and very consisted of 20 actions involving strong military traditions. never joined together under one 2 4) “Where geographical condi- leader like their counterparts. few, if any, Maroons perished under nearly 5,000 troops, over 30% of tions favor guerrilla warfare.” From 1720, both sides fought hard, the European military strategies them highly-trained professional There is no doubt Jamaica was which included raiding plantations, employed. Colonel George Walpole soldiers, supported by Mosquito prime territory for this condition going on quests searching out the took Fitch’s position and due to a Indians and savage Cuban hunting enemy, importing dogs and Native discouraged Balcarres was given dogs, going against less than 300 to be covered, with the cockpits in 7 the west and the Blue Mountains in Americans from other countries, a great deal of command over the Trelawny Maroon Warriors. With the east. and torturing and killing opposing offensive campaign, which became very few slaves coming to their forces at first chance. Between the one of cutting off water supplies aid, and the Accompong Maroons 5) “Where there is a high inci- 3 dence of absentee ownership.” years of 1732 and 1739 when the and running a starvation offensive. actually going against them, the peace treaties were signed, many Jamaica’s plantation owners Over the next four months, Walpo- Trelawny Maroons fought alone, efforts were made by the British to le trained his men to fight in a simi- under some great leaders by the often lived elsewhere, putting the overpower the Maroons, but their lar way to the Maroons, decreasing names of Johnson, Smith, Charles estate in the hands of overseers incredible guerilla tactics sustained the number of deaths incurred. Shaw, James Palmer and Leonard with little interest in making un- their existence. More specific de- necessary risks protecting it or the tails of events in the First Maroon Nearly uninterrupted fighting Parkinson, the last two of which slaves. War can be found in the obituaries continued for three months under Walpole said, “If [they] alone had 6) “Where the economy is of the leaders involved in them. Walpole, with many losses. Higher decided not to cooperate with the dominated by large-scale, monopo- authorities, the country could not Revisiting Patterson’s hypothe- rewards were being given for the 8 listic enterprise.” sis, we see clear preconditions very kill or capture of Maroons, defeat them,” Page 5 HISTORICAL REVIEW January 2005

BRIEF JAMAICAN GARVEY’S DREAM HISTORY FULFILLED BEFORE

600-1000 AD: Arawak Indians arrived in Jamaica from HIS TIME: OR WAS IT? South America Marcus Garvey is one of the most well known Jamaicans 1494: Columbus made his fi rst visit to Jamaica of all time. He was called Black Moses by the masses and is even 1503-1504: A shipwreck strands Columbus on the island’s considered a prophet by many 1 north coast during the explorer’s fourth expedition. Rastafari. He preached Pan-Afri- Th e explorer stays at Santa Gloria, now St. Ann’s Bay. can messages of self-reliance and self-rule, Black power, pride, and 1509: Th e fi rst Spanish colony is established in Jamaica in liberation. “Back to Africa,” was what is now St. Ann’s Bay. his message, “Africa for the Afri- 1 5 0 0 s cans.” 1513: Enslaved Africans arrive in Jamaica. Little did the Trelawny Town Map of the Trelawny Maroons know that they would 1520: Jamaica begins to cultivate sugarcane. Maroons’ Deportation be fulfi lling his dream even be- fore he was a dream. Nearly 100 1598: Th e Spanish governor proposes a separate area for years before Garvey began his When it came time for planting, the Arawak Indian population, which was quickly Black liberation movement, these they again caused irritation to the diminishing due to disease and hard labor conditions. Maroons had the unfortunate Canadians and Jamaican govern- Th e proposal fails. experience of being deceived after ment at home, refusing to become signing a peace agreement ending indentured servants as well as not 1655: British troops invade and take over Jamaica. No Ar- the Second Maroon War, result- becoming self-suffi cient, which awaks remain alive on the island. ing in deportation to Nova Scotia was costing both governments and eventually on to Sierra Leone. large sums of money. Indentured 1 6 0 0 s 1656: British colonists settle at Port Morant; most die from Th e process is exactly opposite of servitude would have “[tarnished] disease. what Garvey stood for and had their heritage,” and self-suffi - in mind, but the end result is still ciency was not possible with such 1670: Peace of Madrid offi cially puts Jamaica under British cold weather climates and such something to be proud of. 4 rule. a short growing season. And so it was eventually decided to send 1678: First mention of slave uprising. them to Sierra Leone, a West Af- rican country no European power 1690: First signifi cant slave uprising in Clarendon; many really controlled. It was originally slaves escape into Cockpit Country. composed of small independent kingdoms and traders were wel- 1690-1739: First Maroon War fought across come to be under the protection the island as British fi ght Maroons. of those independent kingdoms if

1 7 0 0 s they brought it wanted or needed 5 1692: Port Royal suff ers a catastrophic earthquake and goods. thousands die. In 1880, 550 Maroons arrived in Sierra Leone, bringing their 1760: Slave uprising in St. Mary led by Tacky, a runaway skills of guerilla warfare to assist slave. the government against various Marcus Garvey (1887-1940) rebellions. Everyone was very 1795: Second Maroon War. impressed by their great skills, Garvey had created a self-re- which earned them their citizen- 1831: Hanging of Sam Sharpe, leader of last great slave liance plan, where “Garvey want- ship. Th ey were described as be- rebellion, in Montego Bay. ed black people in America to ing “active and intrepid, prodigal set up their own nation in Africa. of their lives, confi dent of their 1834: Slavery brought to an end. For four years after this Th ey would rule it and develop it, strength, proud of the character

1 8 0 0 s event, slaves had to work without pay. and it would protect black people of their body (community), and 2 all over the world.” Minus the last fond, though not jealous of their 1835: Small groups of Germans arrive in Jamaica in Sea- 6 specifi cation, the Trelawny Town heritage.” Th is success, however, ford Town. Maroons were successful set- led to hatred by others around. ting up their own quasi-nation in Nonetheless, the Maroons stuck 1838: Slavery offi cially abolished in Jamaica. Sierra Leone, creating an enclave, together, eventually resettling in ruling it, developing it, and gain- Freetown. In 1810, they made up 1838-1917: Large migration of Indians into Jamaica. ing huge respect in the commu- nearly half of Freetown’s popula- nity. tion (807 of 1,917 people). Th ey 1860-1893: Large migration of Chinese into Jamaica as created an enclave with an in- indentured workers. When the Trelawny Town Maroons were moved from dependently run governmental system, complete with jurymen 1960: Tourism industry begins. Jamaica 1n 1796, their fi rst stop was Nova Scotia, Canada. Cold and constables. Jobs ranged from

1 9 0 0 s a laborer to a lawyer, and the Ma- 1962: Jamaica becomes independent country. climates for most of the year roons did them all, some rising to led to the inability to work the 7 high positions in Sierra Leone. 1980: Elections result in hundreds of deaths in violent pro- fi elds and the opportunity for the tests across island. Governor to require Christian As Marcus Garvey would education in hopes of conversion. proclaim, “Up! You mighty race, 1 Th ey generally resisted, irritat- you can accomplish what you 1988: Hurricane Gilbert hits Jamaica. 3 ing the religious leaders around. will.” And the Maroons did. OBITUARIES Page 6 THE MAROON OBSERVER January 2005

