Prime Minister Andrew Holness lashed out at the Accompong Maroon leadership on Sunday, claiming that the Government of Jamaica is the only sovereign authority on the island.
Jamaica is a sovereign unitary state. The Government of Jamaica is the only sovereign authority in Jamaica. The prime minister assured journalists that under my leadership, Jamaica’s entire territory will not be subject to any other sovereign authority.
Holness answered questions regarding reports that his Government had asked its ministries, department and agencies to not engage with Accompong Maroon, which claims sovereignty from the Jamaican state since the election of Colonel Richard Currie in February 2021.
Recently, the Cabinet instructed all government agencies and departments not to finance any projects in areas that claim to be sovereign of Jamaica.
The Observer also reported that a US$6.2 million ($958-million) project to preserve biodiversity and reduce land degradation within the Cockpit Country was put on hold. This could be due to Currie’s demands.
After defeating Ferron Williams last year in an internal election, Currie, 44 years old, claims to be the youngest colonel. He has used a new title as chief of Accompong Maroons and promised economic independence and infrastructural development for the community.
However, his insistence that Accompong be an autonomous community has damaged the cultural and economic bonds between Accompong and the Government, despite the appeals of other Maroon communities in Jamaica for the preservation of the historical relationship.
Holness asked Currie if the expectation was that the Government would continue to use “taxpayers money” and grant funds to support another government.
“This isn’t a government claiming that they are local government or a parish council government. This is our constitution. Are you crazy? Really! Are you sure you understand what you’re asking? This is how guerilla warfare comes about and what causes state collapse. Jamaica, wake up! Do not be foolish and do not allow problems to arise. The prime minister responded, “Wake up!”
“People have died as the result. You expect me to be here as prime minister to fund activities that could lead towards the collapse of our state?” He added, “Never!”
Holness also advised Jamaicans that they should pay attention to what was happening in Accompong. There are threats which average citizens might overlook and believe is innocuous.
