JAMAICA | Indigenous Leaders Meet Opposition in Historic Dialogue on Rights, Land Claims

KINGSTON,  Jamaica, December 14, 2024 - In a landmark meeting that signals a potential shift in Jamaica's approach to indigenous rights, Maroon and Taino leaders from across the island met with Opposition Leader Mark Golding on Wednesday December 11 in Kingston, marking what participants called a "pivotal step" toward addressing decades-old grievances.

The high-level dialogue, which brought together chiefs from all five Maroon communities and Taino representatives, was orchestrated by Dr. Deborah Hickling Gordon, Opposition Spokesperson on Culture and Creative Industries, and led by Dr. Marcus Goffe, Chairman of the Yamaye Council of Indigenous Leaders (YCOIL).

"I am approaching this not just as a political leader, but as a human being," Golding told the assembled leaders, emphasizing his commitment to finding "sustainable, mutually beneficial solutions" to long-standing issues of land rights, autonomy, and justice that have remained unresolved for generations.

The historic gathering included Colonel Lloyd Lattibeaudiere of Scott's Hall, Colonel Wallace Sterling of Moore Town, Colonel Richard Currie of Accompong, Colonel Jacko Cameron of Flagstaff, and Acting Colonel Delano Padam Douglas from Charles Town.

The Taino community was represented by Kasike Kalaan Yamaye Guani, while Gaa-mang Gloria Simms, known as Mama G, attended as the Paramount Maroon Queen.

In what indigenous leaders described as an unprecedented move, Golding presented concrete proposals to address the communities' challenges, though specific details of these plans were not immediately disclosed.

The Opposition Leader emphasized that the meeting should serve as "the beginning of a collaborative movement" toward resolving outstanding issues.

Particularly noteworthy was Golding's endorsement of the unified approach taken by the indigenous council. "It is important for all the Maroon and Taino leadership and people to work together to establish common principles," he stated, while acknowledging the importance of preserving each community's unique practices and systems.

The significance of the gathering extended beyond its immediate political implications. Mama G, the Paramount Maroon Queen, highlighted its crucial role in reinforcing recently restored unity among Maroon communities. "You will probably never know the importance of this meeting in solidifying and perpetuating the unity that had recently been returned amongst the Maroon communities," she told Golding.

The Opposition has committed to continued dialogue in 2025, with plans to develop implementation strategies addressing the various challenges that Maroon and Taino communities have faced for decades.

The council praised the constructive nature of the discussions, with one leader noting it was the first time a national leader had offered such practical and mutually beneficial proposals in response to their concerns.

This meeting marks a potential turning point in the complex relationship between Jamaica's indigenous peoples and the state, which has been characterized by periodic tensions over land rights, autonomy, and recognition.

The unified presence of all Maroon communities alongside Taino representatives suggests a new chapter in indigenous advocacy on the island.

While previous attempts at dialogue have often ended in stalemate, this initiative's focus on practical solutions and mutual respect could set a new precedent for government-indigenous relations in Jamaica's modern political landscape.

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