IMPORTANT SPANISH LEADERS & SPANISH MAROONS Christopher Columbus Governor Cristóbal de Ysassi 4 Christopher Columbus, 54 of Cristóbal de Ysassi, age un- not in control. For it was the Span- Genoa, Italy died May 20, 1506 in known, died in Cuba sometime after ish who needed their ex-slaves much Valladolid, Spain of Reiter’s Syn- 1660. more than the other way around. 1 drome, a rare tropical disease. Ysassi was born in Jamaica, “a As Parris points out, “When He was born in 1451, the son planter of Jamaican birth and basque opportunities presented themselves of a wool merchant and weaver. origins, brother to the Bishop of to side with one European nation In 1492, he made his first journey Puerto Rico and the Lt. Governor of against another, the fugitive black across the Atlantic Ocean, expect- Cuba. He was Jamaica’s last Span- groups were not slow to weigh the 1 ing to land in India, but hit North ish Governor,” appointed in 1656 by costs and benefits of alliance-mak- America instead. Two years later the King of Spain for his dedicated ing.” In this case, many of the ex- he landed in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, service in defending Jamaica from slaves sided with him because it was claiming the island for Spain. On 2 Britain. in their best interest. Many of the his fourth and ultimate voyage West skirmishes were lost only when there looking for a way to got from the When 8,000 Brits landed in 5 was a low representation of blacks. West Indies to the Indian Ocean, he Jamaica in 1655, the Spanish were ran into troubles. Hurricanes, bad essentially forced to fight or leave. Such was the case in one of Ysassi’s was the huge force in the Maroons’ weather, and Indian attacks through- Some quickly rowed over to Cuba, biggest defeats at Rio Nuevo in 1758, favor against the British. Although out the voyage caused a number of bringing along their slaves and other when nearly 100 men were pounded it is both possible and likely that the ships to go down, forcing him to land possession. Others took to the hills, by English troops landing in Jamaica. runaway Arawak and African slaves in Jamaica. From 1503-1504, he was freeing their previous slaves, who Many of the survivors and others combined forces and even had chil- stranded awaiting rescue from sick- became the first Maroons. Together who were not in the battle were sent dren together, their influence on the ness, disease, desertion and a staged these Maroons and their former to Cuba. Ysassi remained with about 2 future waves of Maroons is “minimal mutiny of his company. Kept alive 6 50 men, waging more battles against at best.” masters banded together to fight by trading with the Arawaks, Co- against the English. The Maroons the English until the beginning of lumbus, with the help of his Spanish Columbus and the Spanish did formed three groups. Juan de Bolas 1760 when de Bolas traded sides, compadres, chose to repay them with not have much to be proud of in led one group, Juan de Serras an- going with the English taking his Jamaica—killing off a whole ethnic a slow death over 150 years through other, and the third remains ambigu- followers with him. Ysassi knew this group as well as never really devel- “ill-treatment, European diseases, ous. Ysassi took to the hills, allying was the end and made two canoes, and the introduction of cattle, which oping the island, however his influ- loaded in 76 of his men, and headed 3 himself with these three groups. He ence remains an important part of 6 destabilized native agriculture.” By promised freedom and clothes to off to Cuba. 1611, of the 60,000 estimated Ar- Jamaican history, especially in the 4 those who fought with him against Survivors in Jamaica include awaks, 74 were left on the island, indirect effects the settlers had on 3 the British. After some success- Juan de Serras, his ally, 36 of his men, and by 1655 they were completely their slaves, allowing them to build 5 ful revolts against the English, he and British control. nonexistent. many survival skills that would help them greatly when the British arrived arrogantly wrote to Spain saying, Before being completely an- He is preceded in death by the in 1655. “all the fugitive Negroes are under freed Spanish slaves who helped fight nihilated, however, it is said that my obedience.” However true it may Survivors in Jamaica include his the British with him, as well as the some Arawaks escaped into the have been that he was aligned with a Blue Mountains, becoming the first son, Diego, appointed Governor of Brits he managed to kill. good portion of the Maroons, he was Maroons on the island. Legend also the Indies in 1508, approximately 700 Spanish settlers, and approximately states that they fused together with 7 Maroons of African descent, estab- 600 slaves of African origin (1611). Governor/Colonel Juan de Bolas lishing a ‘tradition of guerilla defense He is preceded in death by Juan de Bolas, born Juan Lubolo, Called a traitor, de Bolas was in the mountains,’ which presumably 60,000–10,000 Arawaks (1655). age unknown, of Jamaica died in doing what he thought was in the 1663 in ambush, possibly set up by best interests of himself and his Governor Juan de Serras Juan de Serras. group for survival. De Bolas pulled De Bolas was a creole, born in through his end of the deal, tracking Juan de Serras, age unknown, of “free blacks and mulattoes who were Jamaica. When the British invaded Spaniards to their camps, and even Jamaica died on an unknown date in not only allowed to carry weapons attacking de Serras’ camp before he Jamaica, a free man by his standards. but who were trained to serve in the in 1655, he emerged as a great leader 2 knew de Bolas had switched over. De Spaniards’ militia.” among the Africans, being elected Little is written about de Serras, a leader of the group of ex-slaves Serras was continually offered peace but it is my assumption that he was Ten years after Ysassi had left, who formed in the mountain near but refused. The enraged British a creole, who materialized into the de Serras and his group were still 1 the Guanaboa Vale. He was a great ordered de Bolas “to wipe out the great leader of the original Maroons. wanted by the English, declared out- hunter and knew a great deal about Maroon menace once and for all.” On laws with bounties on their heads. These Spanish Maroons were the island’s interior, and proved to the way, however, he was caught in Getting away from the British, they unlike the better-known Maroons of be an essential resource and ally to ambush and killed, along with most the English era. De Serras’ Maroons made their way up north, eventu- of his force. It is thought that de Ser- ally causing the British to leave them Ysassi. However, after about five 5 were creoles, born into a system of years of fighting with the British, de ras set up the ambush. slavery. They originated not from the alone. For the next 30 years, little was 2 known about them. There were a few Bolas joined the enemy forces. The Survivors include the rest of his Akan region of West Africa, but from English were offering freedom and community, “who either died out the northern parts of West Africa accounts of runaways in contact with 6 a big title—Governor of the Vale. or migrated farther to the west,” de and Angola, in the south, creating a them, but treated so badly they went Freedom was something Ysassi has Serras, who remained steadfast to fairly diverse ethnic mix. They knew back to their masters or found other also promised, but could not give freedom in its true essence, and the how to work together, setting the runaways. However, around 1700, in 1 stage of resistance. dire need of basic necessities, as well until a later time. In exchange for this British, who, shortly after making as women and weapons, they joined freedom, de Bolas and his follow- their peace agreement, took away Under the Spanish, there were ranks with the other established ers were expected to be loyal to the his title as Governor and renamed 3 few cases of runaways, as the masters groups of Maroons. English, teach their children English, him Colonel of the Black Militia, held little rein over their slaves. Be- and “[search] for, and [destroy], the demonstrating their true power over ing a runaway was new to de Serras’ Survivors include his remaining 7 blacks who continued to reject the Jamaica. group, called Vermahaly Negroes. Ja- followers, the Vermahaly Negroes, 3 British overtures.” With his exten- maica was mainly used for ranching, who became the first Maroons with He is preceded in death by and tracking cattle and hogs, allow- full autonomy. sive knowledge of the other fugitives’ Christopher Columbus. ing free-rein that skilled many of the He is preceded in dead by all strategies, hideouts, and other criti- slaves in knowledge of the terrain. those Maroons willing to die for the cal information, this would not be Other privileges were also offered to cause of righteous freedom. too hard. Page 7 OBITUARIES January 2005

