JAMAICA | Maroons Unite With African Diaspora to Establish Landmark Institute

KINGSTON, Jamaica, January 16, 2025 - In the heart of Kingston, Jamaica where rebellion once echoed through the hills, the island’s Maroon communities are making history again – this time with books instead of bullets. 

The University of the West Indies (UWI) announced today the establishment of a first-of-its-kind Maroon Institute, marking a bold new chapter in the centuries-old story of these freedom fighters.

The institute, emerging from an unprecedented alliance between the Maroons and the Global African Diaspora Kingdom (GADK), aims to transform centuries of resistance and resilience into academic wisdom. The announcement came during the 287th Accompong Festival, where thousands gathered under the banner "Echoes of the Past, Blueprint for the Future."

"Nothing about the Maroons without the Maroons," declared His Highness Papa Paul Eganda, founder of AIDO Network International, capturing the spirit of self-determination that has defined these communities for generations. His words resonated through a packed auditorium at UWI's Mona Campus, where royalty met academia in a groundbreaking symposium.

The initiative gained momentum following a historic reconciliation meeting that brought together leaders from Jamaica's four Maroon communities – Accompong Town, Charlestown, Moore Town, and Scott's Hall. For the first time in recent memory, ancient rivals stood united in their vision for the future.

Leadership and Legacy

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, known in Global African circles as Papa Osikol, stands at the intersection of this historic merger between ancient wisdom and modern scholarship. Recently appointed as Chancellor of the United Nations University and serving as Chairman of the Caribbean Reparations Commission, Beckles brings gravitas to an already weighty initiative.

"Everything we need to know about the future can be found in the study of our past," Beckles remarked during the symposium, his words carrying the weight of both academic authority and cultural resonance. His declaration that "we are all Maroons" struck a chord with attendees, positioning the institute as more than just a repository of history, but as a beacon for future generations.

The royal presence at the symposium underscored its significance. Her Royal Highness Queen Asianut Acom II, also known as Dr. Hilary Brown and President of the Global African Diaspora Kingdom, shared the stage with Queen Mother Dr. Chenzira Kahina Adeke Hajila, AIDO's Ambassador-at-Large. Their participation elevated the gathering from academic exercise to cultural milestone.

Divine Inspiration and Practical Action

Her Highness Queen Grace Eganda, AIDO Network International's Secretary-General, brought a spiritual dimension to the proceedings. Invoking Isaiah 58:12, she characterized the Maroons as "repairers of the breach, restorers of streets to dwell in" – a biblical framework for their modern mission of cultural preservation and community empowerment.

Building For The Future

The Maroon Institute isn't just another academic department. Envisioned as a global center for Indigenous studies, it aims to transform UWI into a nexus where traditional knowledge meets modern scholarship. The institute will house precious artifacts and oral histories while nurturing the next generation of Maroon leaders through specialized education programs.

This ambitious project, backed by UNESCO and the Caribbean Reparations Commission, represents more than just institutional expansion. It stands as a testament to the power of unity, emerging from a cultural revolution that began in Jamaica's rugged hills and now reverberates across continents.

AIDO Network International's role extends beyond mere facilitation. Under the leadership of Papa Eganda, the organization has emerged as a crucial bridge between ancient traditions and modern diplomacy. Through careful cultural stewardship and determined advocacy, AIDO continues to amplify Indigenous voices on the global stage.

The journey from resistance fighters to academic pioneers hasn't been straight or simple for the Maroons. Yet as their story unfolds at UWI, it offers a powerful reminder: understanding the past is essential to building a more equitable future. In the halls of academia, the spirit of Maroon resistance lives on – not through warfare, but through wisdom.

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