ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica-Leader of the Accompong Maroons in St Elizabeth, Richard Currie, has rejected an offer by the government to mobilise members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) to assist in the rebuilding efforts in the Maroon community.

Currie, who made the announcement on Thursday via his social media page, said while the Maroon community is grateful for the Andrew Holness-led administration’s willingness to mobilise resources to help the community rebuild, after deliberation, the Maroon Full Council has decided to utilise civilian resources.

“We remain grateful for the humanitarian gesture extended to the Accompong people and for your willingness to mobilise resources, particularly those of the JDF military, to assist with the recovery efforts,” Currie said.

“We also acknowledge your reference on international partners, including Ethiopia, Ghana, and Rwanda, who have expressed readiness to assist in the island’s rebuilding efforts. Honourable Prime Minister, following a deep, comprehensive internal review and a formal deliberation, the Full Maroon Council has this time decided not to accept the offer on the militarisation of the space during the recovery effort,” he continued.

Instead, Currie noted that they chose to continue the hurricane recovery efforts, utilising civilian resources from its joining communities and partners, both locally and internationally.

He, however, said the council has decided to accept the government’s offer for materials and equipment necessary to assist in recovery efforts.

“We want to ensure, Mr Prime Minister, that harmony and inclusiveness of our maroon human resources of those here in Accompong and adjoining communities are balanced to execute the infrastructural relief efforts across our maroon communities. This methodology aligns with our laws and cultural way of life,” the Maroon chief said.

According to Currie, the decision was made based on the established reconstruction partnerships and resources Accompong has secured through international donations, technical sponsorships, and volunteer engineering assistance sufficient to address the rebuilding and development needs arising from the hurricane.

“These partnerships coordinated through the Accompong Development Foundation reflect years of relationship building, and they provide to us a structured, culturally and aligned framework for reconstruction across the Maroon territory,” he said.

Additionally, Currie said many elders and women in the community have suffered emotional trauma as a result of the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, and as such, she noted that “the introduction of military personnel carrying assault rifles, as we would have seen just the other day, even in a humanitarian capacity, could exacerbate and cause additional distress among residents of the community.”

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

The Maroon chief further emphasised the responsibility to honour treaty obligations and governance responsibilities.

“Accompong has a treaty-recognised indigenous policy under the 1738 treaty bears the responsibility of in ensuring that the recovery operation within the territorial space are consistent with its laws, governance institutions, and cultural protocols,” Currie said.

“The council has therefore determined that internal and partner-supported reconstruction efforts remain the most suitable avenue for the recovery from the damages that were sustained. This decision is not a rejection of cooperation, nor does it diminish the appreciation of the humanitarian intent behind your offer,” Curried further added.

He said the Maroon community remains committed to peaceful engagement, transparent dialogue, and the long-term well-being of all communities within the Cockpit Country.