Andrew Smith, Photography Editor
Isaac Bernard of the Moore Town Maroons blows the abeng during Quao Day at Charles Town Maroon village, Portland on Friday, June 23.
IF THE enthusiasm of the young Maroon children who participated in the Quao Day celebrations at the Asufu Yard, Charles Town, Portland, last Friday is anything to go on, those who believe that our indigenous culture is threatened, can relax.
The youth of both Charles Town and its fellow Maroon village of Maroon Town showed their pride in their history and culture in their dance and drama presentations. The Charles Town Maroon dancers, comprising both young and old members, danced traditional dances with ease, seam-lessly interchanging partners, regard-less of age.
Pride of place, however went to the Maroon Town dance group of eight to 12-year-old boys and girls who re-enacted in dance and drama, the vanquishing of British soldiers by national hero Nanny and fellow warriors.
These activities were part of Quao Day celebrations, which marked the 267th anniversary of the signing of the peace treaty between the British and the Charles Town Maroons. Friday also marked the launch of Unique Jamaica's Jerk Trail at Charles Town. Accompong in St. Elizabeth, Walker's Wood in St. Ann and Boston in Portland are the other centres of the jerk trail.