IMPORTANT BRITISH LEADERS Governor Robert Hunter Colonel John Guthrie Governor Robert Hunter, 67 of Colonel John Guthrie, 52 of the any punishment (other than capital Ayrshire, Scotland, died in 1734 in British forces died in 1739 while on punishment) they deemed proper an expedition of peace to the Wind- for crimes committed by Maroons Jamaica. 1 ward Maroons. within their own communities. Hunter was born in Scotland, distinguishing himself as a soldier Guthrie is a very important part “Their primary duties were the in both Scotland and America. In of both British history and Maroon following: to serve in the military in history in Jamaica, ended the First order to protect the colony against 1707 he was declared Lt. Governor Maroon War in 1739 by offering a slave uprisings or other rebellions of Virginia, and from 1710-19 served peace treaty to Cudjoe, leader of the and to avert attacks by foreign pow- as Governor of New York and New Maroons, who accepted. Two years ers; to capture all future runaways Jersey. In 1727 he was appointed prior to the signing, the acting Gov- for a premium and return them to Governor of Jamaica to go and take ernor, John Gregory, suggested it was the colonial authorities; to hand over care of the Maroons. The strategy he time to make a treaty with the Ma- criminals from their own ranks to entertained was to minimize their roons, for as he wrote to the British colonial courts; to allow access to the strength and reduce their numbers Counsel and Assembly, “[I know] of major roads of their villages; and to so they would be forced to abide by two ways of dealing with an enemy: grant two white ‘diplomats’ right of ‘either by force, or by treaty; the first residence and allow the governor or any terms offered by the British. To 2 do this he focused on bringing in we have often unsuccessfully tried.’” colonial commander certain rights His plan was rejected initially, but of nomination in appointing future more settlers, having them settle in an extra-ordinary and almost insup- 5 went full force after Maroon raids Maroon commanders.” areas critical to Maroon survival, portable expense in endeavoring to picked up again. Guthrie, along with After making peace with the cutting off communication and ac- suppress them… But our attempts… Captain Saddle, was sent by the new cess to provisions. Although he built having been in vain, only convinced Leeward Maroons, Guthrie set out Governor Trelawny to offer peace to to make a similar treaty with the barracks, the Maroons continually me of our weakness. Instead of being 3 Cudjoe and his group. Windward Maroons, although a few destroyed the newly settled areas. able to reduce them, we are not in a 3 Aided by a number of Maroon other groups were heading toward Running out of necessary funds, condition to defend ourselves.” traitors, Cuffee, Sambo, and Quashie, the same goal. He was sent with 50 of Hunter wrote to England asking for The next two years brought among others, Guthrie was able to Cudjoe’s men, but fell ill and died on 1 4 more troops. more defeats, and in 1734 Hunter discover Cudjoe’s town. Accounts the way, conceivably poisoned by the of the journey to the town, how “discontented slaves” unhappy about Hunter sent many war par- died never having achieved any real 6 ties to fight the Maroons, but they victory in Jamaica. Ironically how- the peace treaty was presented and the peace agreement. Lt. Philip were ambushed and driven back ever, just two months after his death, its acceptance vary and are highly Thicknesse and Lt. Adair ultimately time and time again. In 1731, a party Nanny Town was seized, which debated. But nonetheless, a 15-point fulfilled the peace agreement on June treaty was signed. Zips summarizes 23, 1739, nearly four months after of about 180 men did manage to was a stronghold of the Windward 4 them nicely as follows: the Leeward treaty. surprise a Maroon village near Port Maroons, a victory he would have Antonio, incurring very few losses, loved. “The free ‘separatists’ were Survivors include the Maroons, however, the Maroons retired to the granted the right to plant 1,500 acres now living in “peace.” Survivors in Jamaica include the of coffee, cocoa, ginger, tobacco, and mountains, leaving the party with He is preceded in death by the Maroon communities, in sufficient cotton on lands belonging to them; no Maroons as prisoners or even previous existence of the Maroons, 2 numbers, and those of his parties left to breed cattle, hogs, goats, and any wounded. By 1732, chaos was afoot. already having everything the trea- to continue fighting for his goal of other livestock; to sell their products ties granted them, except peace and Both sides were killing just about taking down the Maroons. in the marketplace; to hunt wherever being under the jurisdiction of their anyone they could find on the enemy. they wished; to call the authorities in 7 He is preceded in death by the former enemies. Hunter wrote back to England say- the even of white raids; and to inflict ing, “The danger we are in proceeds members of his parties who fell to from our slaves in rebellion. We the skillful war techniques of the have for several years (been put to) Maroons. Lieutenant Philip Thicknesse Lieutenant Philip Thicknesse, 72 of Staffordshire, England, died in Ebenezer Lamb 1792 near Boulogne, France. Ebenezer Lamb, age unknown, themselves into the job or were When Thicknesse was just 17, fighting for the British died some- kidnapped into it, usually work- he joined the army and was sent time after 1734 presumably in ing between 5 and 7 years for their to Jamaica to help fight against the Jamaica, after earning his freedom. freedom. Maroons, just shortly before the peace treaties were made in 1739. Once a merchant from Europe, With the British taking control Upon arrival, he was put second- Lamb started life in Jamaica as an of Jamaica in 1655 and immedi- in-command under Lt. Concannen indentured servant, lowering his ately employing a system of slavery, in search of a Windward Maroon status to the bottom rung of white other Europeans were needed to town, which happened to be under society. He was a schoolmaster balance the ratio of “master”-slave, the great Quao. A skillfully planned to his owner’s children until 1732 which can minimize the incidence 4 ambush wounded many of the when he was put in charge of a of revolts. There were even Defi- force and scared off the rest, leav- military party going against the ciency Laws of 1703, which “re- ing only the officers. Fearing for Leeward Maroons. Called one of quired any one who owned 300 Af- their lives, the officers also eventu- 1 had signed, which ended his stay in rican slaves and 120 