JAMAICA by Thos. J. Kennedy

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 22, 1900

JAMAICA

By Thos. J. Kennedy

MAROON TOWN.—We are now working among the Maroons in one of their chief towns called Accompong. These Maroons are a race of people who are, no doubt, descendants of the Coromantee tribe, and who it seems were brought here by the Spaniards, and held as slaves. Soon after the island was captured by the English, the Maroons secured their freedom by taking refuge in the rocks and dens of the mountains in the more remote parts of the island. One of the famous strongholds of those days was Nanny Town, beneath the Carrion Crow peak of the Blue Mountain range. Great depredations were, from time to time, made by these people; and in spite of the many efforts put forth to bring about terms of peace, they still maintain their independence. In the year 1738, renewed efforts were put forth to bring the Maroons to terms, Mosquito Indians, militia, volunteers,—all uniting in the effort. At last Colonel Guthrie, one of the Darien settlers, who came to the island, penetrated the wilds in which the Maroons lived, and engaged them in a treaty to serve as a kind of mountain police; March 1, 1738, the treaty was made, and was the next year confirmed by the legislature. The contractors in behalf of the English were Colonel Guthrie and Captain Sadler; and for the Maroons, “Accompong Johnny,” “Coffee,” and “Quacco.” One thousand five hundred acres of land was assigned to them in different parts of the island; and they were pledged to assist the government in case of war and rebellion, and to capture and deliver up all runaway slaves; “Cudjoe” was appointed their leader, and he and his successors were to have power to deal with offenders, and inflict any punishment, except death, upon their followers. These privileges they hold even to this day.

There are various settlements in the island; namely, Accompong Town, Scot’s Hall, Moore Town, Charles Town, and Old Maroon Town. All the Maroons of these different towns enjoy the same privileges, paying no taxes, rent, etc., etc. They are a hardy people, employing their time chiefly in hunting, and cultivating the lands assigned to them.

In Maroon Town there is a Presbyterian church to which the greater portion of the people belong. The Third Angel’s Message has, however, found its way here. Elder C. A. Hall has come among them, and is putting forth strenuous efforts to present the truth as simply as he knows how, so that they may be able to comprehend the importance of the message. For the most part they seem not to doubt the truth in any way; but a certain amount of superstition prevails among them, which will no doubt take some time before it can be eradicated.

They attend our meetings regularly from night to night, and unless prevented by heavy rains, are never absent. There are about three who now refrain from work on the Sabbath, but have not (except one) taken their stand permanently. Yet we do hope that, by the help of God, a few honest souls will be brought out from this people, and especially in this place to which our labors are now directed.

Brethren, pray for the work here, as it is a most important field. May the Lord bless the efforts put forth, so that many souls may rejoice in this glorious message, and at last share in the overcomer’s reward.

THOS. J. KENNEDY.