Claudine Housen, Staff Reporter

A member of the Scott's Hall Maroons in myal, or spirit possession, is subdued as others try to 'clear' her. The woman was suppposedly possessed while she danced during the Scott's Hall Maroon community's presentation at the 269th anniversary celebration to mark the signing of the peace treaty between the Maroons and the British in Accompong, on Saturday. - Photo by Claudine Housen

WESTERN BUREAU:

As the debate over mining in the Cockpit Country continues, the Council of Overseas Maroons has thrown its support behind their local counter-parts and environmentalists in the fight to preserve the area from bauxite exploitation.

"We are unrepentantly opposed to the mining of the Cockpit Country. This section of the world should be protected because of its history," said President Carol Barnett on Saturday.

"Our ancestors fought with their blood, sweat and tears to protect this place for the born and the unborn and I am sure they will turn in their graves if we do not stand up and fight for it."

Adding that the Cockpit Country is not just for the Maroons, but also for Jamaicans in general, Ms. Barnett, an Accompong Maroon living in the United States, pledged the backing of all 10 chapters of the council - spanning the United States, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean - as well as the Suriname Maroons in the fight for the cause.

"When they finish taking what they want, what are you left with? The dirt and the health issues," she said. "Maggotty is a good example of what can happen. It was a big town at one time and now it is dead. We don't want that for the Cockpit Country."

She added: "It belongs to all Jamaicans and all of us have to say no. We need to protect this pristine part of our culture and our history."

Maroon colonels unite

Ms. Barnett's comments come on the heels of the joint commitment from all four of the Maroon colonels - Sidney Peddie, Accompong Maroons; Noel Prehay, Scott's Hall Maroons; Frank Lumsden, Charles Town Maroons and Wallace Sterling, Moore Town - to create a united front against any form of mining in the area.

"You may have heard it in the media that I am barking about the Cockpit Country and I will be able to bite as well because there will be no mining in the Cockpit Country," reiterated Colonel Peddie, who along with his fellow colonels spoke on matter at the 269th Annual Accom-pong, St. Elizabeth celebrtions on Saturday, January 6.

According to the Maroons, the Cockpit area is not only home to sacred ancestral grounds, but the source to many rivers which feed some 40 per cent of western Jamaica. Continuing to strengthen ties with allies and other like-minded people, the Maroons are calling on Jamaicans to join the discussion as they are ready to go to war with the Government over the matter.