head of stock, 3 the “most courageous and active of ally retreated. Jamaica. the commanders…in the records to keep a quota of 17 indentured 5 Given a second chance three of the time,” Lamb was successful servants.” To encourage masters Thicknesse then went back to months later to prove himself, England, becoming Governor of in capturing Wiles’ Town, and was to keep up the quota, port charges Thicknesse was assigned to go 1 Landguard Fort from 1753-1766, rewarded with his freedom. for ships carrying over 30 inden- with Captain Adair to the Wind- 6 and was quite disliked, “being He then went on to be a com- tured servants were exempt. When ward Maroons to make peace, one 4 Hunter became governor in 1727, argumentative and a tyrant.” After mander in two more attempts to of a few groups sent for the same 16 years in office he resigned, with he made a huge push for more attack the Windward Maroons in reason. Once they got to the town, great relief of the people, dying 26 settlers, increasing the number of Thicknesse was sent up to the town 1733. Both were unsuccessful, leav- 7 years later in France. indentured servants. It was in this to be held while a Maroon captain ing Governor Hunter in shambles, Survivors include his son, Lord yet Lamb’s actions in each were wave that Lamb came along. went down to discuss with Adair. 2 Audley, who was given the right highly praised. Survivors include the Maroon He was greeted with a general hatred, especially by “an old hagg,” hand of his father along with a bit- Lamb was among many inden- communities he unsuccessfully ter message of being abandoned by captured. presumed to be Nanny, who was 5 tured servants on the island. Many encouraging the villagers to cut of Audley. of the European settlers in Jamaica He is preceded in death by 2 3 his head. Lucky for him, he came He is preceded in death by all went over as indentured servants. the many indentured servants that out alive after Quao signed a peace the men lost in the horrible am- These servants either willingly sold came before him. treaty similar to the one Cudjoe bush led by Quao. Page 8 OBITUARIES January 2005

IMPORTANT MAROON LEADERS Granny Nanny Quao Nanny of Jamaica died some- Quao of Jamaica died sometime the Wild Negroes by force of arms; time after 1740, probably in Moore after 1740, perhaps in Charles Town, and if Mr. Trelawny (the governor) Town. where he was a leader. had not wisely given them what they Quao, assumed to be a Coro- contended for Liberty, the would, in Nanny is the most widely known all probability have been, at this day, mantee creole, was a fearless leader 1 Maroon in Jamaican history, yet masters of the whole country.” details of her life are unverifiable and of the Windward Maroons on the east part of the island. Sometime The ambush against Concannon remain quite a mystery. Folklore, before 1734 and the destruction and his men was the last big fight of myth, and legend tell the amazing of Nanny Town, Quao became a what is known as the First Maroon heroic tales of her existence. She is Maroon, quickly rising to the rank War, and Quao the last renowned a symbol of “hope in times of crisis of Captain. He had good knowledge leader of the Windward Maroons. and [fosters] respect for her own of the terrain and was an excellent Following the treaty, the Windward Ashanti traditions. She is also im- military leader in guerilla warfare. Maroons split up, some following 2 mortalized as a high priestess with Around 1739 shortly before peace Nanny to Moore Town and the 1 was made with Cudjoe, a force others going with Quao to Crawford great powers.” These great powers 3 refer to obeah, oftentimes called was assembled to find a Windward Town. There was never a strong black magic or witchcraft. Serving Maroon town, led by Lt. Concannon leader like Cudjoe of the Windward an important purpose at the time of and Lt. Philip Thicknesse. However, Maroons, and so disunity was com- English colonization, the “individual Quao had several lookouts and the mon. Both prior to and after the force was spotted early on. Quao treaty was signed, internal factional revenge and resistance against the dangling in knives, which no doubt then sent several scouts to follow the disputes plagued their settlements, oppressors were crucial to psychic had been “plunged in human flesh 2 4 men, who thought they were follow- resulting in the creation of Scotts survival.” For many people, Nanny, and blood.” ing the Maroons. In perfect form, Hall and Charles Town, two settle- hand-in-hand with Obeah, offers 4 The idea of Nanny as a strong a surprise ambush was prepared ments that still remain today. that confidence and power against woman also pulls her into the role and executed, destroying the confi- Survivors include the continued the oppressors. Obeah is still used on of “mother” of the Maroons, in true dence of the British. Lucky for them, existence and flourishing of a town the island today. three months later a peace treaty matrilineal style characteristic of the where he was Captain. Born either on the Gold Coast was signed by Quao. Thicknesses Akan people. “All Maroons, whether later said, “All the regular troops in He is preceded in death by all or as a creole in Jamaica, Nanny’s or not actual genealogical ties can be Europe could not have conquered those caught in his genius ambushes. story is heavy, epitomizing her as show to exist between them, are held “the true spirit and role of the Carib- to belong to a single family.” Wind- bean woman in the fight for freedom ward Maroons claim more direct 3 Cudjoe and human dignity.” It was reported descent, whereas Leeward Maroons Cudjoe of Jamaica, probably that she, who after being approached unite through the widely held belief 1 5 over 80, died sometime after 1764, by Quao, discouraged the idea of that Nanny and Cudjoe are siblings. perhaps in Trelawny Town, where he making peace or any other accom- Survivors include all her “yoyo,” was a leader. modations with the British. While or children, and all Jamaicans who Along with his brothers, Ac- Cudjoe in the west and Quao in the continue to honor her. compong and Johnny, Cudjoe was east deceived the original purpose She is preceded in death by all involved in Sutton’s rebellion of 1690, of the Maroons, Nanny remained successfully escaping and rising to other Maroon women who her image steadfast. When the British eventual- power in 1729. He was a military ly arrived, Lt. Thicknesse, said upon represents, fighting alongside the genius, very organized and inten- seeing her that she terrified him, Maroon men and securing the lon- tional in creating a successful force wearing a girdle around her waist gevity of Maroon communities. against the British. In order to create a system for success, he realized unity under one leader was essential. Cudjoe was not too fond of, present- As that leader, he could be “ruthless, 5 Accompong 2 ing its own problems. Accompong, died sometime from one region, the British threw even brutal,” as well as unwelcom- ing to other Maroons. Around 1720, after 1740 presumably in the town this out the window in favor of the Cudjoe was also getting older a group of Madagascars, originating and so in 1739 when Governor named after him. commonly held belief that Coroman- from a group of shipwrecked slaves Trelawny made the order to issue tees and slaves from the Gold Coast Relatively little is known of Cap- 4 in 1669 who had retreated to its peace, as real victory was far off, he tain Accompong, brother of the great are heartier and better workers. If interior, led a rebellion and encour- accepted. “If peace had not been leader, Cudjoe. In 1690, there was so, some of this heartiness worked aged slaves to join them. Upon offered to [us], [we] had no choice a huge uprising on Sutton’s Estate, against them, with the Leeward contact with the Leeward Maroons, left but either be starved, lay violent Maroons being composed almost en- Cudjoe killed the Madagascan leader hands on one another, or surrender involving 400 slaves predominantly 5 tirely of Coromantees. It was these and incorporated the others into his to the English at discretion,” Cud- from the Gold Coast, causing many 3 6 casualties against whites in the area. Maroons “who were not reducible by group. He felt only one person could joe commented later. He is often be in power to maintain the safety of Some of the ringleaders were killed any regular plan of attack; who pos- called a sell-out or trader, in a way the group. Even with the Windward going against what it means to be a as well as others, but among those sessed no plunder to allure or reward the assailants; nor had any thing to Maroons, he was less than welcom- true Maroon—someone “committed who escaped were Accompong and ing when, in 1735, a large group of lose, except life, and a wild and sav- to…the spirit of freedom from any his brothers, Cudjoe and Johnny. 