ST JAMES, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has reaffirmed Government’s support for the Maroon communities.

“You are part of Jamaica and you are entitled to the protection [and] resources of the State of Jamaica,” the prime minister emphasised.

He was addressing the 288th  commemoration of the 1738 Treaty between the Leeward Maroons and the British, as well as the birthday of Chief Kojo, in Accompong Town, St Elizabeth, on Tuesday.

The prime minister said that the Maroon legacy offers a narrative that extends beyond enslavement to one of victory, noting that Jamaica is among the few countries whose ancestors forced 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,” Holness said.

He acknowledged that Maroon communities have not always received the level of investment they deserve and said this is 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,” the prime minister continued.

Holness said that the community leadership “that is displayed here is something that we value”.

“It is important in building the nation, and it is important that we recognise the value of the cultural assets that we have,” the prime minister continued.

For her part, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, reflected on the cultural strength, resilience and unity 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,” Grange said.

Grange said that despite recent challenges caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28, there are clear signs of renewal within the community.

“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,” Grange added.

She also underscored the importance of national unity, reminding Jamaicans of the country’s motto, ‘Out of Many, One People’.

Also participating in the commemoration ceremony were Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr Andrew Wheatley; Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon; and Minister of State in the Education ministry, Rhoda Moy Crawford.