Hundreds of maroons, joined by visitors from other parts of Jamaica and overseas, are expected to gather today in Accompong, St. Elizabeth for the annual celebration.

This year’s event is special since it’s the first allowed gathering in the wake of the lifting of COVID restrictions, and after some tension during last year’s celebration, when the maroons went ahead with the event, despite warnings from the police to not disobey COVID-19 regulations.

Accompong Chief Richard Currie has indicated that this year, the community celebrates 285 years of peace and amity.

The celebration will be used to honour some maroon elders – valiant contributors to community development, and cultural preservation.

Chief Currie said the event will also serve to re-instate the annual Kojo awards, in recognition of members contributions in the past and for years to come.

Some topical issues to be discussed are the 1738 treaty, and maroon birthright.

This year’s maroon fest is being observed under the theme ‘Culture as One – Unity through Peace and Friendship.’