6 them made a 150-mile trek across kind of slavery and the preservation age freedom.” 7 From this time on, Cudjoe rose up as the island to join Cudjoe’s group. of human dignity and self-respect.” a great leader, elected to a head posi- The plan of attack that eventu- They were accommodated for a few By signing the peace treaty, the tion in 1729, whence he appointed ally was pursued was a peace treaty months then sent back to the moun- Maroons were given freedom and 1 4 his brothers second in command. in 1739, accepted by Cudjoe. Ac- tains. land, but were required to “take, kill, suppress, or destroy…all rebels…un- Once in absolute power, Cudjoe compong did not attend the signing, It becomes more understand- 8 “utilized a common African pattern as he was off with a military party. able why Cudjoe went this route less they submit to the same terms, to ensure unity by dividing the Ma- Although it is reported he was also when looking at the many pressures paradoxically becoming “an inspira- 7 tion to the rebellious slaves at whom roons into military companies under participating in the deal, he is not facing the sustainability of the Ma- 9 2 the loyal command of [his captains].” labeled as a traitor, like Cudjoe. His roons. After years of heavy skirmish- they shot on sight.” Accompong was put in charge of a loyalties to his brother and senior es with the British, who were now Survivors include the Vermahaly smaller group of Maroons to facili- officer took precedence. importing Mosquito Indians and Negroes, put in a similar situation dogs to aid their efforts the Maroons tate plantation raiding and sent to who did not submit, and the many 3 Survivors include his town’s were faced with a shortage of provi- Maroons who still honor him as a the area now known as Accompong. residents, the only Maroon town left sions and, it is reported, they were great leader. Accompong and his brothers are in the west part of the island, home not naturally reproducing so were He is preceded in death by thought to be creoles of Akan-speak- of the Leeward Maroons. continually losing their force. There the many runaways he did, in fact ing origins, coming from the Gold He is preceded in death by those were very few women and the only “kill, suppress, or detroy,” some being way to keep up their numbers was Coast. Although a critical precondi- who died for the cause. him own men who tried to initiate a tion to ruling is not getting slaves to integrate new members, which rebellion. EDITORIALS Page 9 THE MAROON OBSERVER January 2005

JAMAICANSJAMAICANS LLACKACK OF MMAROONAROON KNKNOWLEDGEOWLEDGE ASTONISHING “Tell me everything you know about the Maroons”

“Maybe you should aks someone else.” “Nothing basically. It‛s really sad.”“Uh....” When posing the above ques- ture of Nanny seems to contribute the signing of the peace treaty oc- tion to Jamaicans peers, I was to the sparse and vague knowledge curred relatively close to Accom- greeted with such responses as, of the Maroons in general, creat- pong Town. shipwrecked and all went into the “Nothing basically. It’s really sad,” ing them to be mystical, imaginary mountains or the cockpits. “I don’t know anything except that characters with an unbelievable Top 3 things misunderstood 3. Sam Sharpe, Tacky, and Paul I’m related to them,” and “Maybe history. about the Maroons Bogle were not Maroons. you should talk to my relatives who 2. Cudjoe signed a peace treaty 1. Maroons are not primitive Th ese three men were often men- know about that stuff . We never with the British. people who live in the bush. tioned as being Maroons, but they learned much about them.” Cudjoe is one of the second-most Th e Maroons do live in areas con- were in fact leaders of slave rebel- I was very surprised to hear recognized Maroon names, famous sidered country, but are not primi- lions that the Maroons assisted in that the general Jamaican popu- for his iron fi st leadership and his tive. Both Accompong and Charles putting down. lation of my peers knew so little signing of the peace treaty with the Town had full cell phone service, about the Maroons, with such a British in 1738. He is looked upon connecting its inhabitants to the Many of the Maroon towns rich and interesting history. In the with great respect by the general rest of the world. And although the today are putting a great deal of en- educational system in Jamaica, population roads to Maroon towns are some- ergy into keeping their culture alive West Indian history is taught in st th 3. Accompong is a Maroon times crazy, curvy, and in rough by passing on cultural elements and 1 form, which is equivalent to 7 town. terrain, the towns are accessible history to their children. It is my grade. Th is may be the last time Th is is the largest Jamaican Ma- and are actually aiming at becom- hope that their eff orts are eff ective, people learn anything about the roon town, located in the parish ing bigger tourist attractions in the not only in their communities, but Maroons unless they opt to take of St. Elizabeth on the leeward, coming years. in the rest of Jamaica as well. Th e West Indian and English history th th or western, side of the island. It 2. Maroons were not all slaves. next time someone comes by and taught together in 5 and 6 form th th is most commonly known by the Because many Maroons were run- asks a Jamaican what they know (11 and 12 grade) as electives. general population because of its away slaves, it is not true that all about Maroons, they will be able Even still, I have been told that the size and history. It has been around Maroons were once slaves. Th ere to respond saying, “Quite a bit. It’s English history is emphasized more st the longest and carries the name of are a number of Maroons who ran pretty good,” “I know a lot because heavily. So for many, 1 form is the a great Maroon. Th ere is a monu- away straight after passing through I’m related to them,” and “I’m glad end. ment in the center of Accompong the middle passage, as well as a few you’re asking me. I’ve learned a Th e outlook was not always so Town dedicated to Cudjoe. Also, groups of intended slaves who got great deal about them.” glum, as there were a few people who blew me away by their insights into the Maroons. Th ere were also a number of people who initially MAROON BLUES claimed to know nothing, but DEAR after further inquisition were able Dear Cudjoe: I am on my way Columbus. During those early to recollect some fairly accurate to Jamaica for the fi rst time and I’ve years, there are a few accounts of CUDJOE information learned years ago. I been reading in my Jamaica travel- the Arawak Indians, the original have created two top 3 lists of ers guide that there is something inhabitants of the island, form- Scotts Hall. Accompong is the only things known about the Maroons called a Maroon festival on January ing “Maroon” communities in the community left of the Leeward and things misunderstood about 6, which happens to be your birth- mountains to escape the mass Maroons on the western side of the the Maroons that I gathered in my day. I usually like festivals and I genocide of their people. However, island. It is where the festival will questionings. think I might want to go, but I don’t the term “Maroon,” as it is used to be held. have anything maroon to wear. My describe the “fugitive slaves from Top 3 things known about initial thought was since I’m a tour- plantations in the New World,” did In 1992, there was a festival of the Maroons ist I could get by wearing another not begin to be used in Jamaica another kind held at the Smithson- 1 1. Nanny was one of their color, but being that it says “Ma- until around 1670. Th e word is ian Institute—Festival of American leaders. roon” in the name of the festival, I thought to have originally come Folklife (FAF)—bringing together As a Jamaican National Hero, Nan- don’t want to risk it. What do you from the Spanish word cimarrón, Maroons from all over the Ameri- ny is highly recognized in connec- suggest? generally meaning wild in reference cas to meet to “open a dialogue between the diff erent Maroon tion to the Maroons. However, gen- Blue about Maroon Festival to an animal. It is now primarily communities; providing a forum eral knowledge about her consists in Bethany, Minnesota used to describe people like my of her use of obeah and her ability ancestors, my descendants, and in which Maroons from diff erent to catch bullets in her butt and me—Afro-American/Caribbean countries can discuss ways of meet- shoot them back out at the British. Cudjoe says: Maroon doesn’t ing the challenges aff ecting their runaway slaves/fugitives/”wild 2 Nanny’s actual existence is debated, refer to the color. Maroons today negroes.” societies.” It was a fabulous op- as some believe she is a composite are descendants of the freedom portunity for Maroons to fi nd out Interestingly enough, Maroon character given the positive at- fi ghters during times of slavery on about other Maroon communities communities sprouted up all over tributes of a number of diff erent the island, from the early 1500s they did not even know existed. the Caribbean and even a few in women. When I mentioned this to to the mid 1800s. Th ere was little the US. A number of the original So, there is no need to wear a person I was questioning, she was formation of Maroon communi- Maroon communities are still in maroon to the festival. Go in some shocked saying, “Oh, I’m crushed ties in Jamaica until 1655, when the existence today, which includes comfortable shorts and take in the that Nanny [might not be] real. No British took control of the island. four in Jamaica: Accompong, beauty of the experience. And, yes, one’s told me anything diff erently Prior to the Brits, Spaniards ruled ’til now.” And this ambiguous na- Charles Town, Moore Town, and it is my birthday. I’ll be something the island, claimed by Christopher like 320 this year! Page 10 EDITORIALS January 2005

TACKY’S REVOLT: ELECTION DEBATE: A MAROON PARADOX VOTING IN MAROON Easter celebrations around the Th e paradox in it all, then, world tend to be fairly quiet holi- is that the freedom fi ghting Ma- days where Christians gather with roons were the ones responsible COUNTRY ONLY? family and/or close friends to re- for killing the leaders of rebellions When the Maroons signed places have been placed all around member the honorable death of Je- and other slaves fi ghting for their the 1739 peace treaty, they were Jamaica so even Maroons who have sus. Ironically, though, in Jamaican freedom. Th e inspirations of the granted self-control under the con- left the Maroon towns for work history, the Easter of 1760 holds rebel leaders were the Maroons, trol of a Chief Commander, which or other reasons can continue to a very diff erent ambiance, mark- however the poached had turned later became known as a Colonel. be a part of the process. Maroon ing the beginning of a fi ve-month gamekeeper and the inspiration As written in the treaty, the power elder and council member Melville rebellion. Th e whole of Jamaica was had turned deadly. It is undeni- was to be passed on after death Currie, however, wants to see this stirred up and there were devastat- able that the Maroons were part from certain designated leaders, changed. “In the future, our elec- ing eff ects. One of these eff ects, of the prohibitory force against and after that the following leaders tions will not be held in any other in my opinion, was the creation of a successful rebellion, however I should be appointed by the current community across Jamaica…If we 1 concrete evidence tarnishing the think there are too many factors in Chief Commander. are having a Maroons election, Maroons’ whole reason for exis- play to make such polarized argu- After some time, the standard then the Maroons who believe they tence—freedom from Babylon (the ments as “Maroons are traitors,” procedures became an election are Maroons and who stand for the oppressor)—to the general popu- or even “Maroons are traitors.” To integrity of the Maroons, should say either defi nitively is to disre- every fi ve years of a Colonel. In lous. visit Accompong, have their census gard historical truths. So I am left Accompong, the elected leaders Many accusations are made taken there, and vote in Accom- with the conclusion that from their have generally been related, show- 3 against the Maroons, charging ing the “strong tendency towards pong,” he declared. Th e Colonel them with being sell-outs and trai- inception, the Maroon community a kinship-based network or that of Accompong, Sidney Peddie, is tors. One such comment was made has been made up of individu- als, all of which are human. And leadership rested with dominant in favor of this idea, but it has not saying, “Di Maroon dem a weh trai- 2 although the name of the Maroons family groups.” Th is is in line with been put into action yet. He says, tor, dem lef di rest a di slave dem fi “Th is is the road we are thinking suff er, sign treaty wid di white man is somewhat “tarnished” by this the way the treaties were set up, as well as following both tradition of going down but we have not dem and tun round help dem hunt and other instances of what might 4 1 yet made a decision.” It is unclear runaway slaves.” (Th e Maroons be considered “selling out,” I am English and African traditions of when this decision will be decided were traitors, leaving the rest of still amazed by their existence on leadership. and put into action, but there are a the slaves to suff er, signing a treaty a whole—united for freedom from Th e latest debate going on with little over four more years to decide with the white man, turning around the oppressive forces in their lives, the election process today revolves before the next election for the Ac- and helping them hunt runaway they were fi ghting for their passion around where polling places should compong Maroons comes around. slaves.) I have heard similar com- with skill and honor. be located. In the past, polling ments from a fair amount of people since beginning my interest in the Maroons, and it is easier for me to understand where these comments Your one stop come from when looking at Tacky’s Rebellion of 1760 and the paradox that exists in it. Tacky’s Revolt began on Easter Maroon shop Sunday of 1760, described as “one Maroon Mania of the most well-planned, well- organized and widespread slave 2 rebellions of the island.” Tacky was a Coromantee leader, who wanted Grand to make the island into a free black All Abengs All Drums society following Akan tradition. Th e uprising started in St. Mary, Opening with Tacky and a small group of slaves killing their overseers. It then 50% off Don’t miss this opportunity 25% off