ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Engineers from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) will be assisting with repairs to damaged buildings in Accompong and surrounding areas in St Elizabeth, says Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

Approximately 80 per cent of the structures in the historical maroon community, which has about 260 houses, were damaged or destroyed during the October 28 hurricane.

Speaking during a visit to the community on Sunday, Holness said that engineering corps from other countries will also assist in the rebuilding effort.

“We have offers from Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, and several other countries said that they would be willing to help. As soon as those are confirmed, in terms of the date that they will come, then I will direct some of them here, and to some of the other districts surrounding Accompong, so that the restoration can begin,” he informed.

Speaking to residents, who gathered at the Accompong Primary and Infant School, Holness said that the objective is to get the community in a state of readiness for the staging of the annual maroon festival in January.

The prime minister said he has visited Accompong many times to participate in the festival, which commemorates the 1739 peace treaty signed between the Maroons and the British, honouring Captain Cudjoe and celebrating Maroon heritage with events like an all-night vigil, traditional food, music and dancing.

“There is significant value there. The maroon communities are an important part of the cultural heritage of Jamaica. It has not always been the case that it has been acknowledged and supported in the ways that it should, but this is an opportunity for a reset,” Holness said.

While in Accompong, Holness was taken on a tour of the community by Chief Richard Currie to get a first-hand look at the hurricane damage.

Currie noted that residents needed assistance to restore their houses and farms.

“We are very grateful for all the help and the people who have come to [our] assistance,” he said.

“Having the government officials here today signals a fresh start in collaborative efforts in mending a lot of the broken channels and addressing some of the other long-standing issues,” Currie added.

Before leaving the community, Holness handed over a generator to the Accompong Primary and Infant School.

Accompanying the prime minister on the visit were the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green.

— JIS