Chief Currie calls for indigenous representation in Jamaica’s move to a republic
Published:Monday | February 17, 2025 | 9:25 AMAdrian Frater/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Chief Richard Currie, leader of the Accompong Maroons in St Elizabeth, is calling for indigenous groups, including the Maroons, Rastafarians, and Tainos, to have a seat at the table in Jamaica’s ongoing discussions to sever ties with the British monarchy and transition to a republic.
According to Currie, unlike the Maori people of New Zealand, who have parliamentary representation and a voice in national affairs, Jamaica’s indigenous groups lack any formal platform to advocate for their rights.
“We are not able to voice our concerns directly at that level, as currently, there are no recognised representatives from any known indigenous group on the island sitting in parliament,” said Currie.
“Therefore, we have no voice in decisions that affect us and our land.”
Currie is skeptical of the current constitutional reform efforts, arguing that replacing the British monarchy with a local head of state does not constitute true transformation.
“The colonial framework of the Constitution remains unchanged. What we have is simply replacing the British king with a local king,” he stated.
He insists that any meaningful transition must include dialogue and reconciliation between the Jamaican state and indigenous communities.
“It must involve the coming together of the indigenous population to truly wipe away the stains of colonisation in Jamaica. We say ‘Out of Many, One People’, but there cannot be unity without acknowledging the original inhabitants who preserved this land for today’s generations,” he said.
Currie pointed to the 1738 Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the Maroons and the British as the first step in Jamaica’s journey towards republicanism.
“Jamaica’s progress toward a republic began in 1738 with the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which recognised the island’s original inhabitants,” Currie explained.
“People have their opinions on who the Maroons are, but that’s not what’s important right now. What matters is that we come together as a nation to understand our power and determine the best way forward.”
He emphasised that the new republican constitution must formally recognise and protect the rights of Jamaica’s indigenous peoples.
“This includes our rights to land, to natural spaces like rivers and beaches, and to freely access and preserve our fresh spring water, which is currently under threat from profit-driven external entities,” said Currie.
“The 1738 treaty safeguarded these rights – not just for the Maroons but also for free Africans who resided on this land. Let it be known: there can be no prosperity without the land.”
Calling for unity, Currie urged Jamaicans to embrace traditional knowledge and cultural values to protect the country’s resources for future generations.
“We must come together now, demonstrate through our traditions how to preserve our land and water, and show how to live in harmony – not just for ourselves but for those who come after us,” he concluded.