spread, leading to fi ve months of to get a Goombay drum, uniquely fi ghting, over £10,000 in damages, square in shape and made right and the loss of at least 1,000 blacks here in Accompong. It was previ- 3 and 60 whites. Th e Maroons were Get your very own abeng ously used to send messages to ordered to follow through on their today, a previous sound of terror Maroons during British hostili- end of the treaty, capturing and to the enemies of the Maroons. ties, and is now used for Maroon killing any runaway they could fi nd, Th e sound could travel for miles, ceremonies and celebrations. inclusive of a reward. Th ey did this and allowed the Maroons to be in well, with a Maroon marksman contact with each other. Th e Brit- taking Tacky down and ultimately ish found its sound ‘hideous and ending the rebellion. However, terrible,’ so the Maroons exploited credit is due to a certain party of its use, “blowing it continuously Maroons, for after being ordered when the parties were close to to pursue the rebels and bring back their towns, thus creating confu- prisoners or evidence of killings, sion and in some instances fl ight brought back a number of human 1 among the soldiers.” It is used ears. It was not discovered until much later that the ears had been today for Maroon ceremonies and cut off from rebels slain in previous celebrations. 4 battles. Nonetheless, that party • A c c o m p o n g of Maroons and the Maroons who killed Tacky fell under the same label, polarizing opinions on the Maroons while giving people little leeway to take individuality into consideration. Located in the Heart of Cockpit Country, Accompong REFERENCES Page 11 THE MAROON OBSERVER January 2005

2 ibid. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Current News 3 1 Cudjoe Campbell 14 Robinson 100 University Press, 1996. 4 Schafer 7 2 Patterson 261 5 Campbell 14 3 ibid. 260 Robinson, Carey. Th e Iron Th orn: 1 Maroon Festival Zips 200-201 6 Schafer 8-9 4 ibid. 269 Th e Defeat of the British 2 ibid. 198 7 ibid. 6 5 Kopytoff 43 by the Jamaican Maroons. 3 ibid. 198 6 Schafer 131-132 Kingston: LMH Publishing 4 Gov. Cristóbal de Ysassi Cummings, Mark. The Daily 1 History: The English Capture 7 Agorsah 65 Ltd., 1993. Observer. “Maroons Today: 8 Jamaica: http://portbight. Edwards 238 Schafer, Daniel L. Th e Maroons of Accompong.” January 3, 2005. portlandbight.com/modules.php?op= 9 Hall 110 5 Harris, Melville. The Gleaner’s Jamaica: African Slave Rebels modload&name=News&fi le=article& in the Caribbean. University Western Focus. “Maroon Foundation sid=76 of Minnesota: PH.D. Th esis, set for Accompong.” January 6, 2005. 2 Robinson 10 Editorials 3 Parris 179, 188-189 1973. 1 Charles Town Interview with Col. Frank Lumsden. 4 Campbell 18 Zips, Werner. Black Rebels: 5 Maroon Mania January 16, 2005. Parris 176, 190 1 2 Campbell 48 African Caribbean Freedom Kopytoff 35 6 Robinson 11-18 Fighters in Jamaica. Jamaica: 3 ibid 37 Dear Cudjoe 4 1 Campbell 1 Ian Randle Publishers, 1999. ibid 46 1 Governor Juan de Serras 5 Campbell 16 2 Price & Price 14 Clarke 8 2 6 Parris 188 Lumsden “The Trouble…” 3-4 3 Tacky’s Revolt 7 Patterson 258 1 Secondary Interview with Col. Frank Lumsden Silvera, Janet. The Gleaner. “Heroes Carey, Bev. Th e Maroon Story. and Mr. Kenneth Douglas. January 16, Gov./Col. Juan de Bolas or Traitors?” October 20, 2002. 1 St. Andrew, Jamaica: Agouti 2005. Patterson 253 2 Campbell 154 2 8 Davis, Gareth. The Gleaner. Robinson 11, 16 3 ibid. 157 Press, 1997. 3 “Charles Town Maroon Village Patterson 254 4 Edwards 243 Cassidy, Frederic Gomes. Jamaica 4 expands facilities. June 25, 2004. Robinson 19-20 Talk: Th ree Hundred Years 5 Election Debate 9 Hepburn, Monique. The Gleaner. Parris 191 1 Campbell 128 of the English Language in 6 “Accompong Town Maroon Campbell 23 2 Agorsah 70 Jamaica. London: MacMillan Foundation established.” January 11, Governor Robert Hunter 3 Cummings, Mark. The Daily & Co. Ltd., 1961. 2005. 1 Campbell 57-61 Observer. “Maroons revamping 10 Clarke, Michael. “Th e Maroons Lumsden 19 2 Robinson 32-34 leadership election rules.” January 11, 11 “Kwahu People Will Visit Jamaica 3 ibid. 49 2005. of Jamaica-A Socio-Legal for Quao Day Celebrations. www. 4 ibid. 76 4 Ibid. Exposition.” ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/ Colonel John Guthrie Dallas, Robert C. Th e History of NewsArchive/artikel. 1 Robinson 100 the Maroons. London: Frank php?ID=36667. May 20, 2003. 2 Campbell 105 Spotlight Cass & Co. Ltd., 1968. 12 “’Coxsone’ Dodd to receive fi rst 3 Schafer 123 4 Dunham, Katherine. Katherine Nanny/Quao Abeng Award.” www. Campbell 108 1 Joy Lumsden 5 Parris 176 Dunham’s Journey to Accom- ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/ Zips 114-115 2 6 Lumsden 469 pong. New York: Henry Holt entertainment/artikel. Schafer 135-136 3 php?ID=39989. July 28, 2003. 7 ibid. 469-470 and Company, 1946. Robinson 99-100 4 ibid 486 5 D’Costa, Jean and Barbara Lalla in Hall, Douglas. In Miserable Slav- 1 Ebenezer Lamb Historical Review Robinson 52-57 introduction to Voices in Exile, 1989. ery: Th omas Th istlewood in 2 ibid. 58-74 Jamaica, 1750-86. London: 3 Indentured Servant: http:// MacMillan Press Ltd., 1989. 1 Th e First Maroon War Patterson 280-288 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indentured_ General Sources Kopytoff , Barbara. “Th e Develop- 2 Campbell 49 servant 3 4 ment of Jamaican Maroon Robinson 119 Patterson 280-281 Primary All Drums 5 Robinson 52 Ethnicity.” Caribbean Quar- Th e Second Maroon War 6 Agorsah, E. Kofi . Maroon Heri- 1 ibid. 52 terly 1976: vol. 22, nos. 2 & 3, Campbell 210-211 tage: Archaeological, Eth- 2 7 Campbell 58 pp. 33-50. Robinson 173-177 nographic and Historical 3 Lumsden, Joy. “‘A Brave and 25% off Schafer 190 Lt. Philip Th icknesse Perspective. Jamaica: Canoe 4 Robinson 187 1 Campbell 120-121 Loyal People:’ Th e role of the Press, 1994. 5 ibid. 232-233 2 Schafer 137 Maroons in the Morant Bay 6 Schafer 198-199 3 Robinson 118-119 Campbell, Mavis C. Th e Maroons Rebellion in 1865.” Working, 7 Robinson 200 4 Captain Philip Thicknesse, Governor of Jamaica 1655-1796: A Slavery, Pricing Freedom. 8 Campbell 234 1753-1766: www.landguard.com/ History of Resistance, Col- Verene A. Shepherd. Kings- thicknes.htm laboration & Betrayal. Mas- Brief Jamaican History 5 ton: Ian Randle Publishers, 1 Jamaica History: http://www. ibid. sachusetts: Bergin & Garvey 2002. jamaicans.com/tourist/overview/ Publishers, Inc., 1988. 1 Granny Nanny ------. “Th e Trouble with the history.htm Nanny: the Maroon: www.jamaica- Edwards, Bryan. “Observations gleaner.com/pages/history/story0012. Maroons: Charles Town as on … the Maroon Negroes of 1 Garvey’s Dream Fulfi lled html a Heritage Tourism project.” Zips 232 th 2 the Island of Jamaica.” Ma- Paper presented at the 28 2 Marcus Garvey Movement: http:// Zips 187-192 3 roon Societies. Richard Price. Conference of Caribbean www.moec.gov.jm/heroes/marcus_ Agorsah xvi 4 Baltimore: Johns Hopkins garvey/unia_philosophy.htm Robinson 114 Historians, UWI Barbados, 5 University Press, 1996. Pp. 3 Robinson 261-262 Zips 149 1996. 230-245. 4 ibid. 263-264 Parris, Scott V. “Alliance and 1 Quao 5 ibid 268 Robinson 107-119 Patterson, Orlando. “Slavery and 2 Competition: Four Case 6 ibid. 269 Patterson 274 Slave Revolts: A Sociohis- Studies of Maroon-European 7 3 Schafer 81 Schafer 204-207 torical Analysis of the First Relations.” Nieuwe West-In- 4 ibid. 145-149 Maroon War, 1665-1740.” dische Gids 1981: vol. 55, nos. Accompong Maroon Societies. Richard Obituaries 1 3 & 4, pp. 174-224. Robinson 23 Price. Baltimore: Johns Hop- 2 Price, Richard, and Sally Price. On Schafer 61 kins University Press, 1996. 3 ibid. 145 the Mall. Bloomington: Indi- Christopher Columbus Pp. 246-292. 1 A Christopher Columbus Timeline: 4 Patterson 283 ana University Press, 1994. http://www1.minn.net/~keithp/cctl. 5 ibid. 162 Price, Richard, ed. Maroon So- htm 6 Edwards 234 cieties: Rebel Slave Com- 7 Robinson 97 munities in the Americas. SPOTLIGHT Page 12 THE MAROON OBSERVER January 2005

