In a landmark event, Her Royal Majesty Queen Vickylextar Okang-Sowah, in collaboration with AIDO Network International, visited Jamaica for the 286th Maroon Anniversary commemorating the 1738 Maroon treaty of Accompong. The event marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing journey towards unity and reconciliation within the Maroon communities.

Led by HH Paul Eganda, a multinational Royal delegation engaged in a symposium on January 5th, addressing challenges and future prospects. The Maroon Festival on January 6th featured a civil ceremony, emphasizing Chief Richard Currie‘s reflections on the community’s 286-year journey and current challenges.

On January 8th, Sir Dr. Hilary Beckles of the University of the West Indies facilitated crucial discussions among Maroon community leaders, promoting healing and collaboration. Her Royal Majesty Queen Vickylextar spoke on the need for internal reparations and healing as the pathway to unity and reconciliation. The historic meeting resulted in apologies, acceptance, and commitment, inspiring hope. Sir Dr. Beckles pledged support for a 2024 conference, to further explore pathways in capturing Maroon communities’ narratives.

The commitment of Maroon community leaders makes this a truly historic moment in their ongoing journey towards unity, reconciliation, and a shared future.

To find out more about this historic journey, Please visit the following links:

Historic reconciliation: A new era for Jamaica’s maroon communities (Ghana Web)
A New Era for Jamaica’s Communities (Turbo News)
Interview with HRM and a few members of the Royal delegation from AIDO (YouTube)