Born, raised and educated in he kept them as sex partners and Britain, Joy Lumsden made her way to do housekeeping for him and to Jamaica over 50 years ago after whatnot. The two of them divided marrying a Jamaican man she met their time with him for about three at Cambridge. The man she mar- months. And when they had their ried was a Maroon, and she was a Joy Lumsden opportunity they got him, killed history lover, sparking her to delve him, and cut off his ears, which into the history of the Maroons, was the regular way of indicating specifically of Charles Town where you’d killed somebody. They took her husband’s family originates. As his ears in and the two of them an outsider and a serious academic, were rewarded with pensions for she takes a much more objective life. And you can see the pensions look at Maroon history, creating …year after year, it’s there in the ac- her own theories about the con- counts of the Assemblies that these troversial issues surrounding the two women, one a slave, I think the Maroons. It was great to hear her slave girl was given her freedom, as points, spurring me to rethink that’s usually what happens, [and a and reevaluate the information I runaway worked together for their had previously heard or read. The own benefits.] [This story] shows following article reflects parts of a number of things: women obvi- our interview as well as drawing ously weren’t just lying down under from an article she wrote found in what happened to them. They were Working, Slavery, Pricing Freedom: quite able to take matters into their Perspectives from the Caribbean, own hands and deal with people. Africa, and the African Diaspora. And that Maroons and slaves could cooperate. There’s another delight- ful thing that comes out in much Maroons: Freedom Fighters? Joy Lumsden, former lecturer of History at the University of the same period. The members of The widely held romanti- the West Indies, in her home surrounded by her many books the Assembly are trying to con- cized view of Maroons as freedom sider what they can do about the fighters does not appeal to Dr. coast of Africa, doing business with terms. They even felt superior to fact that because Maroons can Lumsden. She sees the Maroons as Europeans was not new to them. the rest of the Black population, get money for returning runaway working specifically for their own Making deals and signing treaties because they were being proac- slaves, the Maroons make agree- freedom. They were not fighting an were business ventures that carried tive in fighting for their freedom. ments with slaves to pick up the ideological battle of Black oppres- benefits of interest to them. And if Over 100 years after signing the slaves off the edges of the estates, sion from White powers present and when they made the decision peace treaty, an act was passed claim that they captured them, take in their lives. They were merely to do business with the Europeans, in 1842 placing the Maroons “on them in, get the reward money, getting away from a horrible situ- they followed through on their end the same legal footing as all other and then share the money with ation in hopes of gaining personal of the bargain. After years of fight- British subjects in Jamaica.” They the slaves. And so the members of freedom. A form of institution or ing with the British, the Maroons were not prepared “to accept that the Assembly are scratching their community then formed around were offered the peace treaty, in they had now become…like the rest heads as to how do we stop that a common goal for each persons’ which they saw many benefits, so of the White, Coloured and Black happening? That’s such a typically own self-interests, which was they signed. However, the treaty population, including the newly Jamaican thing to happen. It just freedom and autonomy. Once required the Maroons to return freed slaves. They still considered shows that things haven’t changed in larger groups, they had more any runaways, which is what causes themselves to be a special people, all that much.” power and possibility for survival many problems for people who with a distinct relationship with the and success. In an article entitled, 3 look at the Maroons as freedom British authorities.” This act was a “Alliance and Competition: Four But in many ways, things fighters fighting for Black libera- big blow to their understanding of Case Studies of Maroon-European have changed for the Maroons. tion, making it seem like they are the treaty. Dr. Lumsden’s article on Relations,” Parris writes, “When Although they still live on the somehow selling out. the Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865, opportunities presented themselves land granted to them by the Brit- led by Paul Bogle, gives the im- to side with one European nation ish government and do not have pression that for the Maroons this against another the fugitive black Maroons as Traitors? to pay taxes, Jamaica is now an was an opportunity to reestablish groups were not slow to weigh the independent country that Britain Dr. Lumsden thinks that their special status with the British, costs and benefits of alliance-mak- no longer has control of, so there 1 people need to try to understand remaining loyal and helping put ing.” This applied as well to any is no validity in holding any special the Maroons in context of the time down the rebellion. They also “had individual or group the Maroons status with the Brits. Maroons are period and in their own terms. The no commonality of interests with came into contact with. That can slowly becoming integrated into historical events cannot be ex- the people Bogle represented, and help explain the different events in the greater Jamaican society, but as plained from a present day context saw no advantage in allying with Maroon history. 4 of late there has been a big push in because there are so many differ- them.” However, as mentioned the Maroon communities to revive When the Spanish were on ent factors in play. “The Maroons’ earlier, there were times where, if the Maroon spirit and reestablish the island, the plantation system almost totally consistent fulfill- the cost benefit analysis proved a separate identity passed on from was not very well developed, so the ment of their treaty obligations has favorable, alliances were made with the great struggle of their ances- slaves just left when they could. made it difficult, if not impossible, slaves. tors. Also when the English took over for advocates of a freedom fighter “Given the strange power of Ja- the island and brought in slaves, a hypothesis to explain and justify 5 number of them would escape the Maroon actions during the greater Slave and Maroon maica to erase its history,” I genu- 2 first chance they got. It is a natural part of their history.” Cooperation? inely hope Maroon history will not become victim, but will continue tendency to be drawn to people Blame has become a big is- Highlighting such a situation is from a similar background, so it the delightful story of Mimba and to be expanded. For as Dr. Lums- sue that needs to be eliminated, den said, “The information is there, is not surprising that the slaves getting rid of the dichotomy of Sarah, told to me by Dr. Lumsden. from the Akan region of the Gold “Mimba was a slave woman and nobody has hidden it. It’s just that Maroons as either heroes or trai- people haven’t looked for it.” Coast banded together recreating tors. The Maroons always thought Sarah was a runaway slave. Both of what they knew politically, socially, they were as good as the Whites them were captured by the leader So let’s start looking. and economically. Being from the and expected to be met on equal of a band of runaways and clearly